4. 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. 85. 73. Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. Chedjou Origin: Cameroonian. 48. This is why many last names technically have different origins. 76. Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. 49. Last name Onwuachimba means Death could never wipe out a community. 90. She is fond of classic British literature. How big and representative is the sample. Afumba (Lozi origin) meaning "when they plan". Mbatha meaning "protector". 50. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Do you know what region or tribe that that would be from? Chizimu Origin: Malawian (Lambya). Yusuf The strength, power, influence and devotion. Wairimu Kuria, Kenyan in US, African names comes with great pride and power. 72. 8. Chidubem Origin: Nigerian (Igbo). Bankole (Nigerian origin) means "help me build my house," from the Yoruba ethnic group. 31. Vocabulary words are also often used as given names. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. Ladipo -Used both as a last nameand a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Names such as Mwanajuma Friday, Esi Sunday, Khamisi Thursday, and Wekesa harvest time refer to the time or day when the child was born. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". Jelani -One of the given and last names for boys among the Swahili tribes, Jelani means mighty or full of strength. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It means a good runner. Its female variant is Owusua. 53. Other variants include Ali and Alioun. 3. Kagiso (Tswana origin) means peace. 88. 14. Aguer (South Sudanese origin) means tree. 56. 93. 48. So I would say that perhaps one would find God in a lot more African names than one would suspect. Sometimes used as a first name, this surname means the king/crown/royalty opens the belly/ womb. Conteh (Sierra Leone origin) meaning "great eagle". 53. Get in touch! Back to top-1. 63. It means born on a Friday. creative tips and more. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means born with wealth. Meaning: Unknown. 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. Answer (1 of 4): Most of these surnames are not Hispanic at all, but Lusophone (Portuguese). 35. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Amaike (Igbo origin) meaning "the compound stays strong". 69. Sarpong (Ghanaian origin) means "great warrior" or "supreme," found among the Ashanti group. Derefaka Gogo, Canada, In Most West African countries (Togo, Benin, Ghana, Cote dIvoire), the majority of Southern people name their children based on their day of birth. It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. 99. 21. This is one of the beauties associated with African surnames. 25. It is primarily masculine in essence. Typically found in the Akan group of Ghania, it means royalty or noble person. A A A. Avocado consumption in South Africa has been on the rise in recent years, just like in many other places around the world. Their names are based on male lineage. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. 81. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings. It is usually considered a male name. It is generally considered to be a masculine name. 94. 46. 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. Toure (Soninke origin) meaning "elephant". - wife of Ralph Patrick Murray (1): 3. Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. Omenma meaning "one who does enough for others". It is a common unisex name. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Meaning: Lion., 3. 74. This name suits both boys and girls. 68. Lupondo South African. 90. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. The above list includes all the meaningful surnames with their unique meanings. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. This name is also predominantly given to boys. 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. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. All rights reserved. Meaning: The son of royalty. Mambwe Origin: Zambian. Oyekan -Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. 55. 64. 87. 1. Keita (Malian origin) means "blessing," found among the people of Mali. Adeleke (Yoruba origin) meaning "the crown triumphed". Back to top? 38. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. 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. 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. 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. Musa Origin: Nigerian. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". Tersoo It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means fathers love. 80. Meaning: Servant of God., 6. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. You can find some beautiful and popular African last names from countries in eastern 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. Dawit (Amharic origin) means beloved. Kenyetta (Kenya origin) meaning "musician". Folorunsho One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. Even though both of these peoples reside in South Africa, their customs are radically different. Kimathi (Kenyan origin) meaning "earnest provider". Apply this search to the user-submitted names. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. Meaning: Unknown. 86. It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage. This category has the following 9 subcategories, out of 9 total. Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. Actually just after I was born, peace was restored in my family. 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. Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. YM, Ethiopia. 43. Abimbola (Nigerian origin) meaning "born into wealth," the name is specific to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria. It means peace, suitable for a boy or a girl. 9. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Dogo (Hausa origin) meaning "little". 89. 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. Umburter Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. This also doesn't include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. In this context, the father can also mean God. Sarpong It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. 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. Meaning: Spirit. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. 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. Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guineas first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". 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. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Dalitso (Malawi origin) means blessing. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? It is suitable for both boys and girls. 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. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Owusu (Ghanaian origin) means "strong will and determined". Having its origin in Yoruba, Awolowo means the oracle has dignity. 22. The name originates from Bemba and it means origin. Chidubem is one of the many surnames that calls for a higher power. 