Benin, a country located in West Africa, is bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger. Most of the population lives on Benin’s small southern coastline and the country’s entire population numbers around 9 million people. The official language of Benin is French, but some indigenous languages still survive and are spoken in common daily life. In the 19th century, after slavery was abolished, France took over the country of Benin, calling it French Dahomey. In 1960, Dahomey/Benin gained its independence from France. An authentic Benin name can be either French or from the many native African tongues spoken there. Baby Name World has a growing list of both French and African baby names and name meanings.