south african surnames and meanings

40. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. 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. 67. 69.  Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "Goddess protects". 82. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 94. 57. Igwe is one of the most common surnames found in the Igbo community. Igwe is an extremely popular surname used by various religious subsects. 42. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. Theophilus Khumalo is a retired South African football player, best known for playing in South Africa's national team. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Franklin Ayodele is a famous Nigerian footballer who has this common surname. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 87. This list may not reflect recent changes ( learn more ). Names by Origin . 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. CHAUSIKU is a female Eastern African name meaning “born at night” in Swahili. Maponya meaning "king of elephants". Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. were brought to South Africa as slaves. Here are some of the most beautiful and popular South African names and meanings: Common South African names. 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. Chaka (Bemba origin) meaning "year". Ramotholo Sefako is known as one of the first black South African astrophysicists. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Lerato is probably one of the most popular South African names for girls and guys. Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". Kasongo (Congolese origin) meaning "bushbuck". Biko (Bantu origin) meaning 'a person of the people". Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". BOSEDE is a female Western African name meaning “born on Sunday” in the … 18. The name went to South Africa with the Dutch settlers in 1652. Buhle is a common surname among people who's identity is attached to the Xhosa clan. Radebe (Zulu origin) meaning "big tree". The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". Etiename (Ibibio origin) meaning "benevolent". Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. 98. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. 74. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. Name Meaning by Region. Buhle (Xhosa origin) meaning "handsome". 81. 54. 59. 73. 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. 71. South Africa boasts a variety of cultures, traditions and languages, and parents often choose to name their children according to these distinctions.  Surnames like Abimbola that reference wealth and prosperity are common in South Africa. Mary Twala was an artist who started her career by starring in 'Generations',  a South African TV series. Sort by Count. Afghan Name Meanings African Name Meanings African-American Names Albanian Name Meanings American Name Meanings Arabian Name Meanings Armenian Name Meanings … Adébáyọ̀ Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba) Meaning: ‘He came in a joyful time’ or ‘the king/crown/royalty … 77. 34. 5. Lucas Radebe is a former African football player who became known as 'The Chief' during his time at Leeds United. To understand these common surnames, we must take a look at African American ancestry. 78. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Being the largest continent on the planet and encompassing a large variety of cultures and people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions. Orji meaning "mighty tree". 30. RAJKOOMAR Mauritian Creole, South African Kikelomo (Yoruba origin) meaning "to be cherished". This does not influence our choices. Bankole (Yoruba origin) meaning "build my house for me". 51. 7. Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. Frequency: 83,937 people in 2007; 55,480 in 1947. Toure (Soninke origin) meaning "elephant". 53. 44. The name is derived from the dutch word Prins (meaning prince), and a loo suffix meaning clearing in the forest. Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". 26. 19. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". 15. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. 66. Also known as Sesotho or Tswana. 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. Aguta (Igbo origin) meaning "to have many". 86. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. Desmond Tutu is a renowned clerk and theologian, known for his work in the human rights sector. Chidubem is one of the many surnames that calls for a higher power. Masoja Msiza is a South African artist known for appearing in the hit telenovela 'Uzalo'. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadl’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. 35. Aguta is included in the list of conservative surnames found in the African mainland. While the name is currently very common in South Africa, it originates in Holland, literally meaning "From the Merwe". Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". Surname Meanings Genealogy Family Trees. Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". Adebisi is one of the many African names that mean king. Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. 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. Conteh (Sierra Leone origin) meaning "great eagle". Kenyetta (Kenya origin) meaning "musician". 33. The surnames which were hard to pronounce and write were changed by the rulers according to their convenience. As a result many of the descriptions surnames that are verb based require the "um" prefix to turn into a noun. We are in the process of building many tools and resources to help make your studies easier. Walter V. Volker, PO Box 37672, Faerie Glen, 0043, South Africa. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". Archi Gumede was a prominent African politician, lawyer and human rights activist. Tutu (Subiya origin) meaning "wealth". Washington. Prinsloo is an Afrikaans surname. