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). 65. It also functions both as the last name and a surname. It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. 78. Alioune (Senegalis origin) meaning "sublime" or "lofty". Meaning: 'Child of the freeborn man.'. Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. 69. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Mary Twala was an artist who started her career by starring in 'Generations', a South African TV series. Adebisi is one of the many African names that mean king. Odili is a surname that is common among many people in the Zulu community. It is suitable for boys. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Adebisi Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. Babangida -Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means the master of the house. 19. 5. Axmed (Somali origin) the variant for Ahmed. Meaning: Servant of God., 6. Nenge (Nigerian origin) means "see," found among the Tiv people. 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. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". Hi, I am writing a novel and the main character (a girl) is from Sudan. creative tips and more. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. Ayanda (South African origin) means they are increasing, found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. Cisse (Madinka origin) meaning "professor". Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. If you liked our suggestions for African Last Names then why not take a look at Scottish last names, or for more last names take a look at these Croatian surnames. 88. Kimathi Origin: Kenyan. 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. Deng Mador K-Dengdit, Sudanese in Australia, African names like most traditional names like John (Yahweh is gracious) , Patrick (nobleman) , Natasha (christmas day), Abdul (servant of..) etc.. have meanings. 67. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". 92. The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. Meaning: Title given to firstborn male children of the Ibibio/Efik people. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on South African Names and African Last Names. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Botha Southern African, Afrikaans. It is among the most common African last names. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. 30. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. The name can be translated as fullness of power. 20. How big and representative is the sample. Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means spirit. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Over nine years, she has helped various brands with compelling, well-researched, and unique content. On track for Cape Town E-Prix: R350 tickets still available, but not for long! A name that reflects the gratitude of the family is Chamapiwa, meaning that which you have been given. Mokrani (Berber origin) refers to a town in Algeria. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. Meaning: Born during the festival or war. 72. 94. Chizimu Origin: Malawian (Lambya). 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. 47. 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. 79. - wife of Ralph Patrick Murray (1): 3. Temitope It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. 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. 5. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. 13. 77. It is typically a male name. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. 55. Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. 68. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. 57. It is considered a male name. Its variant is Chike, which means Gods power. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. 24. It means born into wealth or born into high status. Ahishakiye (Rwandan origin) meaning "whenever God wants". Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". Meaning: Unknown. 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 is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Behind the Name: Ndebele Given Names. Okusanya (Yoruba origin) meaning "God has rewarded me". Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". Etiename (Ibibio origin) meaning "benevolent". Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. 83. Read for more information. Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. Kalu (Ibo origin) meaning "God of thunder", Kalus is one of the most prominent surnames found in the African continent. Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. Zulu (Zulu origin) meaning "heaven". Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. according to the nigerian census. 95. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means 'one who is born on orie market day'. It is now common in South Africa. Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. 28. 2. You can hear a certain surname in a family being carried forward for many generations. Behind the Name: Tswana Given Names. 101. It is considered to be primarily male. Theophilus Khumalo is a retired South African football player, best known for playing in South Africa's national team. Ngige meaning "locust". 56. The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means flower or blossom. 81. Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. 32. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. 66. Abebe (Ethiopian origin) means "blossom" or "flower". 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. 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. 96. Typically found in the Akan group of Ghania, it means royalty or noble person. Mensah One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. It must be noted though that English white South Africans, Coloureds and very few blacks have "Afrikaans" surnames. 28. African Surnames: If theres ever a place or people you cant overlook, its the Africans. 20. One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. Teklehaimanot Origin: Ethiopian. Siddig (Arabic origin) meaning friend. 10. Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba). We can be baptised another Kenyan/African and more meaningful name than being another of the somewhat bland Peters and Janes of the world. 82. Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means handsome or beautiful. 83. Pages in category "Afrikaans-language surnames" The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. Eesuola It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. Buthelezi (Zulu origin) meaning "chief". It means sturdy or mighty tree. