south africa surnames south africa surnames

98. 60. This list may not reflect recent changes. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. 56. If you had as much fun as we believe you did with this article, you can spread the joy by sharing it with friends and family. Tambo meaning "rope". 49. There are ten countries found in this part of the continent, not counting the island of Madagascar. 6. It is usually accepted as a male name. 17. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. It is actually an oxymoron, a religious friend has suggested I change my name BUT, why should I? If you liked our suggestions for African Last Names then why not take a look at Scottish last names, or for more last names take a look at these Croatian surnames. Apply this search to the user-submitted names. 78. Chidiozie is a long-established surname in many African communities. Unlike some places, African surnames dont really follow trends or have common features or patterns. 55. In the Tamazight language, Amaziane means young or little. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". In abreviation ABUCHI for my Western folks, short and simple isnt it. Nnamani -Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. The above list includes all the meaningful surnames with their unique meanings. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 100 Top South African Last Names With Meanings, 60+ Funny Orc Names That Are Perfect For Your Next Campaign, All Of The Pillar Men Names From JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, 100+ Ice Hockey, Roller Hockey, And Hockey Team Names From Past And Present, 80+ Beaver Names From Fiction, Plus Cute And Funny Ideas For Names. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Onyeneme It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. Owusu It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. Abara: Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means 'spirit'. Miriam Makeba was a civil rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and actress. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames. Tawfiq Means an opportunity or chance to gain knowledge or succeed in life. In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. This practice is usually done as a memorial to the heroics of the one who first bore that name. Mwanajuma -This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Bankole (Nigerian origin) means "help me build my house," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Agu (Nigerian origin) means "tiger" and is a popular Igbo name. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Meaning: Earnest provider.. Etienam Having its roots in Ibibio, the surname or nickname Etienam means a doer of good or benevolent. Chaka (Bemba origin) meaning "year". The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means flower or blossom. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. 97. Your privacy is important to us. 81. Here you will find some great Nigerian last names, like Abimbola which means "born into wealth" and Obi, which means "heart". Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. If you want your babys name to be promising, then, this is the perfect name to choose. Preparations for the long-awaited Cape Town E-Prix are on track for next Saturday 25 November when the event kicks off on the streets of the Green Point Precinct. It means born on a Friday. It is usually given to boys. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? 60. 93. Vocabulary words are also often used as given names. 80. Gebreyes (Ethiopian origin) means servant of. Afrikaans names shared by family members. Chaka: This name is mostly known across many nations as it came to prominence as a result of the fame of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a singer and entertainer. A little under 10% of South Africa's population are Cape Coloureds. 4. 25. You need to be quite careful and focused to be able to produce these African last names as they should be. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. It means may I not lack a family or a home. Of Yoruba origin, the name means the crown is good. West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba). Ahishakiye (Rwandan origin) meaning "whenever God wants". Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. 82. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". 73. Stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly. 99. It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. Chalo (Zambian origin) means battle. Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. The Africans really delve into their culture, language, and ethnicity to bring out tremendous names. These kinds of surnames evolve into family names such that in a particular community, more than one extended family can have this surname as their last name. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. 19. 2. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Dlamini (Etswana origin) meaning "royalty". It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Afrikaans names shared by family members. 5. It means the one that I have is greater. 100. It is usually considered a male name. It is a globally used Igbo surname which means tiger. according to the nigerian census. Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Conteh is a common last name adopted throughout the African mainland. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is gracious". 64. 99. Babangida -Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means the master of the house. 91. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". Malan. Abioye Origin: Nigerian. Meaning: The Lord is gracious.. Meaning: When they plan.. Discover your DNA story and unlock the secrets of your ancestry and genealogy with our DNA kits for ancestry and the world's most comprehensive DNA database. It also functions both as the last name and a surname. It is usually considered a male name. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. Meaning: Unknown. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". Themba Ndaba is a renowned South African director who selected the cast of 'Zone 14' and 'Machine Gun Preacher'. Gbeho Origin: Ghanaian. This last name originates from the Igbo group. Amadou Toumani Toure was a radical Malian military leader who served twice as Mali's president. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. Mangosuthu Buthelezi was an African tribal leader and one of the founders of the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party). This complex background makes summing up African naming traditions in a few paragraphs very difficult. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. This name is also predominantly given to boys. Ndaba meaning "news". 48. The Igbo people do not use family names. 14. 12. 30. Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. 61. (Both proud and amused!). 34. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. 54. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. 51. Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. Let us know your favorites in the comment section. Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. As Africa is made up of 54 countries (making it the second-largest continent in the world), its naming systems are diverse. Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. We also also Afrikaan. Ghanas founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. Meaning: One who possesses a clever head. Sometimes used as a first name, this surname means the king/crown/royalty opens the belly/ womb. Olowe -It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. It means one who is born during the festival or war. Answer (1 of 6): No, some similarities but very different spelling. 54. These people bear some of the most uncommon first names and surnames. South African variant of Both. Aguta is included in the list of conservative surnames found in the African mainland. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Zuma meaning "of God". Mandela (Xhosa origin) meaning "gift of God". Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. It is mostly given to girls. Ganizani (Botswanan origin) means think in Chewa. Mensah One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. 21. Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. 50. - wife of Ralph Patrick Murray (1): 3. If you enjoy this article are interested in finding more naming information, take a look at these Peruvian last names and these Czech last names, but for now enjoy this list of African surnames with their origins and meanings. It means the strong one has returned. One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means be joyful. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. 47. Mahlangu meaning "one who carries the shield". 90. Surnames like Abimbola that reference wealth and prosperity are common in South Africa. creative tips and more. Abebe (Ethiopian origin) means "blossom" or "flower". Deressa (Ethiopian origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite clear. Typically found in the Akan group of Ghania, it means royalty or noble person. Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". Other variants include Ali and Alioun. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. When we come to my dads name Negussie it means my king and my grandpas name Aberra means its shining so when you read my entire name it has a meaning of Daniel my king shines. Yeah, I hope I will shine forever and be a man for a change. Its not just some common names you hear every day. Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. South African (Anglicized, Archaic, Expatriate), Apply this search to the main name collection, the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in the name, search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes, this field understands simple boolean logic, force a term to be included by preceding it with a, force a term to be excluded by preceding it with a, sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations, syllables can only be counted in names that have been assigned pronunciations, names without pronunciations are excluded from results. This is why many last names technically have different origins. The people can be divided into over a thousand different ethnic groups. It is usually accepted as a male name. 58. 48. 39. Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. Gumede (Zulu origin) meaning "to end what you have started". Sefako meaning "hail". Even though both of these peoples reside in South Africa, their customs are radically different. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. It is usually given to boys. 50. Asa directly translates to shield, so Alasa means lord or owner of the shield. Aguer (South Sudanese origin) means tree. The Muslim name Abd-Allah is equivalent to the Gebre Egziabher I mentioned above. 32. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. 8. 54. Luter South African. 53. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Abi, Togo, I love my name to death. Jlassi (Tunisian origin) means loyalty or sincerity. It is suitable for boys and girls. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Botha Southern African, Afrikaans. This name is also masculine in essence. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on South African Names and African Last Names. Some of the names on this list have similar meanings but are derived from different languages and tribes. The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth. 38. http://www.expressos. how do go about changing your name to an African name? Teklehaimanot Origin: Ethiopian. It is now common in South Africa. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. 37. It is usually given to boys. Wairimu Kuria, Kenyan in US, African names comes with great pride and power. A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means born with wealth. Keita It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. The name list is disproportionately nigerian . Some practice various tribal religions, others Islam or Christianity. It is usually given to boys. The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Nowhere in the Bible does it say one should have a Christian name and it certainly did not require it to be English or Western. It means one who does good to others. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. 93. An Igbo surname, Ala means land, while neme means doing something. A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. 13. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. West Africa is home to some of the most popular African last names. Oyekan (Shona origin) meaning "we are many". Etiename (Ibibio origin) meaning "benevolent". On track for Cape Town E-Prix: R350 tickets still available, but not for long! Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an acclaimed South African entrepreneur, singer, humanitarian and actress, and has also been given the title 'Princess of Africa' by her fans. 89. It means destined to be a warrior in Yoruba language. It means a good runner. Okusanya (Yoruba origin) meaning "God has rewarded me". Faraji is a common Swahili last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor. 76. Omenuko The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. In the Igbo language, Aguta means to have plenty or to have plenty/many. Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. 28. Bilaal (Somali origin) means moistening. Nkrumah is not alone in fostering the identity of Africanism the late President Mobutu Sese Seko dropped his own Christian name and even renamed his country the then Belgian Congo which became Zaire. I interpret my name to mean that I lie low, allowing my snout to be poked and proded until I emerge to reveal all that was hidden below the murky waters suface. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. Luthuli (Zulu origin) meaning "the month of dust". Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". Madia South African. It means sturdy or mighty tree. Haliche (Berber origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite certain. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. 81. This does not influence our choices. I just feel happy to say that this programme of conscientization is excellent. Taleb A devoted student or a seeker of knowledge, 92. 47. 32. What I like about this name is it reflects which tribal group of South Africa I come from. Luckhoff South African. Get in touch! 3. Abiodun Origin: Yoruba. 96. 75. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. Umburter (Nigerian origin) means "remember the father," found among the Tiv people. Bongani (South African origin) means thankful or grateful in Zulu. 72. creative tips and more. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. This name suits both boys and girls. 17. Zivai Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. Baharia (Swahili origin) means one who sails, common among the people of Tanzania and Kenya. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. 46. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! This name is suitable for both genders. Zammit (Tunisian origin) means servant of. Ait (Berber origin) means son, and is found among people from Morocco. 101. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Rothschild. 91. From the time I got to know about the traditional meaning of my name, I developed a sense of responsiblity to my Family, my heritage and my culture.