Nuhu is a masculine given name used in Hausa and Swahili-speaking regions, functioning as the local form of Noah 1. The name derives from the Hebrew Noaḥ, meaning "rest, repose," which comes from the root nuaḥ. In the Abrahamic traditions, Noah is the patriarch who built the Ark to survive the Great Flood, as recounted in the book of Genesis.Etymology and TransmissionThe name Noah (Hebrew: נֹחַ, Noaḥ) is first attested in the Old Testament. Through Islamic tradition, the Arabic form Nuh (نوح) was adopted by many Muslim cultures. In Hausa and Swahili—languages of West and East Africa, respectively, with significant Muslim populations—the name took the form Nuhu, adapting to local phonology and orthography.Notable BearersNotable individuals with the given name Nuhu include:Nuhu Ribadu (born 1960), Nigerian politician and former police officer who played a key role in anti-corruption efforts.Nuhu Bamalli (1917–2001), Nigerian diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs.Nuhu Abdullahi (born 1991), Nigerian actor and film producer.Nuhu Mbogo Kyabasinga (1835–1921), a prince of the Buganda Kingdom (present-day Uganda).Nuhu Muzaata (1955–2020), Ugandan Muslim leader and spokesperson.The name is also borne by several politicians, traditional rulers, and academics in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.Cross-Cultural VariantsThe related name Nuh (Turkey) and many forms of Noah appear across languages, notably Noach (Hebrew), Noé (Spanish), Noe (Georgian), and Noè (Italian). While the English variant Noah became highly popular in the US from the 1990s onward, Nuhu remains common in West and East African Muslim communities.Meaning: "Rest, repose"Origin: Hebrew via ArabicType: Given nameUsage regions: Hausa- and Swahili-speaking areas, particularly Nigeria and Tanzania