If you are looking for African surnames for your kid, you are at the right place. 38. 17. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "Goddess protects". 94. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". Badu Origin: Ghanaian. Usually found among the male population of Nigeria, this name means honor surrounds him. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. 93. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. A name that acknowledges a divine concession is Chukwunyelu, which means God gives in Igbo. This also doesnt include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. 2. Amani (Ethiopian origin) means faith. Stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly. 18. Meaning: Unknown. 41. We can be baptised another Kenyan/African and more meaningful name than being another of the somewhat bland Peters and Janes of the world. 57. Thank you! It is generally considered a boy name. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Egebe Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. We also also Afrikaan. 6. It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. It means born on a Friday. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. 58. Masondo (Zulu origin) meaning "wheels". South African variant of Both. Olowe -It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. Their ancestors arrived in South Africa through three different routes: 1. 36. Meaning: Unknown. Meaning: Destined for greatness. 1. Wairimu Kuria, Kenyan in US, African names comes with great pride and power. Dawit (Amharic origin) means beloved. The name list is disproportionately nigerian . Msiza meaning "helper". Furaha It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. It is a common given name to male children, which means firstborn son in Egyptian. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. 62. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 10. Akinyemi is a surname found mostly in descendants of the Yoruba people. Chidubem Origin: Nigerian (Igbo). Some of the names on this list have similar meanings but are derived from different languages and tribes. Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. hausas are the most populous group in nigeria. 23. 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. Nnadi is an extremely common surname used in much African community. Izem (Berber origin) from the Tamazight word which means lion. It is a conventional female name among the Yoruba groups and means wealth is sweet. 97. 71. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. 97. It is now common in South Africa. 22. Temitope It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. Popular among the female populace of Nigeria, it is an inspirational name which means she opens the way. 1. Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". 51. The Akan name is widely used among the girls. Here is a list of popular South African last names. It means a good runner. Madhurima takes a keen interest in parenting and lifestyle. 2. Your privacy is important to us. Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Anotidaishe means the Lord loves us. Your privacy is important to us. 52. In the United States anyone who manifests African ancestry is coded as "black". Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. This does not influence our choices. 72. A well-liked Yoruba male name, Abioye means born into royalty or the son of royalty. SOUTH AFRICAN SURNAMES - P PLEASE NOTE: This is ONLY a listing of who is interested in which South African families. It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. Browse our list of the most common South American names and surnames from A-Z. These people bear some of the most uncommon first names and surnames. Tutu (Subiya origin) meaning "wealth". It depends on what region of Sudan the girl is from. The History of South African Surnames. This page was last edited on 20 June 2022, at 04:46. 45. 95. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". 4. Malan. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Desmond Tutu is a renowned clerk and theologian, known for his work in the human rights sector. On track for Cape Town E-Prix: R350 tickets still available, but not for long! Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". Meaning: Mercy. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is gracious". In the 1700s some Portuguese sailors were s. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. 6. 14. It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. Each surname has its own peculiar significance and purpose. 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. 85. 15. Chimwemwe (Malawi origin) means pleasure or joy. 14. Umburter is one of the most prominent African last names from the Tiv language. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". 68. Nwadike -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. One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. More so, African surnames are plainly out of this world. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. Dlamini (Etswana origin) meaning "royalty". This last name originates from the Igbo group. Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". 22. Mokrani (Berber origin) refers to a town in Algeria. Bongani (South African origin) means thankful or grateful in Zulu. 89. 7. Their names are based on male lineage. Zuma meaning "of God". The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth. This name is also predominantly given to boys. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. 7. Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. 19. Bankole (Yoruba origin) meaning "build my house for me". 85. Ahishakiye (Rwandan origin) meaning "whenever God wants". We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Popoola (Nigerian origin) means "intelligent people," found in the Yoruba ethnic group. 44. 61. 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. The names are organised into subsections based on the location of their origin, in order to make this list as clear as possible for your enjoyment. Opeyemi It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. 21. 44. Such a family name is always very outstanding and popular in such a community. The following 67 pages are in this category, out of 67 total. The one-stop destination for all the unique and amazing African surnames. Over nine years, she has helped various brands with compelling, well-researched, and unique content. Imari is a variant of the African name Imani, meaning loyal.. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means 'one who is born on orie market day'. It is considered to be primarily male. Conteh is a common last name adopted throughout the African mainland. 2. Owusu (Ghanaian origin) means "strong will and determined". It means one who does good to others. It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. This is one of the beauties associated with African surnames. 70. There are also hundreds of languages spoken on the continent, providing endless interesting meanings of each last name. Get in touch! 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. 36. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Its female variant is Owusua. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. Maduabuchi means Humans are not God. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. Radebe (Zulu origin) meaning "big tree". Gowon Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means the rainmaker. Sometimes used as a first name, this surname means the king/crown/royalty opens the belly/ womb. It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. It has its origin in the Shona groups of Zimbabwe. