Let's Discover The Meaning Of All Character Names In "The Lion King"

How can you call yourself an animation lover if you haven't seen "The Lion King" once in your life? The journey to becoming the lion king of the chosen prince - Simba has made people of all ages in the world fascinated and immersed. And with several spinoffs in the form of movies, original books, video games, and a musical stage adaptation, it's no exaggeration to say that this movie is one of Disney's greatest and most iconic films.
To build the wildness of the savannah of Xavana - the main setting of the film, Disney filmmakers not only created breathtaking scenes about Africa but also focused on the naming of each character. Most of the animals in "The Lion King" have their names with African roots that somewhat explain the distinctive personality and nature of each one. For instance, Simba means "lion" in Swahili, and Zazu means "movement" in the Hebrew language. Isn't that interesting?
If you love them as much as we do, let's keep scrolling down to discover the meaning behind their names with us!

#1 Bunga means "foolish person" in Swahili or "flower" in Indonesian.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#2 Kion means "leader" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#3 Banzai means "skulk" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#4 Vitani means "demon of war" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#5 Nuka means "stink" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#6 Zira means "hate" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#7 Kovu means "scar" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#8 Kiara means "small, dark thing" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#9 Shenzi means "savage" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#10 Sarafina means "bright star" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#11 Sarabi means "mirage" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#12 Zazu means "movement" in Hebrew.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#13 Rafiki means "friend" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#14 Pumbaa means "slow-witted" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#15 Timon means "respect" in Greek.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#16 Mufasa means "king" in Manazuto.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#17 Nala means "gift" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios

#18 Simba means "lion" in Swahili.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios