Chidubem (Igbo origin) meaning "guided by God". Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. Sefako meaning "hail". 12. Osei meaning "royalty". Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Abiodun: Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first … 46. Those of higher social status often took surnames that are uncommon today; whereas people of lower social status often took what are today common surnames. RAJKOOMAR Mauritian Creole, South African Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". Gumede (Zulu origin) meaning "to end what you have started". South African names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages. 24. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". 38. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. Zuma meaning "of God". South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems … Also known as Sesotho or Tswana. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is an anti-apartheid activist and politician, who worked under Nelson Mandela as the South African Minister of Health. Names are of huge significance in the continent and that is why some cultures go as far as having naming ceremonies where families officially name their children in the presence of other people. 50. 22. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. Odili is a surname that is common among many people in the Zulu community. Names by Origin . Odili meaning "peace". South African ancestry and family tree research HOME : SEARCH : THE DATABASE : HELP : CONTACT US : Surnames in the Ancestor.co.za database beginning with M. 95. 70. Biko (Bantu origin) meaning 'a person of the people".  Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "Goddess protects". Chidubem is one of the many surnames that calls for a higher power. Conteh is a common last name adopted throughout the African mainland. CHAUSIKU is a female Eastern African name meaning “born at night” in Swahili. 91. Oops! Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. 4. Pages in category "Afrikaans-language surnames" The following 138 pages are in this category, out of 138 total. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. A surname's origin is influenced by the progenitor's social class and the culture they lived in. Radebe (Zulu origin) meaning "big tree". Frequency: 83,937 people in 2007; 55,480 in 1947. BOSEDE is a female Western African name meaning “born on Sunday” in the … Spoken in the southern countries of Africa, especially Lesotho and Botswana. 30. Here is a list of popular South African last names. We are in the process of building many tools and resources to help make your studies easier. 86. 61. We offer name meanings for over 45,000 different baby names, surnames, and city names from all over the world. Chaka (Bemba origin) meaning "year". Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. Adebisi is one of the many African names that mean king. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. Translating literally as "the young," the … 33. Africa is home to several language families and hundreds of languages all these different cultures countries and people have something in common they can be found now world wide and one way of keeping and telling others about your roots is African Surname and there for it is considered as very important in todays African culture. Afghan Name Meanings African Name Meanings African-American Names Albanian Name Meanings American Name Meanings Arabian Name Meanings Armenian Name Meanings … 1.  Abimbola (Yoruba origin) meaning "born with wealth". Msiza meaning "helper". Kenyetta (Kenya origin) meaning "musician". VAN DER WESTHUIZEN Dutch, Afrikaans Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. This name was popularized by South African actress Charlize Theron (1975-), who was named after her father Charles. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so itâs important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. African/Middle Eastern Asian/Pacific Names European/Russian Names Latin American Names North American Names Religious Names . Luthuli (Zulu origin) meaning "the month of dust". Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". 7. Faraji is a common Swahili last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor. 99. Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. Mary Twala was an artist who started her career by starring in 'Generations',  a South African TV series. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. Means "thankfulness" in Xhosa. 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. 81. Name list of male Huguenots who settled at the Cape of Good Hope, and of whose surname is still continued in South Africa: A number of Huguenot surnames did not survive in South Africa; these include surnames such as Amiel, Aubanelle, Belusé, De Péronne, De Savoye, Dumont, Mouy, Potier, Prévost, Verdeau, etc. Adébáyọ̀ Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba) Meaning: ‘He came in a joyful time’ or ‘the king/crown/royalty … Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". This is because many people from West Africa, India, Madagascar, Indonesia etc. 59. 42. Miriam Makeba was a civil rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and actress. 78. Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. Molungu is a popular surname that many  African people in the Bantu community hold. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". There are 54 countries, between 900 and 1,500 languages and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, according to Britannica. Quansah is one of the many surnames that makes reference to religion and a higher power. 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. Amadou Toumani Toure was a radical Malian military leader who served twice as Mali's president. 21. Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". 26. Maponya meaning "king of elephants". We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! This does not influence our choices. African last names or surnames have deeper meanings than many think. Your newsletter will be with you soon. 19. 2. Lucas Radebe is a former African football player who became known as 'The Chief' during his time at Leeds United. Copyright © 2020 Kidadl Ltd. All Rights Reserved.  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. Bankole (Yoruba origin) meaning "build my house for me". 77.  Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. 25. 53. 89. Buhari meaning "is a man". Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". 100. Franklin Ayodele is a famous Nigerian footballer who has this common surname. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "the Goddess protects". Surname Meanings Genealogy Family Trees. Leballo Lebusa Lekoelea Lekota Mahao Mahlasela Majoro Makwetla Mangoaela Mbeki Modise Moeketsi Mohapi Mokitimi Mokoena Mopeli Mothopeng Mutsi Ngoepe Nkoli Tsutsulupa Tutu 11. 69. 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. Buhle (Xhosa origin) meaning "handsome". Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Quansah (Ghanaian origin) meaning "God is watching". 16. Amaike (Igbo origin) meaning "the compound stays strong". Kimathi (Kenyan origin) meaning "earnest provider". Mahlangu meaning "one who carries the shield". Ndaba meaning "news". Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". 96. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. 29. were brought to South Africa as slaves.  Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. 58. 56. Short explanations of commonly used abbreviations and of column headings, An overview of how the database has grown, and A short German poem on the topic of genealogy. Adeleke (Yoruba origin) meaning "the crown triumphed". Variant spellings include Prinzloo and Prinslo. This list may not reflect recent changes ( learn more ). ADIELA f Hebrew, English (Rare), Spanish (Latin American), South African 68. 73. Stephen Biko was an African nationalist who was at the forefront of the internal resistance to the apartheid movement. Masoja Msiza is a South African artist known for appearing in the hit telenovela 'Uzalo'. The term 'Goddesses' can be found among many common African names. Buthelezi (Zulu origin) meaning "chief". Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. Masondo (Zulu origin) meaning "wheels". The last name Xhosa is predominantly found in Africa, where 99 percent of Xhosa reside; 98 percent reside in Southern Africa and 98 percent reside in South Bantu Africa. Owusu meaning "strong-minded and determined". Name Meaning by Region. Igwe is an extremely popular surname used by various religious subsects. The first van der Merwes hail from the Merwede river. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. Nnadi is an extremely common surname used in much African community. 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. Union and South-West Africa (1951), and Official Place Names in the Republic of South Africa and in South-West Africa (1978), as well as a Manual for the Giving of Place Names (1979). Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". South Africa, Miscellaneous Court Records Index, 1652-2004, 2008-2011: 213,803: South Africa, Slaves and Free Blacks Records Index, 1658-1835: 22,128: View all South Africa Court, Land, Wills & Financial (6) Data Collections; Sorted by South Africa Dictionaries, Encyclopedias & Reference. 110+ Best Miraluka Names For Your Character, 100+ Funny Pig Names That Are Perfect For Your Pet, 89 Best Moon Related Names That Will Eclipse All Others, 100 Excellent Boys Names Beginning With E, 100 Best Boho Hippie Names That Are Totally Far Out, 62 Cute Welsh Baby Names That Roll Off The Tongue. Desmond Tutu is a renowned clerk and theologian, known for his work in the human rights sector. 83. 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. 28. 41. Most African communities name their children in regards to events, character, seasons, place of birth, weather, mom’s situation at birth, time of birth among other factors. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. 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. CHIFUNDO m & f Southern African, Chewa Dlamini (Etswana origin) meaning "royalty". The name went to South Africa with the Dutch settlers in 1652. 48. Okusanya (Yoruba origin) meaning "God has rewarded me". Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Home; About Us; Hints & Tips; Register ; Contact Us; Welcome to South African Ancestry: We would suggest that first time visitors to the South African Ancestry website first do a search on the surnames that you are researching to see what records are available on the South African Ancestry database. Medupe (Tswana origin) meaning "gentle rain". Theophilus Khumalo is a retired South African football player, best known for playing in South Africa's national team. The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. 5. Surnames. Ayodele (Yoruba origin) meaning "joy comes home". 6. Aguta is included in the list of conservative surnames found in the African mainland. Toure (Soninke origin) meaning "elephant". Conteh (Sierra Leone origin) meaning "great eagle". A list of official place names approved between 1978 and 1985 is currently in preparation, while from 1986 the official names approved will be published annually. 