The people of South Africa take inspiration from several sources when it comes to surnames. It is typically a male name. It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means a child to be cherished or pampered. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Cisse (Madinka origin) meaning "professor". 54. Maponya meaning "king of elephants". Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. Akpan Origin: Nigerian. Hamadache (Algerian origin) the meaning is unknown. A hopeful name that reflects an uncertain situation is Biobaku, which means if he or she does not die. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. 78. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. 76. 100. Get in touch! It means sturdy or mighty tree. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". 33. 83. 67. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". how do go about changing your name to an African name? 64. Osei Typically found in the Akan group of Ghana, it means royalty or noble person. 85. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. 18. Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. 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 is primarily masculine in essence. Each name is unique and holds an ancestral meaning, symbolizing the origin and history. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. Deressa (Ethiopian origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite clear. 34. My name is meaningful (in your Gods name Im happy is the direct translation of my first and last names taken together). Afrikaans names shared by family members. 31. Abebe Origin: Ethiopian. Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means fathers love. Popoola (Nigerian origin) means "intelligent people," found in the Yoruba ethnic group. Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guineas first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. 14. 9. It is usually given to boys. 36. 95. The entire continent of Africa is so incredibly diverse and all of its traditions are pulled from all over, making it one huge melting pot. De Bruyn Afrikaans. 43. 68. Nenge -This unusual surname means see in Tiv. 8. Kenyatta -A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. Good question! Umburter is one of the most prominent African last names from the Tiv language. Luckhoff South African. An appreciative masculine name that embraces a new arrival with positivity, it means the king/crown/royalty filled the house. 50. 61. 53. What a wonderful name; Maduabuchi Onwuachimba (Igbo-Nigeria). Keita It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. 20. 44. 1. Generally given to boys, it means the king/crown/royalty befits me or worthy of the crown. Meaning: Handsome, manly, or strong.. This category has the following 9 subcategories, out of 9 total. 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. Behind the Name: Ndebele Given Names. Ababio Origin: Ghanaian. 46. My family name has a click C as well. In this context, the father can also mean God. It is considered a male name. The most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. Charlize (South African origin) most common as a first name, this is the feminine version of Charles made popular by the actress Charlize Theron. Amahle (Zulu origin) means the beautiful ones. It means the river goddess has come home. Even though both of these peoples reside in South Africa, their customs are radically different. This also doesnt include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. 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. Miriam Makeba was a civil rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and actress. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. March 03 , 2023. Okoro - Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo). Chrizanne (South African origin) from the Afrikaans tribe, this is a combination of Christine and Anne. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. Madia South African. It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. As Africa is made up of 54 countries (making it the second-largest continent in the world), its naming systems are diverse. This name is suitable for both genders. 61. 9. It is a globally used Igbo surname which means tiger. Meaning: Servant of God., 6. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. Meaning: He came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy., 11. Selassie -Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. 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. 14. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means 'one who is born on orie market day'. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. 26. 91. 59. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. 13. Toure -This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. Boitumelo (Botswanan origin) means joy. 31. 87. It is generally considered a boy name. It means the compound remains strong in Igbo language. Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. Buhle is a common surname among people who's identity is attached to the Xhosa clan. Mostafa Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Egypt. 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. 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 generally given to boys. Your privacy is important to us. Etienam Having its roots in Ibibio, the surname or nickname Etienam means a doer of good or benevolent. Afumba Origin: Zambian (Lozi). South african last names starting with M Masoja Msiza is a South African artist known for appearing in the hit telenovela 'Uzalo'. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". Coetzee Afrikaans. I am certain that many other cultures equally create such names. The first name is Bright. There we go! It is suitable for both boys and girls. Nenge (Nigerian origin) means "see," found among the Tiv people. 80. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. Quansah is one of the many surnames that makes reference to religion and a higher power. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Okoro (Igbo origin) meaning "greatness". 5. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Conteh (Sierra Leone origin) meaning "great eagle". Answer (1 of 4): Most of these surnames are not Hispanic at all, but Lusophone (Portuguese). 72. Meaning: Mercy. Meaning: Born with wealth.. 42. This does not influence our choices. 90. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. We mention the African last names with their meanings and origins to help you learn about their rich history. Onyeneme It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". 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. 69. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means the crown gained advancement. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. What I like about this name is it reflects which tribal group of South Africa I come from. 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. In the Igbo language, Aguta means to have plenty or to have plenty/many. 4. Okusanya (Yoruba origin) meaning "God has rewarded me". Talia (Arabic origin) means lamb or dew of God. Elmi (Somali origin) means knowledge. South African variant of Both. 75. Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba). Olatunji Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. They speak Afrikaans and generally worship in Reformed Christian churches, but exhibit discernible non-European ancestry, in particular African ancestry. One of the given and last names for boys among the Swahili tribes, Jelani means mighty or full of strength. 29. 16. Feel free to also check out the history of these surnames as well to help you learn a little bit more about your background. 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. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Mwanajuma -This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. You contact them to see if you share . Quansah (Ghanaian origin) meaning "God is watching". It means born into wealth or born into high status. 60. Zammit (Tunisian origin) means servant of. Otueome The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine 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. Sefako meaning "hail". 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. Ayodele (Yoruba origin) meaning "joy comes home". 2. Negga/Nega Origin: Ethiopian. Sarpong It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. Africa is the land of abundant natural resources and cultural diversity. Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. Ayenew (Ethiopian origin) means to renew. 38. Tambo meaning "rope". Adomako Origin: Ghanaian. 62. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on South African Names and African Last Names. Benhaim (Judoe origin) means son of life. 100. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. It is usually given to boys. This name suits both boys and girls. Jomana (Arabic origin) means a pearl. Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. Here you will find some great Nigerian last names, like Abimbola which means "born into wealth" and Obi, which means "heart". 70. Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". 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. 52. 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. Its variant is Chike, which means Gods power. Olowe -It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. It is mostly given to girls. Ech (North African origin) meaning edge or corner. Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. You cant find them anywhere else. Alinafe (Malawi origin) means he is with us. 15. 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. Meaning: Child that keeps coming or reincarnation., 5. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. The Igbo people do not use family names. 60. Bankole (Nigerian origin) means "help me build my house," from the Yoruba ethnic group. 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. 80. 79. 53. 93. Botha Southern African, Afrikaans. Kanumba Origin: Tanzanian. Last names provide a great bridge to our family's past, and those from Africa are no exception. Abdallah Origin: An Arabic name found through Sudan. 71. It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. 7. These people bear some of the most uncommon first names and surnames. Abiodun Origin: Yoruba. Apply this search to the user-submitted names, 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, the "relationship" is how the name relates to its parent name. 2. Lucas Radebe is a former African football player who became known as 'The Chief' during his time at Leeds United. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means handsome or beautiful.