Bankole (Nigerian origin) means "help me build my house," from the Yoruba ethnic group. 91. Orji Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. 70. Meaning: Unknown. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is an anti-apartheid activist and politician, who worked under Nelson Mandela as the South African Minister of Health. 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. 63. 69. 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. This last name originates from the Igbo group. Kasongo Origin: Congolese. This is one of the beauties associated with African surnames. 69. Ladipo -Used both as a last nameand a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Jomana (Arabic origin) means a pearl. Haggar (North African origin) means flight. Mangosuthu Buthelezi was an African tribal leader and one of the founders of the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party). Gavin Wood and Felix February shares more about the idea behind the Slave Calendar that explores the history of surnames of Capetonians. 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. 93. Abdallah Origin: An Arabic name found through Sudan. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. It means the compound remains strong in Igbo language. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". 27. There are 54 countries, between 900 and 1,500 languages, and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, according to Britannica. 54. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. You will find the place of origin and the meaning of each name in this list too. 60. This name is primarily masculine. 57. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. 29. Buhle (Xhosa origin) meaning "handsome". 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. South African names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages. Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. 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. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. 31. Bongani (South African origin) means thankful or grateful in Zulu. Mafanela South African. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means clergyman. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 47. Negga/Nega Origin: Ethiopian. 5. Third item on the film. 80. Abebe (Ethiopian origin) means "blossom" or "flower". Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". And a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are equivalent compounds of the divines name and some desirable relationship. 77. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Apply this search to the user-submitted names. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". Theophilus Khumalo is a retired South African football player, best known for playing in South Africa's national team. I maintain the list. Opeyemi It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. 54. 94. 58. Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. 59. Orji is a common surname in many South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. 11. Ndaba meaning "news". It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. South African variant of Both. Back to top-1. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In the Wolof language, Alioune means lofty or sublime. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on South African Names and African Last Names. 6. 32. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Mines Margaret, or Latin for some Catholics. Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Bankole (Yoruba origin) meaning "build my house for me". Usually found among the male population of Nigeria, this name means honor surrounds him. 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. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. This is why many last names technically have different origins. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. 86. Osei Typically found in the Akan group of Ghana, it means royalty or noble person. A name that acknowledges a divine concession is Chukwunyelu, which means God gives in Igbo. Elmalik (Arabic origin) means the King, often found in the countries of northern Africa. It is a common given name to male children, which means firstborn son in Egyptian. All rights reserved. 29. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. Accordingly, all letters that make up these last names must be duly considered and put into perspective while trying to pronounce them. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. 71. Here are some common South African last names: Dlamini: A popular surname in Southern Africa. 61. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". 74. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. - wife of Ralph Patrick Murray (1): 3. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. 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. 56. 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). Olantungi (Yoruba origin) meaning "wealth wakes again". 92. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. what are the parameters you have used to arrive at this results ? Coetzee Afrikaans. Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. 82. Magombo Swahili, African, Swazi (Rare) Meaning unknown, possibly related from the fore name of the same name. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Keita meaning "blessing". Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. 75. 64. 14. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. Alioune (Senegalis origin) meaning "sublime" or "lofty". Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. 24. Mandela (Xhosa origin) meaning "gift of God". Akpabio -Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. I bet you were unable to make out a few of their pronunciation. 82. It is considered a male name. 50. Meaning: Unknown. Their ancestors arrived in South Africa through three different routes: 1. The two civil sanctions that are available to Mrs Tau to enforce the maintenance order in her and the boys ' favour in the specific circumstances of this case are; I.A warrant (writ) of execution against the maintenance debtor ' s property. Chrizanne (South African origin) from the Afrikaans tribe, this is a combination of Christine and Anne. Van Graan. 2. Meaning: When they plan.. 65. Nowhere in the Bible does it say one should have a Christian name and it certainly did not require it to be English or Western. 52. Themba Ndaba is a renowned South African director who selected the cast of 'Zone 14' and 'Machine Gun Preacher'. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. 70. Keita It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. 2. 56. This name suits both boys and girls. Afumba (Zambian origin) meaning "when they plan". More News. This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. de Klerk. Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Anotidaishe means the Lord loves us. Your privacy is important to us. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. 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. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. Zammit (Tunisian origin) means servant of. 16. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. BR, USA, I am responding to Vince Gaineys point Why are African Christians so ashamed of their Christian names in comparison to Muslims who have pride in their Arabic Islamic names. I think Vince is confusing European with Christian. I find it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is quite English. 59. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". 41. 60. This practice is usually done as a memorial to the heroics of the one who first bore that name. Kagiso (Tswana origin) means peace. It means one who does good to others. 25. It is usually given to boys. 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. Other names reflect the birth order of the newborn, for example Mosi first born, Kunto third born, Nsonowa seventh born, and Wasswa first of twins. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. 42. Thanks! 29. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. 100. A little under 10% of South Africa's population are Cape Coloureds. Adeleke (Yoruba origin) meaning "the crown triumphed". Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". Read for more information. 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. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Meaning: 10th-born child. Grigahcine (Kabyle origin) this last name is most widely found in Algeria. 11. Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. This name is also predominantly given to boys. Chidubem (Igbo origin) meaning "guided by God". It means a good runner. 6. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Meaning: 'Child of the freeborn man.'. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Because I am a petite and sweet-looking woman, I find myself often underestimated and underminded. Kenyatta -A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. 41. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Nkosi (Nguni origin) meaning "king". Afolabi (Yoruba origin) meaning "someone who is born into high status and wealth". Forebears knows about 821,426 unique surnames in South Africa and there are 66 people per name. Dive into this post for some amazing and interesting African surnames. My family name has a click C as well. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. This also doesnt include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. 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. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Adby Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Meaning: One who possesses a clever head. Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". Oluwusi It means kingship has increased. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. 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. 69. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. It means sturdy or mighty tree. 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. 4. This surname shows the devout nature of the people towards religion and belief in God. These people bear some of the most uncommon first names and surnames. 78. Omenuko The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. Madhurima takes a keen interest in parenting and lifestyle. This Yoruba name means the lucid one or one who is clear. It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. 57. 43. 81. Agu (Nigerian origin) means "tiger" and is a popular Igbo name. 53. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. There are also hundreds of languages spoken on the continent, providing endless interesting meanings of each last name. 72. So Ndubueze means that life is king to live is to be a king. Often spelled as Adby, this name is a very popular first name and last name among men in Nigeria and people who are of African descent across other continents. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. There is so much authenticity with their naming practices. 44. Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". It means the one that I have is greater. Having its roots in Ibibio, the surname or nickname Etienam means a doer of good or benevolent. Last names provide a great bridge to our family's past, and those from Africa are no exception. 67. It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. Its female variant is Owusua. 38. Ayanda (South African origin) means they are increasing, found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. You can hear a certain surname in a family being carried forward for many generations. 35. 83. 42. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Amaechi (Igbo origin) meaning "who knows tomorrow". The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 70. Quansah Origin: Ghanaian. 4. 5. Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. The name can be translated as fullness of power. This list may not reflect recent changes. 98. Ghanas founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. Yusuf The strength, power, influence and devotion. Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. Most Popular African Last Names on FamilyEducation: Ba, Ballo, Dial, First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. Some of the names on this list have similar meanings but are derived from different languages and tribes. A well-liked Yoruba male name, Abioye means born into royalty or the son of royalty. Onyeneme It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. Meaning: The night has passed.. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. (Both proud and amused!). It is suitable for both boys and girls. Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. 46. 20. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. Another name that implores to the child is Banmeke, which means hold or sustain the rafter of the house with me. Faraji is a common Swahili last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor. 45. Banchiamalck Dessalegn, Ethiopian in U.S. My name Derefaka figuratively means: Continuing the heritage of our fathers.