The name can be translated as fullness of power. 74. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. Taleb A devoted student or a seeker of knowledge, 92. There are ten countries found in this part of the continent, not counting the island of Madagascar. 4. 25. Kaizer Motaung is the founder and manager director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African soccer team. Uduike Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. Dlamini (Etswana origin) meaning "royalty". The people of South Africa take inspiration from several sources when it comes to surnames. And a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are equivalent compounds of the divines name and some desirable relationship. 2. It means sturdy or mighty tree. Noxolo Judith Ncapayi, South Africa. 76. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. Akinyi is another popular last name in Africa that means born in the morning.. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". Kasongo Origin: Congolese. Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". Ndaba meaning "news". 92. Siddig (Arabic origin) meaning friend. 68. Meaning: God is watching.. 60. Names such as Mwanajuma Friday, Esi Sunday, Khamisi Thursday, and Wekesa harvest time refer to the time or day when the child was born. This list contains Ethiopian last names, Sudanese last names and many more. 81. Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means return of the crown. It is a common given name to male children, which means firstborn son in Egyptian. Abebe: The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means 'flower' or 'blossom'. The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth. Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below. The most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. 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. Meaning: Unknown. Meaning: Guided by God.. 14. 61. 6. Meaning: When they plan.. 88. It is considered a male name. African last names are a reflection of their customs and peculiar naming traditions. 36. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is good". 16. 40. 53. 8. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Pages in category "Afrikaans-language surnames" The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total. 89. Abimbola (Yoruba origin) meaning "born with wealth". This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. Afumba Origin: Zambian (Lozi). In this context, the father can also mean God. Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. Adeleke (Yoruba origin) meaning "the crown triumphed". It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. 1. 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. It is suitable for both boys and girls. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Madhurima takes a keen interest in parenting and lifestyle. Particularly, the African people dont toy with their surnames. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. 99. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. There is so much authenticity with their naming practices. Adomako Origin: Ghanaian. 4. It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". Stemming from the Yoruba group, Adeleke means the king/crown/royalty triumphed. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Chidiozie is a long-established surname in many African communities. Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". Dlamini: Another among South African names of Etswana origin that means royalty. Umburter Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Opeyemi It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 65. Interesting article, where did you source the data this research is based on. This name is primarily given to male members. 93. 85. Good question! 23. Theophilus Khumalo is a retired South African football player, best known for playing in South Africa's national team. Meaning: Flower or blossom., 4. Jlassi (Tunisian origin) means loyalty or sincerity. Afrikaans names shared by family members. Alinafe (Malawi origin) means he is with us. Orji meaning "mighty tree". Feel free to also check out the history of these surnames as well to help you learn a little bit more about your background. Masoja Msiza is a South African artist known for appearing in the hit telenovela 'Uzalo'. Yeboah meaning "helping others". 86. Ayenew (Ethiopian origin) means to renew. Nnadi -This name from the Igbo tribes means my God is alive or my father lives. Keita It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Kagiso (Tswana origin) means peace. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. How big and representative is the sample. This diversity is evident in all facets of their existence and it is very prominent. It is usually given to boys. Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba). 71. Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Temitope It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. 3. 8. For example if you were born on a Monday and named Kojo or Kodjo for a boy or Adjo for a girl, you would be taken as a zealous man or woman because Monday is the first day of work after the weekend, and if you were born on a Wednesday and named Kokou for a boy or Akwa for a girl, you were taken as a half-lazy person because people usually work or go to school for just the first half of the day -from 7 to 12- and use the other half as leisure time, and if you were born on a Sunday and named Kossi for a boy or Kossiwa for a girl, you were taken as the child of God, the pure, pretty child because people dress up pretty to worship God at the mass on Sunday. Ayanda (South African origin) means they are increasing, found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. In Igbo, this surname means the Lord perfects all or the God repairs. Mbatha meaning "protector". Abara Origin: West African (Igbo). Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. Agwuegbo (Nigerian origin) means "the hardship is over," found among the Igbo people. 81. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. The culture and diversity of the African continent are seen through its wide range of last names. 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. 27. creative tips and more. Also: no one can dictate my life, nor my destiny, strong to be God to my destiny and my self. Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". Umburter (Nigerian origin) means "remember the father," found among the Tiv people. Tawfiq Means an opportunity or chance to gain knowledge or succeed in life. Boipelo (Botswanan origin) means proud. It means one who is born during the festival or war. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". Folorunsho One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. 44. 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. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In the Igbo language, Aguta means to have plenty or to have plenty/many. One of the given and last names for boys among the Swahili tribes, Jelani means mighty or full of strength. 93. Stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly. 77. Its female variant is Owusua. South African variant of Both. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. Ech (North African origin) meaning edge or corner. I am certain that many other cultures equally create such names. Furaha It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. For example: Sefu sword and Tau lion (masculine) and Marjani coral and Ife love (feminine). It is primarily masculine in essence. Botha Southern African, Afrikaans. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. 54. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. 67. 86. Discover your DNA story and unlock the secrets of your ancestry and genealogy with our DNA kits for ancestry and the world's most comprehensive DNA database. 89. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means the crown gained advancement. Itumeleng (Botswanan origin) means joy. I suppose it depends what you mean by most common . 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. 56. Boitumelo (Botswanan origin) means joy. There are just too many peculiarities and labels associated with Africa and Africans. This name is primarily masculine. Chikondi (Malawi origin) means love. Such a family name is always very outstanding and popular in such a community. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". 67. 54. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. It is considered a male name. Used both as a last name and a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. 9. Amahle (Zulu origin) means the beautiful ones. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. 1. All rights reserved. This name is also predominantly given to boys. Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. 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. Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. Even though both of these peoples reside in South Africa, their customs are radically different. Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. Ouyahia (Berber origin) means son of Yahia. Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means the rainmaker. 12. Ele It is common both as a surname and a nickname. 62. 70. In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. A name that praises God is Chidubem, which means God is my guide in Igbo. Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". It means the compound remains strong in Igbo language. Having its origin in Yoruba, Awolowo means the oracle has dignity. Abuchi, USA, I have a western surname, presumably that of the slavemaster of my forebears. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Meaning: One who possesses a clever head. 71. Keita (Malian origin) means "blessing," found among the people of Mali. Omenuko The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. It means valor is the worth of wealth or being brave, usually given to boys. Some names describe the parents reaction to the birth (such as Kayode, Gwandoya, Abeni and Monifa) and still others are descriptive of the newborn or of desired characteristics (like Yejide, Dada, Chiumbo and Zuberi). Sometimes used as a first name, this surname means the king/crown/royalty opens the belly/ womb. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. Ramotholo Sefako is known as one of the first black South African astrophysicists. 16. If you want your babys name to be promising, then, this is the perfect name to choose. This name from the Igbo tribes means my God is alive or my father lives. Adebisi (Yoruba origin) meaning "the king produced more". according to the nigerian census. 55. Meaning: Earnest provider.. Mazigh (Arabic origin) means free man. 96. 36. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". Ngige meaning "locust". Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. 26. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? what are the parameters you have used to arrive at this results ? 85. 77. Chaka: This name is mostly known across many nations as it came to prominence as a result of the fame of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a singer and entertainer. The northern part of Africa, according to the UN, is made up of seven countries. Much like Scotland, most last names can date back to a particular patriarch within the tribe that which the name was based. 59. Copyright 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. 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. 40. It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. 6. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. Sefako meaning "hail". Do you know what or where the last name Uwagbal or Ofenjiaguan came from or what it means. 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. De Bruyn Afrikaans. Meaning: Spirit. Dalitso (Malawi origin) means blessing. This name is suitable for both genders. Each last name has an origin and a meaning, and we have also included any additional information or history behind some names. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means clergyman. Back to top? 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. 68. 73. 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. 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. It also functions both as the last name and a surname. The surname with Yoruba origin means god has rewarded me for my sufferings. 101. This Yoruba name means the lucid one or one who is clear. 64. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. Albaz (Jewish origin) means falconer and originates from Morocco and Algeria. It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". A name that acknowledges a divine concession is Chukwunyelu, which means God gives in Igbo. Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". Kenyetta (Kenya origin) meaning "musician". De Beer is a Dutch and Afrikaans surname, meaning "the bear". Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. 10. Of Yoruba origin, the name means the crown is good. More News. 21. It is one of the most widely used Hausa nicknames which means little. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is gracious". Akpabio -Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. Chidozie (Igbo origin) meaning "God repairs". Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. Odili is a surname that is common among many people in the Zulu community. It is usually given to boys. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". 43. The one-stop destination for all the unique and amazing African surnames. Surnames like Abimbola that reference wealth and prosperity are common in South Africa. Wairimu Kuria, Kenyan in US, African names comes with great pride and power. Biko (Bantu origin) meaning 'a person of the people". The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. Agrinya (Yala origin) meaning "warrior". Accordingly, all letters that make up these last names must be duly considered and put into perspective while trying to pronounce them. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. If anything the french names have remained the same and are quite common in South Africa. 24. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. 68. This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. Chidubem (Igbo origin) meaning "guided by God". 52. 2. It means destined to be a warrior in Yoruba language. 41. Africas different groups and tribes represent its cultural diversity and rich tradition.