Gcobani One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means be joyful. This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. Brought to South Africa by settlers of French decent some time in the past 300 years. South Africa putting up a fight against immature avocado sales Alinafe (Malawi origin) means he is with us. Bankole (Yoruba origin) meaning "build my house for me". Axmed (Somali origin) the variant for Ahmed. Category:Surnames of African origin - Wikipedia A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means one who walks with confidence or one who carries oneself like a wealthy person. Ndiaye Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. 16. Msiza meaning "helper". ywl -It means the river goddess has come home. It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. Negga (Ethiopian origin) means "the night has passed". Eesuola It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. Meaning: 10th-born child. One of the given and last names for boys among the Swahili tribes, Jelani means mighty or full of strength. 51. Juma (Swahili origin) means Friday born. 76. Dlamini: Another among South African names of Etswana origin that means royalty. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. It is considered a male name. Find out how surnames are ranked in popularity, how many people in the United States of America bear a particular name, and how the statistics change between 1990 and 2000 US Censuses. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Amaike (Igbo origin) meaning "the compound stays strong". More so, African surnames are plainly out of this world. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. It means a good runner. 75. Magombo Swahili, African, Swazi (Rare) Meaning unknown, possibly related from the fore name of the same name. Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. Mary Twala was an artist who started her career by starring in 'Generations', a South African TV series. It is actually an oxymoron, a religious friend has suggested I change my name BUT, why should I? 8. Benhaim (Judoe origin) means son of life. 77. Barnard. Maybe you have also been intrigued by these African surnames; below we give you a list of some wonderful surnames borne by Africans. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. 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. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. It means one who is born during the festival or war. Particularly, the African people dont toy with their surnames. Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. 100 Unique and Most Common African Last Names (Surnames), While doing our research for African Names we found these interesting aricle parts and we feel like sharing them with you, My name (Noxolo) means peace in Xhosa. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. 41. Common South African surnames. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 97. Dogo It is one of the most widely used Hausa nicknames which means little. In the 1700s some Portuguese sailors were s. Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. Kimathi Origin: Kenyan. It is generally given to boys. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. Bankole -Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. Also: no one can dictate my life, nor my destiny, strong to be God to my destiny and my self. Meaning: We added to the crown.. South African Surnames - Behind the Name Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. 44. Phukuntsi (Tswana origin) meaning "one who attracts flies". Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. Abebe Origin: Ethiopian. 1. 72. Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. 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. Meaning: Unknown. This is why many last names technically have different origins. Orji is a common surname in many South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? Last name Onwuachimba means Death could never wipe out a community. 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. SOUTH AFRICAN SURNAMES - A - Blogger Some are based on ones village or tribe, personal characteristics, or where they live. 150 Unique and Most Common African Last Names (Surnames) 62. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. As Africa is made up of 54 countries (making it the second-largest continent in the world), its naming systems are diverse. 99. Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. Meaning: Unknown. Otueome The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. Surnames serve as a tool to identify our ancestry. Obama Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. It means may I not lack a family or a home. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". Elmalik (Arabic origin) means the King, often found in the countries of northern Africa. Banchiamalck Dessalegn, Ethiopian in U.S. My name Derefaka figuratively means: Continuing the heritage of our fathers. Fuli (Swahili origin) means very fast. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". 29. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. It is generally considered a boy name. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. So Ndubueze means that life is king to live is to be a king. Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means the king/crown/royalty along with wealth. 52. Maduabuchi means Humans are not God. It means the compound remains strong in Igbo language. The term 'Goddesses' can be found among many common African names. 54. 39. 51. Ganizani (Botswanan origin) means think in Chewa. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. The following 67 pages are in this category, out of 67 total. Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. 60. It means the river goddess has come home. Bankole (Nigerian origin) means "help me build my house," from the Yoruba ethnic group. The main difference is that African parents will not just put a label on their progeny without finding out what the label is saying about their hopes and aspirations, beliefs and culture and life experiences. Omenma It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. Meaning: Guided by God.. Katlego (Tswana origin) means success. 5. Zuma meaning "of God". im writng a short story and I was wondering if I could get a last name, that could work for the western part of Africa. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. Zulu (Zulu origin) meaning "heaven". The following two tabs change content below. Abuchi, USA, I have a western surname, presumably that of the slavemaster of my forebears. 64. 64. Dumisani (South African origin) means praise in Zulu and Ndebele. Trilingual Rajnandini has also published work in a supplement for 'The Telegraph', and had her poetry shortlisted in Poems4Peace, an international project. 59. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. Meaning: Child of the freeborn man.. 14. 79. Any child named after the above names is a blessed one whom the community expect to live up to the due reputation e.g has leadership qualities and being honest. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. 20. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Chifundo (Malawi origin) means mercy in the Chewa language. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. South African names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages. Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guinea's first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal . 95. Mangosuthu Buthelezi was an African tribal leader and one of the founders of the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party). And a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are equivalent compounds of the divines name and some desirable relationship. Ndaba meaning "news". Adebisi (Yoruba origin) meaning "the king produced more". Do you know what or where the last name Uwagbal or Ofenjiaguan came from or what it means. Ait (Berber origin) means son, and is found among people from Morocco. 66. It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. Meaning: Handsome, manly, or strong.. One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. Here you will find some great Nigerian last names, like Abimbola which means "born into wealth" and Obi, which means "heart". What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. The names in this section are not just limited to the country, South Africa, but also to other regions in the southern part of the continent of Africa. 10. Truly African surnames are unusual, remarkable, exceptional, and relevant. 61. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Meaning: The son of royalty. De Bruyn Afrikaans. 17. This name is primarily given to male members. You can hear a certain surname in a family being carried forward for many generations. Onai Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means a call to observe or to see that which has happened. How big and representative is the sample. South African Cape Coloured - Surnames | FamilyTreeDNA 88. Mandela (Xhosa origin) meaning "gift of God". Many of the population here practice Islam, hence there are a lot of names that originate from the Arabic language too. Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". Miriam Makeba was a civil rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and actress. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. 27. Igwe Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. It is mostly given to boys due to its masculine connotation. Adeleke (Yoruba origin) meaning "the crown triumphed". You need to be quite careful and focused to be able to produce these African last names as they should be. 48. 82. My name is Kwena and it means crocodile. Surname List - British 1820 Settlers to South Africa Taleb A devoted student or a seeker of knowledge, 92. These countries have their own beautiful languages, resulting in a range of different names that are unique to this region. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. Do you know what region or tribe that that would be from? Amel (North African origin) means hope. 61. 13. Chimwemwe (Malawi origin) means pleasure or joy. It is usually accepted as a male name. Umburter is one of the most prominent African last names from the Tiv language. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. 74. It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. Chidubem Origin: Nigerian (Igbo). Owusu meaning "strong-minded and determined". Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. African Surnames: If theres ever a place or people you cant overlook, its the Africans. 19. It is usually given to boys. 47. The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Akinyi is another popular last name in Africa that means born in the morning.. Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means a call to observe or to see that which has happened. 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. 38. Mandela. Ramotholo Sefako is known as one of the first black South African astrophysicists. It is usually given to boys. I am certain that many other cultures equally create such names. This list may not reflect recent changes. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. A hopeful name that reflects an uncertain situation is Biobaku, which means if he or she does not die. Names such as Mwanajuma Friday, Esi Sunday, Khamisi Thursday, and Wekesa harvest time refer to the time or day when the child was born. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. It means the one that I have is greater. Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings 30. Meaning: God is watching.. 23. 7. 46. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. PVL ASSIGNMENT 01.pdf - Name and surname: NE NTULI STUDENT Afrikaans Submitted Surnames - Behind the Name 66. The research found that in Africa, most surnames are connected to geographic origin, occupation, lineage or personal characteristics.One surname-type unique to the continent is the praise-name, which expresses character traits or other admirable attributes. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Lupondo South African. 93. Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means the crown gained advancement. Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guineas first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. 29. 9. Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". I am trying to find out if the sir name(last name) can indicate what part of Africa a person is from. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Meziane is a variation. The Ashanti or Asante people anticipate a good future for their children by giving the name Acheampong, which means destined for greatness. 70. Gumede (Zulu origin) meaning "to end what you have started". I am a product of religious parents and culture; hence I shall carry this name, however unfitting it seems, to the grave. 76. Why so some white South Africans have Hispanic surnames? (Both proud and amused!). 31. 2. 8. Fatsani (Botswanan origin) means be meek in Chewa. 91. It means child with fat cheeks. Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". It depends on what region of Sudan the girl is from. This diversity is evident in all facets of their existence and it is very prominent. 3. There is so much authenticity with their naming practices. Commonly used as a male name in Nigeria, Anenih means God bearing name. 63. Usually earned, Agrinya means warrior in the Yala language. 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. 74. 95. It means "leaves" (verb) in Swahili. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. It means valor is the worth of wealth or being brave, usually given to boys. 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. Kenyatta -A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. 47. Get in touch! It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. Luthuli (Zulu origin) meaning "the month of dust". Abara Origin: West African (Igbo). Whilst this is a list of last names, many of the last names on this list have also been used as first names too. 22. It is suitable for boys and girls. We also also Afrikaan. Over several hundred years, borders have been made, changed and broken, making family history difficult to trace. 11. 67. In the Tamazight language, Amaziane means young or little. Elya (Ethiopian origin) meaning my God is Yahweh. Meaning: Unknown. 57. 75. So I would say that perhaps one would find God in a lot more African names than one would suspect. It can be translated into the land is active. The northern part of Africa, according to the UN, is made up of seven countries. Igwe is one of the most common surnames found in the Igbo community. 79. 25. 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. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". There are 54 countries, between 900 and 1,500 languages, and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, according to Britannica.Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. This name is primarily given to male members. 37. Nkosi (Nguni origin) meaning "king". It is usually given to boys. Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. 26. 43. Gowon Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means the rainmaker. 86. 80. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. 32. Babangida -Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means the master of the house. Most Common South African Surnames & Meanings - Forebears Generally given to boys, it means the king/crown/royalty befits me or worthy of the crown. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 100 African Last Names With Meanings And History, 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. Kaizer Motaung is the founder and manager director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African soccer team. Adebisi is one of the many African names that mean king. This name is also predominantly given to boys. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. http://www.expressos. Because I am a petite and sweet-looking woman, I find myself often underestimated and underminded. Often spelled as Adby, this name is a very popular first name and last name among men in Nigeria and people who are of African descent across other continents. His reason was to rid the country of all of Mobutus influence and he felt a change of name was the way to do it. One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. 10 of the most common surnames in the Western Cape - Kfm 94.5
