I want something with some sort of traditional African flair, but without being too in-your-face. I really liked the name Markai from 16 and Pregnant, and I was hoping to find something similar?
What about Farai? I just found it listed on Behind the Name, and it’s listed as meaning “rejoice” in [name]Shona[/name]. I’m assuming it’s pronounced like a mix between [name]Farah[/name] / [name]Farrah[/name] and [name]Sarai[/name] - fah-rye. Or maybe it’s something like fah-ree? This is the first time I’ve ever heard of it, but I think the sound could be gorgeous.
There’s also [name]Zuri[/name], which I love.
Otherwise maybe …
[name]Shanti[/name]
[name]Imani[/name]
Sekai (“be humorous” in [name]Shona[/name])
Nyarai (Behind the Name says that it means “be humble” in [name]Shona[/name] and is pronounced n-JAHR-ie, which I honestly can’t quite figure out. The look of it’s gorgeous, though.)
Or maybe even [name]Behati[/name]?
These are Biblical, but their vibe is sort of similar to Markai, and I love them both …
[name]Sarai[/name]
[name]Vashti[/name]
Also, this doesn’t have quite the same vibe as Markai, but for traditional African flair I think that [name]Sanaa[/name] is absolutely gorgeous. I’m not sure if it would make a great middle name, though.
I second [name]Imani[/name], such a gorgeous name.
Other thoughts:
[name]Amina[/name]
[name]Amira[/name]
Mariama
[name]Aminata[/name]
[name]Nakia[/name]
[name]Nia[/name]
[name]Zina[/name]
[name]Nana[/name] (maybe doesnt translate the best to the US, but I know a [name]Nana[/name] who makes it work!)
And one I’ve only ever heard on one African American girl, but I adore it: Sunia.
Markai was one of my favorites from 16 and pregnant and her daughter’s name is gorgeous too,
Za’Karia. I’m also African American and I struggle with names that will suit her African flair.
I’m not too sure about “African” based names but, these names I see often on African American children.
[name]Aniyah[/name]
[name]Aaliyah[/name]
[name]Gabrielle[/name]
[name]Jada[/name]
[name]Ciara[/name]
[name]Kayla[/name]
[name]Madison[/name]
[name]Destiny[/name]
[name]Jasmine[/name]
[name]Jordan[/name]
[name]Selah[/name].
Now [name]Selah[/name] is one of my favorite names. It’s my sister’s name and it’s biblical. I wish I thought of it before her mother did.
I have questions.
Is this for a real child or a character? What is her first name? Is there a country in [name]Africa[/name] we should respect? Or is it just the sound you want? [name]Africa[/name] contains many different cultures, just like Europe or [name]Asia[/name]. I just want to make sure I am understanding what you want! 
I like the name [name]Thandie[/name] which is South African, Xhosa, according to nameberry.
[name]Ebele[/name] has always sounded extremely pretty to me, and means kindness. The belle part makes it sound more modern and usable.
My friend is dating a Rafinae, which I think is pretty cute.
Some other names of AA friends and acquaintances that might appeal to you:
Malaika
[name]Abria[/name]
Lakoa
Yoleine
[name]Nava[/name]
Nachet
Sola
[name]Alaina[/name]
Zakya
[name]Deja[/name]/Dieja
Seymone
[name]Imani[/name] would get my vote based on suggestions in this thread. Have you considered looking at your family names?
I also want to know all the same things r-j wants to know. Otherwise, here’s some African names I love:
[name]Abena[/name] – [name]West[/name] African, Ghana
[name]Abyssinia[/name] – the ancient name of Ethiopia
Adanna – Igbo
[name]Anika[/name]
[name]Asha[/name] – Swahili
Chizoba – Igbo
Ekene – Igbo
[name]Imani[/name] – Swahili
[name]Imara[/name] – Kiswahili
[name]Kamali[/name] – Mashona
[name]Kamaria[/name] – Swahili
Lumusi – Ewe
[name]Makena[/name] – Kikuyu
Sekai – [name]Shona[/name]
[name]Shafira[/name] – Swahili
[name]Zaina[/name] – Swahili
[name]Zala[/name] – Ethiopian
[name]Zola[/name] – Zulu
[name]Zuri[/name] – Swahili
I really like a pp’s suggestion of [name]Thandie[/name]! It’s so pretty.
Maybe Nnenna? She was a contestant on [name]America[/name]'s Next Top Model a few years back. Of Nigerian extraction I think.
[name]Aaliyah[/name] is a favourite of mine, so is [name]Zella[/name], which has a really beautiful meaning.
[name]One[/name] of my best friends growing up was named Abina which I always thought was super pretty. We called her [name]Bina[/name] for short.
I also like [name]Imani[/name] out of the suggestions. Very pretty!
Is Markai even an African name? Are you just looking for something that ‘sounds’ African? As other posters have asked, what are you looking for? . [name]Do[/name] you want a certain meaning? Certain culture?
From what I’ve found, markai comes from a Melanesian (near Australia) culture. Markai are spirits of dead people- not something I’d name my child.
I don’t even know what to suggest because asking for an African name is like asking for a European name. [name]Both[/name] are huge continents with many countries, cultures, and languages