67. 34. Quansah Origin: Ghanaian. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". There is so much authenticity with their naming practices. It is usually accepted as a male name. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means fathers love. It means a good runner. My name is Kwena and it means crocodile. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means 'one who is born on orie market day'. 70. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. A name that reflects the gratitude of the family is Chamapiwa, meaning that which you have been given. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. 77. I am a product of religious parents and culture; hence I shall carry this name, however unfitting it seems, to the grave. Albaz (Jewish origin) means falconer and originates from Morocco and Algeria. Ramotholo Sefako is known as one of the first black South African astrophysicists. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. Common South African surnames. Meaning: Unknown. Names such as Mwanajuma Friday, Esi Sunday, Khamisi Thursday, and Wekesa harvest time refer to the time or day when the child was born. Meaning: The son of royalty. 61. Meghnagi (Libyan origin) could refer to zion. This diversity is evident in all facets of their existence and it is very prominent. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. She writes baby name articles for MomJunction. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. 85. 81. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. 59. Mambwe Origin: Zambian. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. 150 Unique and Most Common African Last Names (Surnames), African Culture 16 most interesting traditions, 10 trending Kaftan outfit ideas for grooms-to-be, Richest Person In Kenya And Top 10 Wealthy Kenyans, Turkey is to completely erase all Somalias debts to the IMF, 5 highest paid African football players in 2020, 10 of Africas most amazing Tourist places you must visit, The 10 Best Africans In The English Premier League, 16 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Africa For The Holidays. Olowe -It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. 68. Omenma meaning "one who does enough for others". Masondo (Zulu origin) meaning "wheels". 26. Boitumelo (Botswanan origin) means joy. In the Tamazight language, Amaziane means young or little. Themba Ndaba is a renowned South African director who selected the cast of 'Zone 14' and 'Machine Gun Preacher'. It is usually given to boys. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. 89. Its female variant is Owusua. It means child with fat cheeks. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. If you want your babys name to be promising, then, this is the perfect name to choose. Buhle is a common surname among people who's identity is attached to the Xhosa clan. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. It is an aspirational surname with Igbo origin, which means to be higher or to be better. It means one who does good to others. It means one who is born during the festival or war. It is usually given to boys. 3. 95. Nnamani -Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. Akpan Origin: Nigerian. Radebe (Zulu origin) meaning "big tree". It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. It also functions both as the last name and a surname. 14. what are the parameters you have used to arrive at this results ? 7. Medupe (Tswana origin) meaning "gentle rain". Over nine years, she has helped various brands with compelling, well-researched, and unique content. 50. 72. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". 18. Charlize (South African origin) most common as a first name, this is the feminine version of Charles made popular by the actress Charlize Theron. 25. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on South African Names and African Last Names. This name is also predominantly given to boys. 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. Buhari is one of South Africa's orthodox surnames. 79. There are ten countries found in this part of the continent, not counting the island of Madagascar. All rights reserved. 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. 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. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. It means one who does good to others. Umburter is one of the most prominent African last names from the Tiv language. Obama Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Bayu (Ethiopian origin) meaning wind. 70. 35. 74. 37. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. Yusuf The strength, power, influence and devotion. Chidubem (Igbo origin) meaning "guided by God". Africa is the land of abundant natural resources and cultural diversity. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". creative tips and more. 53. 8. Dogo (Nigerian origin) means "little," found among the Hausa in the northern part of Nigeria. 87. Mazigh (Arabic origin) means free man. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames. 69. Much like Scotland, most last names can date back to a particular patriarch within the tribe that which the name was based. 25. Adebisi (Yoruba origin) meaning "the king produced more". Ele It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Abimbola (Yoruba origin) meaning "born with wealth". Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. It is now common in South Africa. 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. Ababio Origin: Ghanaian. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". Sarpong (Ghanaian origin) means "great warrior" or "supreme," found among the Ashanti group. It must be noted though that English white South Africans, Coloureds and very few blacks have "Afrikaans" surnames. We have listed 100 surnames of African origin in this article. It is typically a male name. Meaning: The Lord is gracious.. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. Taleb A devoted student or a seeker of knowledge, 92. It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means the king/crown/royalty produced more. And a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are equivalent compounds of the divines name and some desirable relationship. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. Dalitso (Malawi origin) means blessing. http://www.expressos. Yeboah meaning "helping others". Ait (Berber origin) means son, and is found among people from Morocco. 84. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. 53. Okoro (Igbo origin) meaning "greatness". Badu Origin: Ghanaian. 17. Commonly used as a male name in Nigeria, Anenih means God bearing name. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. Gcobani One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means be joyful. It is a conventional female name among the Yoruba groups and means wealth is sweet. 13. Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means a call to observe or to see that which has happened. Meaning: Spirit. 93. 65. 1. 55. Adebisi is one of the many African names that mean king. Some practice various tribal religions, others Islam or Christianity. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. It would be great if you could help me out. 13. Used both as a last name and a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Popoola (Nigerian origin) means "intelligent people," found in the Yoruba ethnic group. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. 33. Chifundo (Malawi origin) means mercy in the Chewa language. The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means flower or blossom. 