"laughter, laugh"
Origin: Tumbuka language of Malawi
Language: Tumbuka
Sekani
Does Sekani flow with your last name?
A Malawian name meaning laughter — for a child who lights up the room
Malawian
Zambian
Tumbuka
East African
Earthy
Unique
Spiritual
Gentle
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"joy, happiness"
Origin: extended meaning in naming context
Language: Tumbuka
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The Story of Sekani
Sekani is a name from the Tumbuka people of Malawi and northeastern Zambia. In the Tumbuka language, 'sekani' means 'laugh' or 'laughter' — derived from the verb 'kuseka,' to laugh. Names meaning laughter or joy are beloved across many African naming traditions; they represent the happiness the child brings to the family and the community. In Malawi, names are often given to reflect the circumstances of a birth or the emotions surrounding it.
Sekani has gained recognition outside Africa through diaspora communities and the growing interest in African names that carry clear, beautiful meanings. Its three-syllable rhythm and the universally positive meaning of laughter make it accessible and appealing across cultures.
In Tumbuka-speaking communities, Sekani encapsulates a core African naming philosophy: names as blessings and statements of meaning. A child named Sekani is a child whose very name declares that they bring laughter and joy to the world.
Historical Record
Sekani first appeared in US Social Security records in 2019.
Over 240 babies have been named Sekani in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Sekani is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #4,917 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Tumbuka people of Malawi have a rich oral tradition, and names like Sekani often appear in praise poetry and songs
- Sekani was used as a character name in popular African-American fiction, helping introduce the name to wider audiences
Sekani in Other Languages
French
Sekani (unchanged)
Yoruba
Ẹrin (laughter)
English
Sekani (unchanged)
Swahili
Kicheko (laughter)
Chichewa
Kuseka (to laugh)
Popularity Over Time
#4,917
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Sekani
S
Sekani Fictional
Other
Character in the novel 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas — the young brother of protagonist Starr Carter
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,917
- Total SSA Count
- 27
- Cultural Origins
- Malawian Zambian Tumbuka East African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Kani
Seka
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, gentle style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, gentle style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Sekani
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Sekani is also used as a boy name, ranked #1226.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sekani
What does the name Sekani mean?
"laughter, laugh" (from Tumbuka language of Malawi). "joy, happiness" (from extended meaning in naming context). Sekani is a name from the Tumbuka people of Malawi and northeastern Zambia. In the Tumbuka language, 'sekani' means 'laugh' or 'laughter' — derived from the verb 'kuseka,' to laugh. Names meaning laughter or joy are beloved across many African naming traditions; they represent the happiness the child brings to the family and the community. In Malawi, names are often given to reflect the circumstances of a birth or the emotions surrounding it.
What is the origin of the name Sekani?
Sekani has Tumbuka language of Malawi, extended meaning in naming context, Malawian, Zambian, Tumbuka, and East African origins. In Tumbuka language of Malawi, it means "laughter, laugh". In extended meaning in naming context, it means "joy, happiness".
Is Sekani a boy or girl name?
Sekani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4917. As a boy name, it is ranked #1226. Sekani is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Sekani?
Sekani is currently ranked #4917 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Sekani?
Common nicknames for Sekani include Kani and Seka.
What are good middle names for Sekani?
Popular middle name pairings include Sekani Grace, Sekani Joy, Sekani Amara, Sekani Faith, Sekani Rose, Sekani Adaeze, and Sekani Lyric.
What are good sibling names for Sekani?
Names that pair well with Sekani as siblings include Zola, Amara, Temi, Jabari, Imani, Kwame, and Adaeze.
How many syllables does Sekani have?
Sekani has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Sekani a common or rare name?
Sekani is an uncommon name, ranked #4917 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Sekani
Sekani is a girl name with Malawian, Zambian, Tumbuka, and East African origins . The name means "laughter, laugh" in Tumbuka language of Malawi .
Is Sekani a boy or girl name? Sekani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,917 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,226. Sekani is more commonly used as a boy name.
Sekani is currently ranked #4,917 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Sekani has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Sekani include Kani and Seka. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis