Gender: Female Meanings: Blend of two names such as Ari (eagerness, self-respect—Swahili, East Africa; we see—Yoruba, Nigeria) and Ayana or Ayanna (beautiful flower—Swahili, East Africa; Ethiopia). Resource References: The Book of African NamesThe Afro-American Griot Speaks: Afro-American NamesAfrican NamesProud Heritage: 11,001 Names for Your African-American Baby
