Pili 2

Pili is a feminine given name used in Swahili-speaking regions, primarily in East Africa. The name directly translates to "second (child)" in the Swahili language, following a traditional naming convention where children are named according to their birth order. Pili specifically indicates that the child was born as the second offspring in the family. This practice is also common in other Niger–Congo languages, such as Yoruba, with names like Kehinde (meaning "second-born").

The name reflects the cultural emphasis on family and lineage among Swahili communities. It carries a sense of identity and position within the sibling hierarchy. The masculine counterpart in Swahili (for a second-born son) is Pili (used for males), though the feminine form retains the same spelling. The name remains popular in Tanzania, Kenya, and parts of Uganda, where Swahili is widely spoken. Notable bearers include athletes and community figures from the region.

Popularity and Distribution

Pili is most common in East African countries, especially Tanzania and Kenya, where Swahili is a lingua franca. Its usage is also found in the diaspora within Europe and the United States among immigrant communities.

• Meaning: Second (child)
• Origin: Swahili
• Type: First name
• Usage Regions: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda
• Gender: Feminine