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". 46. Fuli (Swahili origin) means very fast. 80. This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. 31. 83. 65. Albaz (Jewish origin) means falconer and originates from Morocco and Algeria. 82. There are just too many peculiarities and labels associated with Africa and Africans. Mbatha meaning "protector". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings. South african last names starting with R Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Olatunji Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. 79. Ray Phiri was a Malawian immigrant who went on to become one of South Africa's most renowned Jazz musicians. 23. Keita (Malian origin) means "blessing," found among the people of Mali. im writng a short story and I was wondering if I could get a last name, that could work for the western part of Africa. This name is also masculine in essence. 88. In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. Behind the Name: Tswana Given Names. 64. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 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 usually given to boys. The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. Adomako Origin: Ghanaian. March 03 , 2023. Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. how do go about changing your name to an African name? Folorunsho One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. - wife of Charles Meredith Deane (1): 2. Oluwusi It means kingship has increased. Agwuegbo (Nigerian origin) means "the hardship is over," found among the Igbo people. Lupondo South African. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. Ladipo (Nigerian origin) meaning "wealth and prosperity," peculiar to the Yoruba people. Alioune (Senegalis origin) meaning "sublime" or "lofty". 8. 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? It is usually given to boys. Abuchi, USA, I have a western surname, presumably that of the slavemaster of my forebears. 7. Meaning: Child that keeps coming or reincarnation., 5. 64. 26. 66. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. 99. In Igbo language, it means my land is not lost. 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 It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Meaning: 'Child of the freeborn man.'. Akinyi is another popular last name in Africa that means born in the morning.. 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. A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means the king/crown/royalty along with wealth. Amel (North African origin) means hope. An Igbo surname, Ala means land, while neme means doing something. 51. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. It must be noted though that English white South Africans, Coloureds and very few blacks have "Afrikaans" surnames. 98. Haggar (North African origin) means flight. Another expression of a characteristic trait, Asaju means leader of warriors, and is considered primarily male. Kaizer Motaung is the founder and manager director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African soccer team. It is typically a male name. what are the parameters you have used to arrive at this results ? 50. Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. Noxolo Judith Ncapayi, South Africa. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means one who walks with confidence or one who carries oneself like a wealthy person. de Klerk. 86. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means clergyman. Dogo (Nigerian origin) means "little," found among the Hausa in the northern part of Nigeria. In many languages of Ethiopia for example, typical names are compounded of the divinity and some aspect of it. Some practice various tribal religions, others Islam or Christianity. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Jomana (Arabic origin) means a pearl. Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means the rainmaker. 96. Each name is unique and holds an ancestral meaning, symbolizing the origin and history. It means one who does good to others. 9. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. Adebisi (Yoruba origin) meaning "the king produced more". Find out some great southern African names with this list. It is usually given to boys. 94. The Igbo people do not use family names. It is one of the most widely used Hausa nicknames which means little. Faraji is a common Swahili last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor. 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. Kanumba Origin: Tanzanian. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Over nine year more. 26. Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. It is a Dutch/Flemish variant on the word Lowe, meaning Lion. My family name has a click C as well. 43. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. Themba Ndaba is a renowned South African director who selected the cast of 'Zone 14' and 'Machine Gun Preacher'. Orji is a common surname in many South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 50. Igwe Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. It is considered a male name. 60. 88. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. It means "leaves" (verb) in Swahili. 74. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. The surname with Yoruba origin means god has rewarded me for my sufferings. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Chrizanne (South African origin) from the Afrikaans tribe, this is a combination of Christine and Anne. If you have a South African last name, you may find it in one of the categories below. Mensah One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. 4. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. 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. Of Yoruba origin, the name means the crown is good. Twala meaning "to carry". It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means fathers love. Akpabio -Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. 68. Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Surnames of Kenyan origin (37 P) Surnames of Moroccan origin (46 P) Surnames of North African origin (1 C) Surnames of Somali origin (4 P) Surnames of South African origin (5 C, 5 P) Surnames of Swaziland origin (1 P) Surnames of Tunisian origin (10 P) Surnames of West African origin (5 C, 3 P) Swahili-language . Hamadache (Algerian origin) the meaning is unknown. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Meaning: The Lord is gracious.. Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means spirit. 61. Odili meaning "peace". Answer (1 of 6): No, some similarities but very different spelling. Falade Several African names and surnames, when translated, often make full sentences. Albert Luthuli was an African Nobel Peace Prize winner, teacher, and anti-apartheid activist. 10. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". 47. 79. Mensah (Akan origin) means "third child," found among the people of Ghana. 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). 89. I just feel happy to say that this programme of conscientization is excellent. 62. 59. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. Stemming from the Yoruba group, Adeleke means the king/crown/royalty triumphed. My first name is from the bible as Christanity was an old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa. This last name is commonly used by joint families in Africa. 99. It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. Truly African surnames are unusual, remarkable, exceptional, and relevant. Dalitso (Malawi origin) means blessing. We have listed 100 surnames of African origin in this article. Yeboah meaning "helping others".