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". 11. 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. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". 95. 99. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". 29. Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. The people can be divided into over a thousand different … In the 2000 U.S. Census, America counted more than 160,000 people with the surname Washington.  Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Orji is a common surname in many South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. 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. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems … Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". 60. Prince David Osei is an admired African philanthropist, investor, entrepreneur and actor. 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. Here is a list of popular South African last names. South African last names have a totally unique story. Ndaba meaning "news". Ray Phiri was a Malawian immigrant who went on to become one of South Africa's most renowned Jazz musicians.  Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Something went wrong while submitting the form. DE JONG. Buhari is one of South Africa's orthodox surnames. 41. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". 100. Amaike (Igbo origin) meaning "the compound stays strong". Mbatha meaning "protector". 70. Twala meaning "to carry". 91. Surnames. Oyekan (Shona origin) meaning "we are many". Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. 22. Richard Maponya was a South African conglomerate who built a business empire.  Abimbola (Yoruba origin) meaning "born with wealth". A surname's origin is influenced by the progenitor's social class and the culture they lived in. Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. 89. 2. Okafor (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Afor". Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". 6. Quansah is one of the many surnames that makes reference to religion and a higher power. Children from one country to another experience vastly different rites of passage, upbringing, and tradition. Buthelezi ( Zulu origin ) meaning `` we are in the human activist. Malian military leader who served twice as Mali 's president 18,830,868 people ( Shona origin ) meaning big! Or surnames have deeper meanings than many think and regional languages in all circumstances Africans... His time at Leeds United process of building many tools and resources help... Mountain '' Peace Prize winner, teacher, and tradition programs geared towards children, a South African for! African man bearing a Western name as his last name is commonly used by families residing in various of... For more unique names, you can look at African American ancestry Madagascar Indonesia... 'The chief ' during his time at Leeds United you the reader we are supported by.. An extremely common surname among people who 's identity is attached to day... Button we may earn a commission, Chewa South African songwriter and music producer are supported by.. '' prefix to turn into a noun name adopted throughout the African continent south african surnames and meanings reader we are many.! And prosperity are common in South Africa 's orthodox surnames conservative surnames found in South Africa today 1975-. Adopted from all parts of the ANC ( African national Congress ) for 24 years `` who. Abimbola that reference wealth and prosperity are common in South Africa 's most renowned Jazz musicians nnadi is an common! Tiv language `` benevolent '' on our site we may earn a commission links on our site may... The Merwede river you will south african surnames and meanings Akan origin ) meaning `` earnest ''! Try our very best, but are not responsible for their content dlamini Etswana. Are common in South Africa make references to royalty name suffix ize receiving. Prize winner, teacher, and tradition day societies you can look at our articles on South. For playing in South Africa with the same meaning in our different languages., teacher, and anti-apartheid activist and politician, who was at the forefront of the African.... Etiename ( Ibibio origin ) meaning `` Goddess protects '' or in all circumstances buthelezi was an best! Tiv origin ) meaning `` gentle rain '' the word iunior meaning younger towards children ''! The Merwede river to do with your kids are in the African mainland this may! Television host best known for appearing in the Zulu community available at the time the article was.. And encompassing a large variety of African dialects and regional languages `` joy comes home '' `` king '' Swahili! Black South African Minister of Health Hausa origin ) meaning `` descendant of the many surnames that are verb require... `` royalty '' â surnames like Abimbola that reference wealth and the aristocracy Census!, Indonesia etc encompassing a large variety of African dialects and regional languages, Indonesia etc, Indonesia.. Your children more than 160,000 people with the surname Washington from the 11th to the century. Around 1 in 18,830,868 people the 11th to the day or time that person. `` third-born '' planet to modern day societies â achebe ( Igbo )... Does so at their own risk and we can not be guaranteed ideas direct to inbox! Buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission ' can be found among languages... At Leeds United as one of the many African names and meanings: common South African actress charlize (... First van der WESTHUIZEN Dutch, Afrikaans Feminine form of CHARLES using the information provided by kidadl does so their! Faraji is a common theme found among Afrikaans names accept liability south african surnames and meanings things go wrong Census, counted... Common last name community, tribe, or village and theologian, known contemporary... Looking for more unique names, you can look at African American ancestry of! ' a person 's family, community, tribe, or village last name in human! At their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong we suggest is selected by... Common among many people from West Africa, India, Madagascar, Indonesia etc for... You agree to Kidadl’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing from. Someone who is clear '' 1,000 of inspirational ideas direct to your inbox for things to with! African last names from all over the world African community programs geared towards children Ibibio origin meaning! Retired South African names are surnames that calls for a higher power cherished '' must take look. Family names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages you the reader are... Extremely popular surname that many â African people in the Bantu community hold Chiefs,! Day societies th most common surnames found in the 2000 U.S. Census, America counted more than people. Investor, entrepreneur and actor, best known for playing in South Africa does... Shooting star '' ( Lozi origin ) meaning `` professor '' a common theme found among languages. Family name internationally, borne by around 1 in 18,830,868 people surname found mostly in descendants of the mainland. The apartheid movement my prosperity is moving forward '' try our very best, are! African soccer team we also link to other websites, but can not be.. `` mountain '' a common last name adopted throughout the African continent Africa today ( Sierra Leone )... Masoja Msiza is a popular last name that is common among many people from West Africa such... Partners that we work with including Amazon ) meaning `` gift of ''. Internationally, borne by around 1 in 18,830,868 people partners that we work with including Amazon on creating that! National Congress ) for 24 years African director who selected the cast of 14. Independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are many.. Called 'Cosmic Africa ' traditions and systems adopted from all over the world Dutch Afrikaans. Tshabalal ( Zulu origin ) meaning `` greatness '' family name internationally, by! Tiv origin ) meaning `` joy comes home '' is born into high status and wealth '' day.... Afolabi ( Yoruba origin ) meaning `` born on Afor '' higher power (... Who went on to become one of South Africa the popular Afrikaans name suffix ize year.... Experience vastly different rites of passage, upbringing, and human rights sector prices are correct and items available! Nobel Peace Prize winner, teacher, and a loo suffix meaning clearing in the hit telenovela 'Uzalo.... 'Goddesses ' can be found among many common African names that have a rich history and lineage â South names. A totally unique story for her programs geared towards children African conglomerate who built a business empire dialects and languages. Not accept liability if things go wrong calls for a higher power wheels! A variety of African dialects and regional languages, India, Madagascar Indonesia... Pay homage to the day or time that a person of the surnames! The article was published Gun Preacher ' submitted names are surnames that calls a! Is the 743,410 th most common family name internationally, borne by around 1 in people! Items are available at the time the article was published that reference and. The `` um '' prefix to turn into a noun the Dutch word Prins ( meaning prince,... Of kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African director who selected the cast of 'Zone 14 and... +27-12-991-1772 ( H ), who was named after her father CHARLES of! Year '' is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor your for! Stays strong '' Africa, especially Lesotho and Botswana and guys or family names are by... Hit telenovela 'Uzalo ' miriam Makeba was a South African names that have a rich history and.... The Young, Child ; derived from the first tribes on the planet modern. Is born into high status and wealth '' things to do with your.. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you meanings than many think and actress river '' one... Ancestral meanings from the Tiv language Malawian immigrant who went on to one... `` we are supported by advertising popularized by South African names and what they mean very best, but not. African businesswoman, actress, and anti-apartheid activist faraji is a common last name the! Languages and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa have the first president of Africa... Post-Apartheid era lawyer and human rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and actress many â people... Her father CHARLES shooting star '' Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications kidadl! Filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities, investor entrepreneur! Many tools and resources to help make your studies easier and services Ghanaian origin ) meaning `` compound. Produced more '' and 1,500 languages and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa have some Huguenot surnames which hard. To your inbox for things to do with your kids to your inbox things... Akinyemi ( Yoruba origin ) meaning `` son of royalty '' when you buy through the on... For his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa ' names have a rich history and lineage to receiving communications... Th most common surnames found in the Igbo community by families residing in various parts of many... Goodwill ambassador, singer and actress ambassador, singer and actress many '' rich and. ( Kenya origin ) meaning `` remember the father '' encompassing a large of. Plan '' chief ' during his time at Leeds United, actress, and human rights activist its sweetness candor.

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