Many common South African last names make references to natural occurrences. Agwuegbo (Nigerian origin) means "the hardship is over," found among the Igbo people. I maintain the list. But by the grace of God, my first and middle names are not only African but reflect the ethnic origin of where I know my maternal ancestors come from, the Mandinka people. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. The northern part of Africa, according to the UN, is made up of seven countries. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Abbas Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Algeria. 34. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. 30. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. 41. Get in touch! It is home to many ethnic groups and tribes. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. It can be used for both boys and girls. 70. Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. Maduabuchi means Humans are not God. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. 59. Meaning: 'Child of the freeborn man.'. 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. Other variants are Efua, Afua, and its male version is Kofi. 13. 52. Akpabio (Nigerian origin) means "leader" or "noble," and is found among the Ibibio people. Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. These countries have their own beautiful languages, resulting in a range of different names that are unique to this region. Meaning: Derives from the name Tekle Haymanot, an Ethiopian monk and saint. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. 61. 69. Itumeleng (Botswanan origin) means joy. 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. We also also Afrikaan. It must be noted though that English white South Africans, Coloureds and very few blacks have "Afrikaans" surnames. Back to top-1. A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means the king/crown/royalty along with wealth. Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. 92. 56. Igwe is an extremely popular surname used by various religious subsects. 82. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Mangosuthu Buthelezi was an African tribal leader and one of the founders of the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party). Baharia (Swahili origin) means one who sails, common among the people of Tanzania and Kenya. Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. This name is often given to boys. This name is primarily masculine. Good question! It means a good runner. The Xhosa people use their family name or clan name. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is an anti-apartheid activist and politician, who worked under Nelson Mandela as the South African Minister of Health. Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. 62. Archi Gumede was a prominent African politician, lawyer and human rights activist. 97. Abi, Togo, I love my name to death. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". Maybe you have also been intrigued by these African surnames; below we give you a list of some wonderful surnames borne by Africans. Mandela (Xhosa origin) meaning "gift of God". Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. The Africans really delve into their culture, language, and ethnicity to bring out tremendous names. It is considered to be primarily male. Ababio Origin: Ghanaian. I bet you were unable to make out a few of their pronunciation. 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. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Meaning: Bushbuck.. Chidozie (Igbo origin) meaning "God repairs". West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. It is suitable for boys and girls. So I would say that perhaps one would find God in a lot more African names than one would suspect. 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. You will find the place of origin and the meaning of each name in this list too. Buhari meaning "is a man". South African variant of Both. Acheampong Origin: Ghanaian (Ashanti). South African names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages. Your privacy is important to us. 99. Each last name has an origin and a meaning, and we have also included any additional information or history behind some names. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. 52. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. Meaning: Destined for greatness. Meaning: Flower or blossom., 4. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, 76. Zuma meaning "of God". Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an acclaimed South African entrepreneur, singer, humanitarian and actress, and has also been given the title 'Princess of Africa' by her fans. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. In the Wolof language, Alioune means lofty or sublime. 78. Meaning: Unknown. Rothschild. SOUTH AFRICAN SURNAMES - P PLEASE NOTE: This is ONLY a listing of who is interested in which South African families. The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth. Olatunji Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. Bayu (Ethiopian origin) meaning wind. When my mother was pregnant, she was always fighting with my father and his family; she was in this constant state of depression. 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. creative tips and more. 86. Mulder. The Igbo people do not use family names. 101. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. 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. 33. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. 8. It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. 22. My first name is from the bible as Christanity was an old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa. Do you know what or where the last name Uwagbal or Ofenjiaguan came from or what it means. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. 74. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. Dogo It is one of the most widely used Hausa nicknames which means little. Fatsani (Botswanan origin) means be meek in Chewa. 23. Each name is unique and holds an ancestral meaning, symbolizing the origin and history. It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. 2. The History of South African Surnames. 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. 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. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. Amani (Ethiopian origin) means faith. Biko (Bantu origin) meaning 'a person of the people". Tawedzwegwa Purpose Katakwa, Zimbabwe. Meaning: One who possesses a clever head. 28. 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. 3. It is mostly given to boys due to its masculine connotation. 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. Many last names in South Africa make references to royalty. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. Phukuntsi (Tswana origin) meaning "one who attracts flies". 44. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Akpan Origin: Nigerian. It is a commonly adored name for boys. Meaning: Mercy. This name is also predominantly given to boys. Afolabi (Yoruba origin) meaning "someone who is born into high status and wealth". Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. 64. In Igbo language, it means my land is not lost. Trilingual Rajnandini has also published work in a supplement for 'The Telegraph', and had her poetry shortlisted in Poems4Peace, an international project. We hope you liked our selection. 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. Osei meaning "royalty". 83. Stemming from the Yoruba group, Adeleke means the king/crown/royalty triumphed. It is typically a male name. 6. Here is a list of popular South African last names. In the 1700s some Portuguese sailors were s. 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. Mambwe Origin: Zambian. It is suitable for both boys and girls. I am certain that many other cultures equally create such names. The surname with Yoruba origin means god has rewarded me for my sufferings. 70. 91. Omenma It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. There we go! 19. Kanumba Origin: Tanzanian. 45. We have listed 100 surnames of African origin in this article. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. Chidubem is one of the many surnames that calls for a higher power. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. Here is a list of popular South African last names. Ghanas founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. 14. In the Igbo language, Aguta means to have plenty or to have plenty/many. Siddig (Arabic origin) meaning friend. Kasongo Origin: Congolese. There are 54 countries, between 900 and 1,500 languages, and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, according to Britannica. It is usually given to boys. Several African names and surnames, when translated, often make full sentences. Kanye -Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. It is usually accepted as a male name. Toure -This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. Luter South African. 8. Chidubem (Igbo origin) meaning "guided by God". A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means one who walks with confidence or one who carries oneself like a wealthy person. Onai Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means a call to observe or to see that which has happened. Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". In Igbo, this surname means the Lord perfects all or the God repairs. 37. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. More News. Aguta is included in the list of conservative surnames found in the African mainland. Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. Their ancestors arrived in South Africa through three different routes: 1. It is usually given to boys. 49. Sefako meaning "hail". Much like Scotland, most last names can date back to a particular patriarch within the tribe that which the name was based. Grigahcine (Kabyle origin) this last name is most widely found in Algeria. Stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly. 43. Jomana (Arabic origin) means a pearl. Ndiaye Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. Botha Southern African, Afrikaans. 64. 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.