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Buhle is a common surname among people who's identity is attached to the Xhosa clan. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. It means a good runner. Motaung meaning "lions". It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. 26. 12. The History of South African Surnames. 1. 46. It means the river goddess has come home. 43. 71. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". Taleb A devoted student or a seeker of knowledge, 92. 50. 8. Haggar (North African origin) means flight. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. Ganizani (Botswanan origin) means think in Chewa. 31. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Copyright 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. 25. Nenge -This unusual surname means see in Tiv. De Beer Afrikaans. Mwanajuma -This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. Buhle (Xhosa origin) meaning "handsome". It means the strong one has returned. Musa Origin: Nigerian. 16. 58. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. 2. Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". You e-mail me the surnames you are interested in, and I send you the e-mail address(es) of the person(s) who are researching these surnames for their own family history. 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. I just feel happy to say that this programme of conscientization is excellent. Tawfiq Means an opportunity or chance to gain knowledge or succeed in life. 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. Meaning: Unknown. 100. Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". 54. 15. This also doesnt include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. Haliche (Berber origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite certain. 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. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. You need to be quite careful and focused to be able to produce these African last names as they should be. Back to top? But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. Afolabi (Yoruba origin) meaning "someone who is born into high status and wealth". 52. Kanye -Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. 60. Magombo Swahili, African, Swazi (Rare) Meaning unknown, possibly related from the fore name of the same name. Meaning: The Chosen One., 58. My African name reflects my personality I hate fights and arguments ; I am a peaceful person. Meaning: The son of royalty. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. 13. 10. Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. 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. The people can be divided into over a thousand different ethnic groups. 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. It means the compound remains strong in Igbo language. 10. Many common South African last names make references to natural occurrences. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. Boipelo (Botswanan origin) means proud. 36. Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. And many of the names in Oromo (another Ethiopian language) that contain Waaq as in Waaqgari, or Waaqayoo are similar derivations from the Oromo word for God (Waq). The following two tabs change content below. 75. 16. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is an anti-apartheid activist and politician, who worked under Nelson Mandela as the South African Minister of Health. 59. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. It is a conventional female name among the Yoruba groups and means wealth is sweet. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Chidiozie is a long-established surname in many African communities. It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. Umburter is one of the most prominent African last names from the Tiv language. This name is suitable for both genders. South African names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages. The first name is Bright. Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. 50. Olantungi (Yoruba origin) meaning "wealth wakes again". 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. 85. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. 23. Such a family name is always very outstanding and popular in such a community. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. Amani (Ethiopian origin) means faith. In the Wolof language, Alioune means lofty or sublime. The main difference is that African parents will not just put a label on their progeny without finding out what the label is saying about their hopes and aspirations, beliefs and culture and life experiences. 4. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings. 35. In the United States anyone who manifests African ancestry is coded as "black". It would be great if you could help me out. Hassan Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Morocco. 89. Mangosuthu Buthelezi was an African tribal leader and one of the founders of the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party). There are just too many peculiarities and labels associated with Africa and Africans. Preparations for the long-awaited Cape Town E-Prix are on track for next Saturday 25 November when the event kicks off on the streets of the Green Point Precinct. Conteh (Sierra Leone origin) meaning "great eagle". You e-mail me the surnames you are interested in, and I send you the e-mail address(es) of the person(s) who are researching these surnames for their own family history. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? 67. Abbas Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Algeria. 95. 69. 22. Quansah (Ghanaian origin) meaning "God is watching". 69. Fungai (South African origin) means think. Okoro (Igbo origin) meaning "greatness". Gumede (Zulu origin) meaning "to end what you have started". This list may not reflect recent changes. I suppose it depends what you mean by most common . Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. 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. This name is primarily given to male members. Do you know what region or tribe that that would be from? It is typically a male name. 90. 80. Accordingly, all letters that make up these last names must be duly considered and put into perspective while trying to pronounce them. Each last name has an origin and a meaning, and we have also included any additional information or history behind some names. Nkosi (Nguni origin) meaning "king". 51. Dikeledi (Botswanan origin) means tears. This name is primarily given to male members. When I was born, she gave me this name NOXOLO because she wanted peace. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. It is mostly given to boys due to its masculine connotation. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. These countries have their own beautiful languages, resulting in a range of different names that are unique to this region. 91. Itumeleng (Botswanan origin) means joy. 94. Get in touch! It means may I not lack a family or a home. Surnames serve as a tool to identify our ancestry. Originally a unisex nickname, Oriko is often used as a fond last name. 82. 70. It can be translated into the land is active. Kanumba Origin: Tanzanian. 39. Quansah Origin: Ghanaian. Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. 25. 34. More so, African surnames are plainly out of this world. Radebe (Zulu origin) meaning "big tree". 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. A name that praises God is Chidubem, which means God is my guide in Igbo. In many languages of Ethiopia for example, typical names are compounded of the divinity and some aspect of it. Ghirmai (Unknown origin) means my majesty. 14. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Acheampong Origin: Ghanaian (Ashanti). The term 'Goddesses' can be found among many common African names. 53. This list contains Ethiopian last names, Sudanese last names and many more. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. Toure -This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. It is usually considered a male name. 37. This is why many last names technically have different origins. 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. My family name has a click C as well. This is why many last names technically have different origins. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. I am certain that many other cultures equally create such names. Mazigh (Arabic origin) means free man. Another unisex name, Okoro means child of the freeborn man, or man in Urhobo. Igwe is an extremely popular surname used by various religious subsects. Chaka (Bemba origin) meaning "year". It is now common in South Africa. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. creative tips and more. Several African names and surnames, when translated, often make full sentences. Omenuko The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. 76. 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. Adeleke (Yoruba origin) meaning "the crown triumphed". It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. Surnames like Abimbola that reference wealth and prosperity are common in South Africa. West Africa is home to some of the most popular African last names. 76. Dumisani (South African origin) means praise in Zulu and Ndebele. Mensah (Akan origin) means "third child," found among the people of Ghana. Meaning: He came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy., 11. 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). Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. This Yoruba name means the lucid one or one who is clear. For example Gebre-Egziabher in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means Servant of God and those are Christian names. It is a commonly adored name for boys. 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. 1. Meaning: Derives from the name Tekle Haymanot, an Ethiopian monk and saint. 60. 73. 11. 52. It is suitable for boys and girls. It is usually given to boys. This category has the following 9 subcategories, out of 9 total. Buhari meaning "is a man". Umburter Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Achebe is an invocation of a deity, which means the Goddess protects. 28. The one-stop destination for all the unique and amazing African surnames. De Beer is a Dutch and Afrikaans surname, meaning "the bear". Other variants include Ali and Alioun. I maintain the list. Osei meaning "royalty". Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "the Goddess protects". Trilingual Rajnandini has also published work in a supplement for 'The Telegraph', and had her poetry shortlisted in Poems4Peace, an international project. Chibuzo is an African last name that means God give me directions. 71. This name from the Igbo tribes means my God is alive or my father lives. South African variant of Both. Ladipo -Used both as a last nameand a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Adebisi (Nigerian origin) meaning "we/the King gave birth to more," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Ndiaye Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. 48. If you are looking for African surnames for your kid, you are at the right place. 43. 45. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. Maybe you have also been intrigued by these African surnames; below we give you a list of some wonderful surnames borne by Africans. Richard Maponya was a South African conglomerate who built a business empire. Oyekan -Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. Thank you! Van Graan. 6. Ait (Berber origin) means son, and is found among people from Morocco. 40. My parents wanting to embue me with an African name, unknowingly gave me a first and middle name that reflects part of my ethnic origin Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means return of the crown. This name is also predominantly given to boys. Afumba (Lozi origin) meaning "when they plan". 18. The name can be translated as fullness of power. Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". This name is also masculine in essence. Umburter (Nigerian origin) means "remember the father," found among the Tiv people. Afumba (Zambian origin) meaning "when they plan". Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guineas first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". Realistically, there is no better description of diversity than with the African people and their last names. 9. Ladipo (Nigerian origin) meaning "wealth and prosperity," peculiar to the Yoruba people. 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. Owusu meaning "strong-minded and determined". Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. 78. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". 23. Madia South African. 84. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. 46. "Bruyn" is an archaic spelling of "bruin", meaning "brown". 34. Ele It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Abimbola (Yoruba origin) meaning "born with wealth". Owusu (Ghanaian origin) means "strong will and determined". Farouq The redeemer, one who differentiates between the right and wrong.