51. A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means the king/crown/royalty along with wealth. Some practice various tribal religions, others Islam or Christianity. 99. Umburter (Nigerian origin) means "remember the father," found among the Tiv people. Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. It is mostly given to girls. 52. 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. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. I suppose it depends what you mean by most common . Meaning: Title given to firstborn male children of the Ibibio/Efik people. 71. Africas different groups and tribes represent its cultural diversity and rich tradition. Orji is a common surname in many South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. how do go about changing your name to an African name? Each last name has an origin and a meaning, and we have also included any additional information or history behind some names. Mahlangu meaning "one who carries the shield". Meaning: Derives from the name Tekle Haymanot, an Ethiopian monk and saint. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. This page was last edited on 20 June 2022, at 04:46. Dlamini (Etswana origin) meaning "royalty". 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. Third item on the film. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. 62. 77. 16. In Igbo, this surname means the Lord perfects all or the God repairs. Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. Meaning: Destined for greatness. For example: Sefu "sword" and Tau "lion" (masculine) and Marjani "coral" and Ife "love" (feminine). Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. And a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are equivalent compounds of the divines name and some desirable relationship. 75. Ayanda (South African origin) means they are increasing, found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. They speak Afrikaans and generally worship in Reformed Christian churches, but exhibit discernible non-European ancestry, in particular African ancestry. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. ywl -It means the river goddess has come home. If you have a South African last name, you may find it in one of the categories below. Adby Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). Fatsani (Botswanan origin) means be meek in Chewa. Obama Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. Amel (North African origin) means hope. Though hypodescent started out as a tool . It is suitable for boys. Orji meaning "mighty tree". Masondo (Zulu origin) meaning "wheels". It is suitable for boys. There are just too many peculiarities and labels associated with Africa and Africans. Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. 75. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. 73. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. 33. Gumede (Zulu origin) meaning "to end what you have started". It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. Agu (Nigerian origin) means "tiger" and is a popular Igbo name. You need to be quite careful and focused to be able to produce these African last names as they should be. The Igbo people do not use family names. 12. It is suitable for both boys and girls. It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. 78. Kaizer Motaung is the founder and manager director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African soccer team. what are the parameters you have used to arrive at this results ? Quansah (Ghanaian origin) meaning "God is watching". This diversity is evident in all facets of their existence and it is very prominent. An appreciative masculine name that embraces a new arrival with positivity, it means the king/crown/royalty filled the house. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. Forebears knows about 821,426 unique surnames in South Africa and there are 66 people per name. This name is primarily given to male members. Each name is unique and holds an ancestral meaning, symbolizing the origin and history. 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. Adebisi (Yoruba origin) meaning "the king produced more". 66. Mandela. 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. Albaz (Jewish origin) means falconer and originates from Morocco and Algeria. Uduike Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. 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. 26. Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. Chidiozie is a long-established surname in many African communities. 70. More News. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means clergyman. 29. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. 82. "Bruyn" is an archaic spelling of "bruin", meaning "brown". 28. 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. 71. 82. A hopeful name that reflects an uncertain situation is Biobaku, which means if he or she does not die. Desmond Tutu is a renowned clerk and theologian, known for his work in the human rights sector. Interesting article, where did you source the data this research is based on. Whilst this is a list of last names, many of the last names on this list have also been used as first names too. South Africa is full of so many diverse people. You contact them to see if you share . Buthelezi (Zulu origin) meaning "chief". Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. Bilaal (Somali origin) means moistening. 11. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. Acheampong Origin: Ghanaian (Ashanti). Meghnagi (Libyan origin) could refer to zion. It is usually accepted as a male name. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. 60. For example: Sefu sword and Tau lion (masculine) and Marjani coral and Ife love (feminine). It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "the Goddess protects". 24. The term 'Goddesses' can be found among many common African names. 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. 81. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". Meaning: Child of the freeborn man.. 15. It is considered to be primarily male. 31. Cisse (Madinka origin) meaning "professor". It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. We mention the African last names with their meanings and origins to help you learn about their rich history. It means a good runner. Abebe (Ethiopian origin) means "blossom" or "flower". 50. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. Behind the Name: Tswana Given Names. It is usually given to boys. 24. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. 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. Popular among the female populace of Nigeria, it is an inspirational name which means she opens the way. Meaning: We added to the crown.. Mkerref (Moroccan origin) the meaning isnt quite certain. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. Meaning: Child that keeps coming or reincarnation., 5. Surnames serve as a tool to identify our ancestry. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. 47. One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. Here are some common South African last names: Dlamini: A popular surname in Southern Africa.
Categories: tradition 48 clayton homes
south africa surnames