Gender: Female Meanings: Of great compassion; mercy (reh-HEH-mah—Swahili, East Africa). Resource References: A Handbook of African NamesWhat’s In a Name? Unaitwaje? A Swahili Book of NamesAfrican NamesProud Heritage: 11,001 Names for Your African-American BabyWhat To Name Your African-American BabyA World of Baby Names