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Zawadi
Pronounced zah-WAH-dee /zΙΛwΙ.di/Medium
Meaning: From Swahili zawadi, 'a gift, a present, a reward'; here for girls; used for both sexesMedium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Zawadi comes from Swahili zawadi, 'a gift, a present, a reward' (from Arabic). A soft, warm, treasured name across East Africa, celebrating a beloved child as a gift (Zawadi is also the gifts exchanged at Kwanzaa). Used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished; said 'zah-WAH-dee').
In the U.S. it appears in African American families. Rare, a-gift at the root, and treasured.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Zawadi mean?
Zawadi is Swahili for 'a gift, a present, a reward'.
How do you pronounce Zawadi?
It's said zah-WAH-dee /zΙΛwΙ.di/ β three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Zawadi a boy or girl name?
Zawadi is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.
How popular is Zawadi?
Zawadi is a rare name in the U.S.