Home › Baby Names Directory › Sekani

Sekani

♂ Boy

Pronounced seh-KAH-nee /sɛˈkɑː.niː/Low

Meaning: Laughter, joy, one who laughsLow

In 30 seconds: Sekani is a Ngoni name from Malawi meaning laughter or joy. A distinctive African name with a beautiful meaning, it has been embraced by families seeking to honor African cultural heritage through joyful, positive naming.
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowNgoni, African
MeaningLaughter, joy, one who laughs
U.S. rank (2024)#1224 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births164 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2019
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,159

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201920012024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Sekani is a Ngoni name from Malawi meaning to laugh or be joyful. The Ngoni are a Bantu people in Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. As a given name it has been adopted in African American communities as a connection to African cultural heritage.

Sekani is used in the United States among families who appreciate African names with positive meanings. Its three syllables flow well and its meaning of laughter is universally appealing.

Did you know? The Ngoni people of Malawi are descendants of warriors from South Africa who migrated north in the 19th century during the Mfecane — making Sekani a name that carries the resilience and vitality of a people who rebuilt their community after great upheaval.
Overall data confidence 60%
African Names Dictionary

Variations

SekaneSekai

Nicknames

SekKani

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sekani…

Amani— Swahili peace name of same African heritage
Jabari— Swahili brave name of same African tradition
Kwame— Akan day-name of same African cultural tradition
Tobias— Joyful-themed name of similar three-syllable structure

Frequently Asked

What does Sekani mean?

Sekani means laughter or joy in the Ngoni language of Malawi, expressing the wish for a joyful life.

Is Sekani an African name?

Yes, Sekani is a Ngoni name from Malawi, Africa, and has been embraced by African American families honoring African heritage.

How do you pronounce Sekani?

Sekani is pronounced seh-KAH-nee with three syllables.

What names are similar to Sekani?

Similar African heritage names include Amani, Jabari, and Kwame.