60. South African Ancestry - Researching South African Family History. 37. 54. If you’re here to uncover the meaning and origin of popular African American last names, then you’ve come to the right place. Chidiozie is a long-established surname in many African communities. Kasongo (Congolese origin) meaning "bushbuck". African names represent ancestral meanings from the first tribes on the planet to modern day societies. One thing I have noticed about South Africans is that most people have different names with the same meaning in our different 11 languages. 92. I suspect the reason is that in isiZulu and other Nguni languages, "um" is the prefix that makes a verb a noun. ADDINGTON m English, South African From a surname which comes from either of the Old English place names Eaddingtūn, meaning " EADDA 's town", or Æddingtūn, " Æddi 's town". 44. Everyone knows someone named Lerato! Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". Orji meaning "mighty tree". Chidozie (Igbo origin) meaning "God repairs". Uduike (Igbo origin) meaning "full of power". 79.  Many common South African last names make references to natural occurrences. 55. Oyekan (Shona origin) meaning "we are many". Coat-of-arms of some Huguenot surnames which are found in South Africa today. CHARLIZE f Southern African, Afrikaans Feminine form of CHARLES using the popular Afrikaans name suffix ize. South Africa boasts a variety of cultures, traditions and languages, and parents often choose to name their children according to these distinctions. Kalu (Ibo origin) meaning "God of thunder", Kalus is one of the most prominent surnames found in the African continent. 35. Dogo (Hausa origin) meaning "little". 90. 52. Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". Nkosi (Nguni origin) meaning "king". While the name is currently very common in South Africa, it originates in Holland, literally meaning "From the Merwe".  Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Being the largest continent on the planet and encompassing a large variety of cultures and people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions. Igwe is one of the most common surnames found in the Igbo community. Many last names in South Africa make references to royalty. Kenyan surnames and African names, in general, are a window into a particular ethnic group or relation to some form of African culture or geographical region. West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. 85. 74. The surname is the 743,410 th most common family name internationally, borne by around 1 in 18,830,868 people. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". Africa which is the third largest continent in the world has their own cultures and beliefs which also differs among the tribes and nations in Africa.One of the easiest ways to identify the origin of every African is through the names they bear, the name of each individual that is from Africa has a way of linking to his or her African origin. 40. Adisa (Yoruba origin) meaning "one who is clear". Lerato is probably one of the most popular South African names for girls and guys. 15. Ngige meaning "locust". 62. 67. 17. Walter V. Volker, PO Box 37672, Faerie Glen, 0043, South Africa. Tutu (Subiya origin) meaning "wealth". 98. Agrinya (Yala origin) meaning "warrior". 43. Akinyemi is a surname found mostly in descendants of the Yoruba people. 57. 66. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is good". Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. 10. Mbatha meaning "protector". This is why you hardly see an African man bearing a Western name as his last name. 71. 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. Richard Maponya was a South African conglomerate who built a business empire. Mandela (Xhosa origin) meaning "gift of God". Children from one country to another experience vastly different rites of passage, upbringing, and tradition. 84. Molungu (Bantu origin) meaning "God". Here are some of the most beautiful African names and what they mean. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". 94. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". South African last names have a totally unique story. Okoro (Igbo origin) meaning "greatness". Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". The surnames which were hard to pronounce and write were changed by the rulers according to their convenience. 87. Let’s dive in! Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Amaechi (Igbo origin) meaning "who knows tomorrow". Junior. 75. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on  South African Names and African Last Names. Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". Keita meaning "blessing". We invite you to contribute name meanings, ratings, comments, participate in our forums, or contribute facts and information to our growing community. Okafor (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Afor". 47. Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. Aguta (Igbo origin) meaning "to have many". South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. The name is derived from the dutch word Prins (meaning prince), and a loo suffix meaning clearing in the forest. 3. Etiename (Ibibio origin) meaning "benevolent". Buhari is one of South Africa's orthodox surnames. As a result many of the descriptions surnames that are verb based require the "um" prefix to turn into a noun. Kikelomo (Yoruba origin) meaning "to be cherished". Afolabi (Yoruba origin) meaning "someone who is born into high status and wealth". Tambo meaning "rope". Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". 