The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means flower or blossom. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. 85. Odili meaning "peace". Fuli (Swahili origin) means very fast. 95. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". A hopeful name that reflects an uncertain situation is Biobaku, which means if he or she does not die. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. Kasongo Origin: Congolese. 4. 6. Meziane is a variation. The surname with Yoruba origin means god has rewarded me for my sufferings. Phukuntsi (Tswana origin) meaning "one who attracts flies". She is fond of classic British literature. Akinyi is another popular last name in Africa that means born in the morning.. Itumeleng (Botswanan origin) means joy. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Its not just some common names you hear every day. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage. 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. When my mother was pregnant, she was always fighting with my father and his family; she was in this constant state of depression. Luckhoff South African. creative tips and more. 96. The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total. 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. Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Check your inbox for your latest news from us. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. You will find the place of origin and the meaning of each name in this list too. It is a globally used Igbo surname which means tiger. 54. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Many of the population here practice Islam, hence there are a lot of names that originate from the Arabic language too. Dogo (Hausa origin) meaning "little". An Igbo surname, Ala means land, while neme means doing something. Africa is the land of abundant natural resources and cultural diversity. For example: Sefu sword and Tau lion (masculine) and Marjani coral and Ife love (feminine). 25. Some are based on ones village or tribe, personal characteristics, or where they live. It is considered to be primarily male. 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. 83. In the 1700s some Portuguese sailors were s. Third item on the film. Generally given to boys, it means the king/crown/royalty befits me or worthy of the crown. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. 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. 92. These kinds of surnames evolve into family names such that in a particular community, more than one extended family can have this surname as their last name. 38. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. 85. We also also Afrikaan. Your privacy is important to us. This list may not reflect recent changes. 48. 29. Feel free to also check out the history of these surnames as well to help you learn a little bit more about your background. It is suitable for boys. 30. The one-stop destination for all the unique and amazing African surnames. 91. It is suitable for boys. Forebears knows about 821,426 unique surnames in South Africa and there are 66 people per name. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. Meaning: Bushbuck.. Olatunji Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. 99. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". Hamadache (Algerian origin) the meaning is unknown. I am trying to find out if the sir name(last name) can indicate what part of Africa a person is from. You need to be quite careful and focused to be able to produce these African last names as they should be. Though hypodescent started out as a tool . It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. Boujettif (Archaic origin) means the family of the son of the clever head. 26. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. This name is primarily given to male members. 35. This is why many last names technically have different origins. It is an aspirational surname with Igbo origin, which means to be higher or to be better. 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. It means a good runner. 43. It is a common given name to male children, which means firstborn son in Egyptian. Baharia (Swahili origin) means one who sails, common among the people of Tanzania and Kenya. When I was born, she gave me this name NOXOLO because she wanted peace. In this context, the father can also mean God. You can find some beautiful and popular African last names from countries in eastern Africa. Abimbola (Yoruba origin) meaning "born with wealth". This is why many last names technically have different origins. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". This also doesnt include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. 83. 3. It means peace, suitable for a boy or a girl. Mwanajuma -This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. 14. 48. The name originates from Bemba and it means origin. It means the river goddess has come home. 22. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. Meaning: Derives from the name Tekle Haymanot, an Ethiopian monk and saint. Africas different groups and tribes represent its cultural diversity and rich tradition. Nnadi -This name from the Igbo tribes means my God is alive or my father lives. 101. Botha Southern African, Afrikaans. This name is often given to boys. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". 11. 18. Oyekan (Shona origin) meaning "we are many". It is a conventional female name among the Yoruba groups and means wealth is sweet. 28. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". Juma (Swahili origin) means Friday born. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. Buthelezi (Zulu origin) meaning "chief". It is considered a male name. Because I am a petite and sweet-looking woman, I find myself often underestimated and underminded. Meaning: 'Child of the freeborn man.'. It means sturdy or mighty tree. Their ancestors arrived in South Africa through three different routes: 1. The name can be translated as fullness of power. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. Die Afrikaner-familienaamboek : sketse en besonderhede omtrent die voorgeslagte van bekende Afrikanerfamilies An alphabetical list of South African surnames and early genealogy connected therewith. 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. 74. Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. It means one who does good to others. Their names are based on male lineage. It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. African names have always been associated with personal identity and personality structure expressed in the hopes and aspirations of the parents and passed on to the individual child. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. Mandela. Commonly used as a male name in Nigeria, Anenih means God bearing name. Agrinya (Yala origin) meaning "warrior". But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. This last name is commonly used by joint families in Africa. The term 'Goddesses' can be found among many common African names. This does not influence our choices. 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. Mokrani (Berber origin) refers to a town in Algeria. Do you know what region or tribe that that would be from? 89. hausas are the most populous group in nigeria. Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Originally a unisex nickname, Oriko is often used as a fond last name. Chifundo (Malawi origin) means mercy in the Chewa language. It is typically a male name. Interesting article, where did you source the data this research is based on. My African name reflects my personality I hate fights and arguments ; I am a peaceful person. Abuchi, USA, I have a western surname, presumably that of the slavemaster of my forebears. Kimathi (Kenyan origin) meaning "earnest provider". Chibuzo is an African last name that means God give me directions. Apply this search to the user-submitted names. Stephen Biko was an African nationalist who was at the forefront of the internal resistance to the apartheid movement. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. 89. This name suits both boys and girls. 58. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. The infographic below includes some popular ones from the African continent and of African descent. 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. It has its origin in the Shona groups of Zimbabwe. 93. The northern part of Africa, according to the UN, is made up of seven countries. Having its origin in Yoruba, Awolowo means the oracle has dignity. 96. Mulder. Haggar (North African origin) means flight. 23. 67. 56. Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". Ayanda (South African origin) means they are increasing, found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. Find your South African last name, meaning, and origins. The first name is Bright. Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. 69. 51. Ele It is common both as a surname and a nickname. This name is primarily given to male members. This list contains Ethiopian last names, Sudanese last names and many more. 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. Imari is a variant of the African name Imani, meaning loyal.. Meaning: 10th-born child. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Archi Gumede was a prominent African politician, lawyer and human rights activist. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. Gbeho Origin: Ghanaian. This category has the following 9 subcategories, out of 9 total. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. 40. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. 28. Fungai (South African origin) means think. Also: no one can dictate my life, nor my destiny, strong to be God to my destiny and my self. 38. Prince David Osei is an admired African philanthropist, investor, entrepreneur and actor. Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. Uduike (Igbo origin) meaning "full of power". It means child with fat cheeks. Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. 1. An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means the king/crown/royalty produced more. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. 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. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. It is usually given to boys. Boujettif Origin: Northern African (Archaic). I maintain the list. 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. If you want your babys name to be promising, then, this is the perfect name to choose. As Sudan is filled with many different tribes and ethnicities. 4. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. Bonolo (South African origin) means ease in the Sotho language. SOUTH AFRICAN SURNAMES - P PLEASE NOTE: This is ONLY a listing of who is interested in which South African families. This skyrocketing demand has a variety of negative side effects, like high prices or bad farming practices, but now there seems to be another one to keep an eye on: immature avocados. Omenma meaning "one who does enough for others". Tawedzwegwa Purpose Katakwa, Zimbabwe. The name can be translated as fullness of power. Truly African surnames are unusual, remarkable, exceptional, and relevant. Musa Origin: Nigerian. Osei meaning "royalty". It is primarily masculine in essence. Gebreyes (Ethiopian origin) means servant of. 28. 55. Afumba (Lozi origin) meaning "when they plan". Agwuegbo (Nigerian origin) means "the hardship is over," found among the Igbo people. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. 55. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. 20. 20. 67. Meaning: Born with wealth.. This surname shows the devout nature of the people towards religion and belief in God. Bankole -Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. 14. It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. Chedjou Origin: Cameroonian. Barnard. Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. 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. It is usually accepted as a male name. Albert Luthuli was an African Nobel Peace Prize winner, teacher, and anti-apartheid activist. 88. African last names are a reflection of their customs and peculiar naming traditions. 18. Kenyatta -A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. Mines Margaret, or Latin for some Catholics. 98. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". 54. I think my name shows more the hope and wish of my parents than mine (given that I am on the atheistic side of things). Sarpong (Ghanaian origin) means "great warrior" or "supreme," found among the Ashanti group. 73. Badu Origin: Ghanaian. de Klerk. 79. They speak Afrikaans and generally worship in Reformed Christian churches, but exhibit discernible non-European ancestry, in particular African ancestry. Mensah (Akan origin) means "third child," found among the people of Ghana. The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. Meaning: When they plan.. Meaning: Born during the festival or war. A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means the king/crown/royalty along with wealth. 27. South african last names starting with R 63. Eke Eke means superstructure of the roof. Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. Magombo Swahili, African, Swazi (Rare) Meaning unknown, possibly related from the fore name of the same name. It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. De Bruyn Afrikaans. 8. There are just too many peculiarities and labels associated with Africa and Africans. 29. Maybe you have also been intrigued by these African surnames; below we give you a list of some wonderful surnames borne by Africans. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "Goddess protects". If anything the french names have remained the same and are quite common in South Africa. Lucas Radebe is a former African football player who became known as 'The Chief' during his time at Leeds United. Over nine years, she has helped various brands with compelling, well-researched, and unique content. My name is Kwena and it means crocodile. It is generally considered to be a masculine name. Yusuf The strength, power, influence and devotion. It is usually given to boys. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. Mohammed Praise-worthiness and laudability, 57. Back to top-1. Meaning: Unknown. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Chizimu Origin: Malawian (Lambya). 7. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means clergyman. 17. Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. SOUTH AFRICAN SURNAMES - A PLEASE NOTE: This is ONLY a listing of who is interested in which South African families. Usually earned, Agrinya means warrior in the Yala language. 64. My first name is from the bible as Christanity was an old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa. Yeboah meaning "helping others". 53. Meaning: God is watching.. 61. The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. 47. Kikelomo (Yoruba origin) meaning "to be cherished". Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". 21. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Meaning: Guided by God.. Boipelo (Botswanan origin) means proud. One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Browse our list of the most common South American names and surnames from A-Z. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". Apply this search to the user-submitted names. Chidozie (Igbo origin) meaning "God repairs". 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. Luter South African. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. It is considered a male name. Meaning: The Lord is gracious.. Otueome The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. It means one who has many people to call for help, and is considered typically male. It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. 95. Each surname has its own peculiar significance and purpose. 84. 7. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys.