26. The most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. This does not influence our choices. Meaning: He came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy., 11. One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means be joyful. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. Chizimu Origin: Malawian (Lambya). 19. 15. A hopeful name that reflects an uncertain situation is Biobaku, which means if he or she does not die. Otueome The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means a child to be cherished or pampered. Surnames serve as a tool to identify our ancestry. 53. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means 'one who is born on orie market day'. 25. 70. Olowe -It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. 28. 1. 81. Meaning: When they plan.. It is usually considered a male name. 71. Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Meaning: Handsome, manly, or strong.. 76. This complex background makes summing up African naming traditions in a few paragraphs very difficult. Adomako Origin: Ghanaian. 83. Franklin Ayodele is a famous Nigerian footballer who has this common surname. It means born into wealth or born into high status. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. It would be great if you could help me out. 8. 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. One of the given and last names for boys among the Swahili tribes, Jelani means mighty or full of strength. It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. The name can be translated as fullness of power. I maintain the list. 70. 68. It is home to many ethnic groups and tribes. Omenma meaning "one who does enough for others". Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. The names are organised into subsections based on the location of their origin, in order to make this list as clear as possible for your enjoyment. In the Tamazight language, Amaziane means young or little. I maintain the list. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Adby Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). Alinafe (Malawi origin) means he is with us. 72. Prince David Osei is an admired African philanthropist, investor, entrepreneur and actor. Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. 81. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means the crown gained advancement. Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. Igbinedion It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. 22. It is primarily masculine in essence. Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means handsome or beautiful. Abebe: The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means 'flower' or 'blossom'. Surnames of Kenyan origin (37 P) Surnames of Moroccan origin (46 P) Surnames of North African origin (1 C) Surnames of Somali origin (4 P) Surnames of South African origin (5 C, 5 P) Surnames of Swaziland origin (1 P) Surnames of Tunisian origin (10 P) Surnames of West African origin (5 C, 3 P) Swahili-language . It is suitable for boys and girls. Masondo (Zulu origin) meaning "wheels". Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. 6. Oyekan -Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. 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. Ele It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Toure (Soninke origin) meaning "elephant". Abiodun Origin: Yoruba. 16. Tambo meaning "rope". 93. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. I am a product of religious parents and culture; hence I shall carry this name, however unfitting it seems, to the grave. Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means 'heart'. Chibuzo is an African last name that means God give me directions. This list may not reflect recent changes. 70. This practice is usually done as a memorial to the heroics of the one who first bore that name. 84. Abi, Togo, I love my name to death. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "Goddess protects". Good question! 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. 98. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means the king/crown/royalty along with wealth. Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". Hi, I am writing a novel and the main character (a girl) is from Sudan. If anything the french names have remained the same and are quite common in South Africa. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. creative tips and more. The Akan name is widely used among the girls. Abara Origin: West African (Igbo). A name that praises God is Chidubem, which means God is my guide in Igbo. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. 7. 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). Mwanajuma -This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. 69. 67. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. 9. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. 17. Such a family name is always very outstanding and popular in such a community. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". Their names are based on male lineage. Fuli (Swahili origin) means very fast. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. Chrizanne (South African origin) from the Afrikaans tribe, this is a combination of Christine and Anne. 74. 90. 76. Negga/Nega Origin: Ethiopian. 75. Originally a unisex nickname, Oriko is often used as a fond last name. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Charlize (South African origin) most common as a first name, this is the feminine version of Charles made popular by the actress Charlize Theron. Boujettif (Archaic origin) means the family of the son of the clever head. It is now common in South Africa. Here is a list of popular South African last names. Chikondi (Malawi origin) means love. Mary Twala was an artist who started her career by starring in 'Generations', a South African TV series. 71. It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. It is usually accepted as a male name. according to the nigerian census. 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. In the United States anyone who manifests African ancestry is coded as "black". Many common South African last names make references to natural occurrences. Omenma It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. Nenge -This unusual surname means see in Tiv. 89. 37. Agwuegbo (Nigerian origin) means "the hardship is over," found among the Igbo people. It means born on a Friday. 34. It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. 10. Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". Umburter Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. It is usually given to boys. Oyekan (Shona origin) meaning "we are many". Makeba meaning "precious jewel". Fungai (South African origin) means think. Popoola It means intelligent people, love god. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. Afumba (Zambian origin) meaning "when they plan". Also: no one can dictate my life, nor my destiny, strong to be God to my destiny and my self. Another expression of a characteristic trait, Asaju means leader of warriors, and is considered primarily male. Apply this search to the user-submitted names. De Beer Afrikaans. 78. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. 49. 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. Their ancestors arrived in South Africa through three different routes: 1. 91. Quansah (Ghanaian origin) meaning "God is watching". These beautiful South African names derive from the country's rich history and are influenced by its many languages and traditional inhabitants. 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. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. It is an aspirational surname with Igbo origin, which means to be higher or to be better. 72. Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". Ladipo -Used both as a last nameand a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. South african last names starting with R 91. 84. Furaha It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. Barnard. For example Gebre-Egziabher in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means Servant of God and those are Christian names. It is a commonly adored name for boys. Akinyemi is a surname found mostly in descendants of the Yoruba people. 54. 2. Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. 62. 78. 61. Answer (1 of 4): Most of these surnames are not Hispanic at all, but Lusophone (Portuguese). 41. Sarpong It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. The following two tabs change content below. Its female variant is Owusua. Meaning: The Lord is gracious.. It is usually given to boys. Imari is a variant of the African name Imani, meaning loyal.. Sometimes used as a first name, this surname means the king/crown/royalty opens the belly/ womb. Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba). This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. My name is Kwena and it means crocodile. Maduabuchi means Humans are not God. 52. Deressa (Ethiopian origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite clear. Grigahcine (Kabyle origin) this last name is most widely found in Algeria. Accordingly, all letters that make up these last names must be duly considered and put into perspective while trying to pronounce them. Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. Having its roots in Yoruba, the name means my wealth is moving forward or my wealth is the future, and it is mostly given to boys. 35. 15. An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means the king/crown/royalty produced more. Madhurima takes a keen interest in parenting and lifestyle. Do you know what region or tribe that that would be from? It is suitable for boys and girls. 64. 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. Meaning: Unknown. It implies that a baby will be the first of many children for couples who have had difficulty in conceiving. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". 38. 3. Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. 85. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 92. The infographic below includes some popular ones from the African continent and of African descent. 59. 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. Boujettif Origin: Northern African (Archaic). 85. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". 56. Meaning: Mercy. 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. 45. 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. Some are based on ones village or tribe, personal characteristics, or where they live. Luthuli (Zulu origin) meaning "the month of dust". Vocabulary words are also often used as given names. Thank you! Aguta is included in the list of conservative surnames found in the African mainland. The name list is disproportionately nigerian . It can be used for both boys and girls. Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. 46. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It means one who does good to others. Zulu (Zulu origin) meaning "heaven". Common South African surnames. 50. It is generally considered a boy name. For example: Sefu sword and Tau lion (masculine) and Marjani coral and Ife love (feminine). Let us know your favorites in the comment section. 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. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Igwe Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. 52. Okoro - Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo). Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". Olatunji Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. Mafanela South African. There are just too many peculiarities and labels associated with Africa and Africans. It can be translated into the land is active. There are 54 countries on the African continent, and each is made up of unique people from different ethnic groups which provides a rich variety to the range of different surnames found across the continent. 47. It is among the most common African last names. For example: Sefu "sword" and Tau "lion" (masculine) and Marjani "coral" and Ife "love" (feminine). They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. I bet you were unable to make out a few of their pronunciation. Owusu meaning "strong-minded and determined". Adebisi (Yoruba origin) meaning "the king produced more". 17. I find it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is quite English.
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