The naming system of the Kikuyu society is quite unique from other locally available tribes because it usually emphasizes personal attributes. In one way or another, Kikuyu female names match with their characteristics naturally.
The daughters of Gikûyû and Mûmbi are all over the world and their names are outspoken from one platform to another due to their industrious nature. One of the most used is Wanjikû which is used to refer to common citizen, especially when it comes to economy and political decisions.
The following are the meanings of Kikuyu female names, topped by the first ten daughters of Gikûyû and Mûmbi:
Wanjirû.
The name means the dark one. They place high priority on their families. She also takes responsibilities in the best way possible. They are usually honest, principled, respect themselves, sacrificial among others. Sometimes they are paranoid, emotionally unstable and jealous.
Wanjikû.
They have a natural flare for businesses. Power, success and status are always important to them. On the contrary, they can be cruel, insensitive, violent, stubborn and greedy.
Wambûi.
The name is literally translated as zebra or the one with stripes. It also means singer of songs. They always love to overindulge. Wambûi is usually very social and her knowledgeable skills is her strength. She hardly smiles but when she does, she is good at it. She is flexible and with sharp memories which always make her a good friend and partner.
Wangûi/Waithiegeni.
The name itself means baby carrier ( ngoi). Her name also means song leader( gûkûya). They are gifted in self-expression and creativity. Wangûi loves helping others. They have a good sense of emotional maturity.
Waithîra/ Wangeci.
They have deep inner desire for love and companionship. They often obtain great power and wealth. Sometimes they can neglect their private life and relationship. She is always confident and never fails at what she aspires to do.
Waceera/ Wanjeri/ Njeri.
The name itself means the one who is always on the move or traveling ( wanderer). Her name also means a warrior or someone who overcomes challenges. They portray strong love emotions and fast reactions with a sense of adventure. Waceera loves comfort and tidiness. She is always beautiful and has noticeable figure and features. Njeri is also confident, intelligent, generous, and cooperative. Sometimes they can be opportunistic and persuasive.
Nyambura/ Akîûrû/ Ethaga.
Her name means rain. They are dynamic, optimistic, energetic, intelligent and adventurous. They also make constructive use of their freedom. They are loyal and loving to those around them. They are also generally good and hardworking wife materials. They smile less often but at least when they smile it is genuine.
Wairimû/ Gathigia.
Her name means ogre. They are hardworking, disciplined, honest, reliable and trustworthy. They tend to hide their feelings or maybe sometimes they are not aware of their real feelings.
Wangarî/ Mûithekahuno.
Her name means leopard. They usually demonstrate inner strength and have more potential for financial success and accomplishment in their lives. They are usually calm in their affair, make good use of their inborn talents making them self-reliant. Sometimes they can be selfish, undisciplined and stubborn. They are usually ranked highly as wife materials. She also tends to always want to dominate people and situations.
Wamûyû/ Warigia.
Her name means the last one. She was the last born daughter of Gikûyû and Mûmbi to whom less is said about her.
Mûmbi.
This name means the potter or the moulder. She is the mother of Gîkuyu tribe.
Njambi.
She is considered the queen of intelligence. She is very hardworking and strong spirited which makes her a good wife material. However, she never wears out.
Njoki.
The name literally means the one who has returned or rather resurrected. She is usually not practically concerned by their futures, love their freedom, curious, daring, witty, courageous hardworking and very social. However, they can also be unstable, self-indulgent, irresponsible, restless and impatient.
Mûthoni.
It means an in-law. She loves freedom and independence. They are very brilliant and prefer to remain in charge of themselves. They are very secretive and hide their true feelings from others, highly affectionate and have a strong tendency of loving so dearly and deeply. They are also shy but that does not hinder them from making good leaders.
Wakuhî/ Gakuhî.
The name means the short one. Most of the ladies with this name are usually short and sometimes hot-tempered.