38. Elmalik (Arabic origin) means the King, often found in the countries of northern Africa. ywl -It means the river goddess has come home. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Nnadi is an extremely common surname used in much African community. 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. In the 1700s some Portuguese sailors were s. 2. Meaning: Mercy. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 1. Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. Behind the Name: Ndebele Given Names. It is primarily masculine in essence. 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 . Osei Typically found in the Akan group of Ghana, it means royalty or noble person. Orji meaning "mighty tree". 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. Okafor (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Afor". Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Anotidaishe means the Lord loves us. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. Brought to South Africa by settlers of French decent some time in the past 300 years. Sarpong It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. Itumeleng (Botswanan origin) means joy. It is generally considered a boy name. It is usually given to boys. It implies that a baby will be the first of many children for couples who have had difficulty in conceiving. Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means spirit. 64. The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. We can be baptised another Kenyan/African and more meaningful name than being another of the somewhat bland Peters and Janes of the world. In this context, the father can also mean God. 70. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings. creative tips and more. A name that praises God is Chidubem, which means God is my guide in Igbo. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". This name suits both boys and girls. 71. Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Usually found among the male population of Nigeria, this name means honor surrounds him. Afrikaans names shared by family members. It is usually considered to be suitable for boys. Mandela. 97. It is considered to be primarily male. 100. 56. Agrinya (Yala origin) meaning "warrior". Umburter Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Die Afrikaner-familienaamboek : sketse en besonderhede omtrent die voorgeslagte van bekende Afrikanerfamilies An alphabetical list of South African surnames and early genealogy connected therewith. Over several hundred years, borders have been made, changed and broken, making family history difficult to trace. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. This name is often given to boys. It means sturdy or mighty tree. The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth. 39. Adby Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). Meaning: Child that keeps coming or reincarnation., 5. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is gracious". It can be translated into the land is active. It means valor is the worth of wealth or being brave, usually given to boys. It means born into wealth or born into high status. Owusu It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. 67. Here is a list of popular South African last names. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Ghirmai (Unknown origin) means my majesty. 89. 97. Igwe is one of the most common surnames found in the Igbo community. Some are based on ones village or tribe, personal characteristics, or where they live. 101. 39. It is suitable for boys. Kasongo (Congolese origin) meaning "bushbuck". Farouq The redeemer, one who differentiates between the right and wrong. Meaning: Born during the festival or war. 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It means the river goddess has come home. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? 30. They speak Afrikaans and generally worship in Reformed Christian churches, but exhibit discernible non-European ancestry, in particular African ancestry. 30. She is fond of classic British literature. 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. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. 35. Bankole (Nigerian origin) means "help me build my house," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Last name Onwuachimba means Death could never wipe out a community. We mention the African last names with their meanings and origins to help you learn about their rich history. Afumba (Lozi origin) meaning "when they plan". It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". 18. Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. Achebe is an invocation of a deity, which means the Goddess protects. Read for more information. 52. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Meaning: Unknown. A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. 92. There were an estimated 300,000 white South Africans of Portuguese descent in 2010. It is among the most common African last names. As Africa is made up of 54 countries (making it the second-largest continent in the world), its naming systems are diverse. Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". 99. Ngige meaning "locust". Hamadache (Algerian origin) the meaning is unknown. 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. Many last names in South Africa make references to royalty. Bankole is one of the few surnames that sets a directive for the people who pronounce the name, which is why it is known to be an assertive last name. Kenyetta (Kenya origin) meaning "musician". It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage. Dlamini: Another among South African names of Etswana origin that means royalty. 21. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". 78. 83. Daneil Negussie Aberra, Ethiopia/USA, What makes a person is his/her identity. In many languages of Ethiopia for example, typical names are compounded of the divinity and some aspect of it. Name and surname: NE NTULI STUDENT NUMBER: 60283858 UNIQUE NUMBER: 888570 MODULE: PVL 2601 ASSINGMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2020 Question 1 a. It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. South african last names starting with M The culture and diversity of the African continent are seen through its wide range of last names. 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. 95. Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. It is a globally used Igbo surname which means tiger. Cisse (Madinka origin) meaning "professor". Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. 37. It means born on a Friday. Igwe Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. This page was last edited on 20 June 2022, at 04:46. This category has the following 9 subcategories, out of 9 total. Another unisex name, Okoro means child of the freeborn man, or man in Urhobo. 66. 79. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Meaning: Title given to firstborn male children of the Ibibio/Efik people. Mines Margaret, or Latin for some Catholics. It is typically a male name. 91. 85. Chikondi (Malawi origin) means love. My parents wanting to embue me with an African name, unknowingly gave me a first and middle name that reflects part of my ethnic origin 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. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 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. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. Osei (Ghanaian origin) means "noble person" or "royalty," and is common among the Akan people. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys.