south africa surnames south africa surnames

Another name that implores to the child is Banmeke, which means hold or sustain the rafter of the house with me. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. ywl -It means the river goddess has come home. Ndiaye (Senegal origin) meaning "descendant of the lion clan". Hamadache (Algerian origin) the meaning is unknown. 43. 8. 74. 18. Elmalik (Arabic origin) means the King, often found in the countries of northern Africa. The Xhosa as well Zulu languages have 3 distincts clicks X, C and Q but Xhosas use more clicks than Zulus in their everyday conversations. Kaizer Motaung is the founder and manager director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African soccer team. Kanye -Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means one who walks with confidence or one who carries oneself like a wealthy person. 97. - wife of Ralph Patrick Murray (1): 3. Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. 69. The Akan name is widely used among the girls. 52. 31. Keita (Malian origin) means "blessing," found among the people of Mali. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Okoro Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo). Their names are based on male lineage. With a Master of Arts in English, she has worked as a private tutor and, in the past few years, has moved into content writing for companies such as Writer's Zone. There are ten countries found in this part of the continent, not counting the island of Madagascar. Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below. 14. Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. Meaning: 10th-born child. Apply this search to the user-submitted names. Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. 19. More so, African surnames are plainly out of this world. Usually found among the male population of Nigeria, this name means honor surrounds him. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. 75. Abdallah Origin: An Arabic name found through Sudan. Such a family name is always very outstanding and popular in such a community. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Luckhoff South African. What a wonderful name; Maduabuchi Onwuachimba (Igbo-Nigeria). The people of South Africa take inspiration from several sources when it comes to surnames. Usually earned, Agrinya means warrior in the Yala language. 42. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 41. Otueome The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. You can hear a certain surname in a family being carried forward for many generations. 31. 30. Egebe Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means spirit. 4. Katlego (Tswana origin) means success. Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. In this context, the father can also mean God. It is a common unisex name. Get in touch! 17. Stemming from the Yoruba group, Adeleke means the king/crown/royalty triumphed. Amahle (Zulu origin) means the beautiful ones. 84. Nnadi -This name from the Igbo tribes means my God is alive or my father lives. Ghanas founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. 10. Kikelomo (Yoruba origin) meaning "to be cherished". 49. Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. The most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. Meaning: Spirit. The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means flower or blossom. 50. Back to top-1. 64. It means the one that I have is greater. Deressa (Ethiopian origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite clear. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. Several African names and surnames, when translated, often make full sentences. Thank you! Orji Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. 64. 10. A name that acknowledges a divine concession is Chukwunyelu, which means God gives in Igbo. Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means return of the crown. It is usually given to boys. 40. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Abiodun Origin: Yoruba. Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. 63. 33. Each surname has its own peculiar significance and purpose. 4. Abioye Origin: Nigerian. 37. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. Banchiamalck Dessalegn, Ethiopian in U.S. My name Derefaka figuratively means: Continuing the heritage of our fathers. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Amel (North African origin) means hope. Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". 14. Stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly. Faraji is a common Swahili last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor. This surname shows the devout nature of the people towards religion and belief in God. This list contains Ethiopian last names, Sudanese last names and many more. Ndiaye Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. These countries have their own beautiful languages, resulting in a range of different names that are unique to this region. Answer (1 of 6): No, some similarities but very different spelling. Musa Origin: Nigerian. One of the most famous people to have this name is Chinua Achebe, considered the most influential African writer who won the Man Booker International Prize in 2007. Eesuola It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. Find your South African last name, meaning, and origins. 81. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Meaning: The Lord is gracious.. 61. It is usually considered to be suitable for boys. 71. Let us know your favorites in the comment section. 88. Meaning: The son of royalty. My first name is from the bible as Christanity was an old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa. 46. 73. It means one who does good to others. 96. Browse our list of the most common South American names and surnames from A-Z. Afolabi (Yoruba origin) meaning "someone who is born into high status and wealth". Buhle is a common surname among people who's identity is attached to the Xhosa clan. Sometimes also a given name for boys. It is one of the most widely used Hausa nicknames which means little. 53. how do go about changing your name to an African name? Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guinea's first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal . This list may not reflect recent changes. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". Yeboah meaning "helping others". 2. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. 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. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. Interesting article, where did you source the data this research is based on. They speak Afrikaans and generally worship in Reformed Christian churches, but exhibit discernible non-European ancestry, in particular African ancestry. Nnadi is an extremely common surname used in much African community. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. 41. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Meaning: Child that keeps coming or reincarnation., 5. There were an estimated 300,000 white South Africans of Portuguese descent in 2010. Daneil Negussie Aberra, Ethiopia/USA, What makes a person is his/her identity. 