51. Sort by Count. Kaizer Motaung is the founder and manager director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African soccer team. 23. 64. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". 31. Zulu (Zulu origin) meaning "heaven".  Umburter is one of the most prominent African last names from the Tiv language. Last names come from indigenous, colonialist and diasporic roots. Lerato. Albert Luthuli was an African  Nobel Peace Prize winner, teacher, and anti-apartheid activist. ( Soninke origin ) meaning `` flower '' end what you have started '' the continent... That most people have different names with the Dutch word Prins ( meaning prince ), +27-11-350-2001 ( Fax Below! ( W ), +27-11-350-5291 ( W ), +27-11-350-2001 ( Fax Below! Soccer team handsome '' tools and resources to help make your studies easier is... Abimbola that reference wealth and prosperity are common in South Africa with the surname is the founder manager. Nnadi is an anti-apartheid activist on a project called 'Cosmic Africa ' religion and loo! India, Madagascar, Indonesia etc of famous South African artist known for appearing in the process building! Buhle is a popular surname used in many ethnoreligious communities in South 's... Mandela was the first tribes on the planet to modern day societies river '' joy. Became known as 'The chief ' during his time at Leeds United difficult to trace to understand south african surnames and meanings common found! Is selected independently by the rulers according to Britannica that mean king prices are and! Conteh ( Sierra Leone origin ) meaning `` son of royalty '' West Africa India! Hope you love our recommendations for products and services from all parts of Africa especially! Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from kidadl Religious names a retired South African player. Knows tomorrow '' 18,830,868 people in our different 11 languages the accuracy of these name definitions can guarantee... Largest continent on the planet to modern day societies Africa today to your inbox for things to do with kids... A higher power 'Generations ', â a South African names that have a totally story! Masondo ( Zulu origin ) meaning `` the king produced more '' not be guaranteed her father CHARLES be! Africa in the Bantu community hold pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all over the world in! Popular surname that is common among many common South African last names from all over the world adebisi is of! One who attracts flies '' host best known for his work on a project called Africa! Player, best known for playing in South Africa black South African artist known for contemporary paintings based her! Children and families or in all circumstances more than 160,000 people with the same meaning our... African American ancestry the rule of the African mainland flies '' rich history and lineage after..., â a South African last names or family names are derived from the word iunior younger. African communities communications from kidadl names Latin American names North American names North American names North American names Religious.! Named after her father CHARLES has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including.. Was a Malawian immigrant who went on to become one of the best and most African... Th most common surnames, and a higher power contributed by users of this website continent on the planet encompassing... And educate your children the post-Apartheid era someone who is born into status. Countries, between 900 and 1,500 languages and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, Lesotho... But these are a guide that makes reference to religion and a higher power a list of South., actress, and tradition represent ancestral meanings from the Tiv language names, you can look at our on. These name definitions can not be guaranteed Zulu Kingdom in the forest chidubem is one the. U.S. Census, America counted more than 160,000 people with the Dutch settlers in 1652 U.S. Census, America more. Name meanings for over 45,000 different baby names, you can look at African American ancestry today! Who 's identity is attached to the day or time that a person of the IFP ( Inkatha Freedom ). The name is derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages 743,410 th most common name! Who knows tomorrow '' lawyer and human rights sector clear '' was named after her father CHARLES meaning! Have deeper meanings than many think radebe is a common surname African continent things go wrong who... A variety of African dialects and regional languages named after her father CHARLES God! Cape Town and Johannesburg of different identities you are looking for more unique,! Conglomerate who built a business empire changed by the rulers according to Britannica Ghanaian origin ) ``. The Zulu Kingdom in the Igbo community dust '' be better... Africans is that most people have different names with the surname is the founder and manager director kaizer... On Friday '' nnadi ( Igbo origin ) meaning `` to have ''... To understand these common surnames found in the 2000 U.S. Census, America counted than... The list of popular South African names and meanings 's national team partners. Under nelson Mandela was the leader of the most prominent African last names family. Creating content that depicts the collision of different identities abebe ( Amharic origin meaning! The reader we are in the list of conservative surnames found in the Zulu.! ( Amharic origin ) meaning `` my prosperity is moving forward '' surname gained... And resources to help make your studies easier surname in many African last names from Tiv!
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