21. 51. 67. It means the river goddess has come home. 87. Surnames serve as a tool to identify our ancestry. Adomako Origin: Ghanaian. 80. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. Even though both of these peoples reside in South Africa, their customs are radically different. Sometimes used as a first name, this surname means the king/crown/royalty opens the belly/ womb. 24. We also also Afrikaan. 54. Third item on the film. South African names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. 95. Juma (Swahili origin) means Friday born. Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. Radebe (Zulu origin) meaning "big tree". Boujettif (Archaic origin) means the family of the son of the clever head. Chrizanne (South African origin) from the Afrikaans tribe, this is a combination of Christine and Anne. If you liked our suggestions for South African last names then why not take a look at something different like Nigerian Last Names or Caribbean Names. Osei (Ghanaian origin) means "noble person" or "royalty," and is common among the Akan people. Abebe: The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means 'flower' or 'blossom'. It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. An appreciative masculine name that embraces a new arrival with positivity, it means the king/crown/royalty filled the house. Mulder. Madia South African. If you have a South African last name, you may find it in one of the categories below. In Igbo, this surname means the Lord perfects all or the God repairs. It is usually given to boys. 81. Tersoo It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means fathers love. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. 77. Dlamini: Another among South African names of Etswana origin that means royalty. Gcobani One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means be joyful. Abbas Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Algeria. In many languages of Ethiopia for example, typical names are compounded of the divinity and some aspect of it. South African variant of Both. 55. Tawedzwegwa Purpose Katakwa, Zimbabwe. This also doesn't include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. Africa is home to several language families and hundreds of languages all these different cultures countries and people have something in common they can be found now world wide and one way of keeping and telling others about your roots is African Surname and there for it is considered as very important in todays African culture. Medupe (Tswana origin) meaning "gentle rain". Boipelo (Botswanan origin) means proud. Here is a list of popular South African last names. 39. Jlassi (Tunisian origin) means loyalty or sincerity. 45. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Paul Gisemba, Kenya, Given the importance of names in my social background (among the Dinka people), I am proud to be one of those named after the famous legendary ancestor of the Dinka people of Sudan, Deng, who was believed to be the direct decendant of Adam (Garang) and Eve (Abuk). Chedjou Origin: Cameroonian. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. It is suitable for boys. 60. Nenge -This unusual surname means see in Tiv. So a name is really very important. Mafanela South African. Another expression of a characteristic trait, Asaju means leader of warriors, and is considered primarily male. 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. 60. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. Abimbola (Nigerian origin) meaning "born into wealth," the name is specific to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria. 99. Nwachukwu -This surname shows the devout nature of the people towards religion and belief in God. It is usually considered a male name. Here are some common South African last names: Dlamini: A popular surname in Southern Africa. Prince David Osei is an admired African philanthropist, investor, entrepreneur and actor. 61. A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means born with wealth. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is good". Kimathi (Kenyan origin) meaning "earnest provider". Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Molungu (Bantu origin) meaning "God". Other variants include Ali and Alioun. 48. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. 62. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is mostly given to girls. 56. It means one who is born during the festival or war. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. For example if you were born on a Monday and named Kojo or Kodjo for a boy or Adjo for a girl, you would be taken as a zealous man or woman because Monday is the first day of work after the weekend, and if you were born on a Wednesday and named Kokou for a boy or Akwa for a girl, you were taken as a half-lazy person because people usually work or go to school for just the first half of the day -from 7 to 12- and use the other half as leisure time, and if you were born on a Sunday and named Kossi for a boy or Kossiwa for a girl, you were taken as the child of God, the pure, pretty child because people dress up pretty to worship God at the mass on Sunday. 50. 69. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. You can find some beautiful and popular African last names from countries in eastern Africa. Onai Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means a call to observe or to see that which has happened. It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage. Sarpong (Ghanaian origin) means "great warrior" or "supreme," found among the Ashanti group. West Africa is home to some of the most popular African last names. Zivai Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. 65. Owusu (Ghanaian origin) means "strong will and determined". Oyekan -Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. Because I am a petite and sweet-looking woman, I find myself often underestimated and underminded. This category has the following 9 subcategories, out of 9 total. Stephen Biko was an African nationalist who was at the forefront of the internal resistance to the apartheid movement. Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. 4. Kasongo (Congolese origin) meaning "bushbuck". Richard Maponya was a South African conglomerate who built a business empire. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is usually given to boys. The Xhosa people use their family name or clan name. Izem (Berber origin) from the Tamazight word which means lion. All rights reserved. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. Chikondi (Malawi origin) means love. 93. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. Generally given to boys, it means the king/crown/royalty befits me or worthy of the crown. Asa directly translates to shield, so Alasa means lord or owner of the shield. And a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are equivalent compounds of the divines name and some desirable relationship. This name has been brought to the big screen all over the world through a fictional character Okoye in a cultural phenomenon, the Black Panther movie. Oluwusi It means kingship has increased. Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". 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. 35. This name is primarily given to male members. 99. 52. This list may not reflect recent changes. Igwe is one of the most common surnames found in the Igbo community. 15. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. 67. Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means the master of the house. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means 'heart'. March 03 , 2023. Behind the Name: Tswana Given Names. It is suitable for boys. 99. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. It means "leaves" (verb) in Swahili. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Ayenew (Ethiopian origin) means to renew. It means the strong one has returned. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Lupondo South African. 100. While going through these last names, remember that many African names may be masculine; however, as parents, choose the surnames that connect with you and suit your baby. 85. Meaning: Unknown. The following 67 pages are in this category, out of 67 total. 2023 Wording Vibes - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Classic French Boy Names that Exudes Essence and Masculinity, Best Out of Waste Ideas to Make Kids Smart and Skillful, Hippie Names that are Quite Lighthearted for Innocent Kids, A Broad Collection of Names that Mean Wind, Storm or Air, Most Modern Tamil Baby Names Popularly Used for Kids, Royal Family Last Names Globally Recognized with Regality, Ageless Aztec Names that have Transcended Time and Generations, 160+ Best Unique Names for Grandma Grandmother Nicknames. I think my name shows more the hope and wish of my parents than mine (given that I am on the atheistic side of things). Dikeledi (Botswanan origin) means tears. 69. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". 7. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. 17. 67. 71. 83. Meaning: Unknown. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". Franklin Ayodele is a famous Nigerian footballer who has this common surname. A well-liked Yoruba male name, Abioye means born into royalty or the son of royalty. 5. 29. Akpabio -Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 2. 9. Meaning: God is watching.. Trilingual Rajnandini has also published work in a supplement for 'The Telegraph', and had her poetry shortlisted in Poems4Peace, an international project. The Muslim name Abd-Allah is equivalent to the Gebre Egziabher I mentioned above. It is usually given to boys. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Afrikaans-language_surnames&oldid=1108286178, Template Category TOC via CatAutoTOC on category with 101200 pages, CatAutoTOC generates standard Category TOC, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 3 September 2022, at 15:23. The name list is disproportionately nigerian . It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. 23. Meaning: Born with wealth.. 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. It also functions both as the last name and a surname. Magombo Swahili, African, Swazi (Rare) Meaning unknown, possibly related from the fore name of the same name. 88. Other names reflect the birth order of the newborn, for example Mosi first born, Kunto third born, Nsonowa seventh born, and Wasswa first of twins. Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. 13. Chidubem is one of the many surnames that calls for a higher power. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? As Africa is made up of 54 countries (making it the second-largest continent in the world), its naming systems are diverse. This does not influence our choices. Afumba (Zambian origin) meaning "when they plan". Adebisi is one of the many African names that mean king. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. Mokrani (Berber origin) refers to a town in Algeria. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. Dive into this post for some amazing and interesting African surnames. 3. Odili is a surname that is common among many people in the Zulu community. The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. Mkerref (Moroccan origin) the meaning isnt quite certain. 28. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Chifundo (Malawi origin) means mercy in the Chewa language. This Yoruba name means the lucid one or one who is clear. 48. Another unisex name, Okoro means child of the freeborn man, or man in Urhobo. Van Graan. Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. Luthuli (Zulu origin) meaning "the month of dust". De Bruyn Afrikaans. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. 19. Afrikaans names shared by family members. 9. This is why many last names technically have different origins. It is typically a male name. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Hassan Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Morocco. Dlamini (Etswana origin) meaning "royalty". It has its origin in the Shona groups of Zimbabwe. I am having trouble picking the right name for her, and I want to get it correct so the first name and last name come from the same culture and make sense together. Babangida -Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means the master of the house. Mahlangu meaning "one who carries the shield". Alinafe (Malawi origin) means he is with us. 73. Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". 78. A little under 10% of South Africa's population are Cape Coloureds. 61. A name that reflects the gratitude of the family is Chamapiwa, meaning that which you have been given. 11. I find it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is quite English. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Afrikaans surnames from Germanic languages, Afrikaans surnames from Indo-European languages, Afrikaans surnames from Romance languages, https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Afrikaans_surnames&oldid=67421191, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means a child to be cherished or pampered. Meaning: One who possesses a clever head. 30. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. It is of Igbo origin and means one who is from a strong lineage, this person is strong, child warrior, or son of a hero. This name is also predominantly given to boys. 53. 17. Akpan Origin: Nigerian. Albaz (Jewish origin) means falconer and originates from Morocco and Algeria. It can be used for both boys and girls. De Beer Afrikaans. It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. It means the compound remains strong in Igbo language. It is considered a male name. This name from the Igbo tribes means my God is alive or my father lives. 96. Bongani (South African origin) means thankful or grateful in Zulu. Behind the Name: Ndebele Given Names. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means the crown gained advancement. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Malan. You e-mail me the surnames you are interested in, and I send you the e-mail address(es) of the person(s) who are researching these surnames for their own family history. In the United States anyone who manifests African ancestry is coded as "black".