Kikelomo (Yoruba origin) meaning "to be cherished". Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. For example: Sefu sword and Tau lion (masculine) and Marjani coral and Ife love (feminine). This name suits both boys and girls. Dlamini is also the surname of the reigning royal family of eSwatini. 31. The Igbo people do not use family names. 52. 65. Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 30. It means born on a Friday. Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Imari is a variant of the African name Imani, meaning loyal.. Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means the rainmaker. Negga/Nega Origin: Ethiopian. Browse our list of the most common South American names and surnames from A-Z. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". 83. 16. Kanye -Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". It is home to many ethnic groups and tribes. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. Osei Typically found in the Akan group of Ghana, it means royalty or noble person. With a Master of Arts in English, she has worked as a private tutor and, in the past few years, has moved into content writing for companies such as Writer's Zone. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. Bilaal (Somali origin) means moistening. Adby Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). Lucas Radebe is a former African football player who became known as 'The Chief' during his time at Leeds United. Last names or family names are surnames that identify a person's family, community, tribe, or village. 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. It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. Realistically, there is no better description of diversity than with the African people and their last names. 95. Its female variant is Owusua. Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. Tawfiq Means an opportunity or chance to gain knowledge or succeed in life. 71. 75. You can find some beautiful and popular African last names from countries in eastern Africa. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. how do go about changing your name to an African name? South African variant of Both. It means one who is born during the festival or war. The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. Meaning: Handsome, manly, or strong.. 59. 4. I suppose it depends what you mean by most common . Baharia (Swahili origin) means one who sails, common among the people of Tanzania and Kenya. 69. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. It implies that a baby will be the first of many children for couples who have had difficulty in conceiving. Toure (Soninke origin) meaning "elephant". Gebreyes (Ethiopian origin) means servant of. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. 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. http://www.expressos. It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. Selassie -Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. 92. 2. This diversity is evident in all facets of their existence and it is very prominent. Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". 90. It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. 15. It means the river goddess has come home. Many common South African last names make references to natural occurrences. For example if you were born on a Monday and named Kojo or Kodjo for a boy or Adjo for a girl, you would be taken as a zealous man or woman because Monday is the first day of work after the weekend, and if you were born on a Wednesday and named Kokou for a boy or Akwa for a girl, you were taken as a half-lazy person because people usually work or go to school for just the first half of the day -from 7 to 12- and use the other half as leisure time, and if you were born on a Sunday and named Kossi for a boy or Kossiwa for a girl, you were taken as the child of God, the pure, pretty child because people dress up pretty to worship God at the mass on Sunday. An appreciative masculine name that embraces a new arrival with positivity, it means the king/crown/royalty filled the house. Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. Desmond Tutu is a renowned clerk and theologian, known for his work in the human rights sector. 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. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means 'one who is born on orie market day'. 61. 87. Meaning: Unknown. The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. It means one who does good to others. We mention the African last names with their meanings and origins to help you learn about their rich history. It is usually given to boys. Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guinea's first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal . 25. Its not just some common names you hear every day. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". 2. It is usually accepted as a male name. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Bankole (Yoruba origin) meaning "build my house for me". Of Yoruba origin, the name means the crown is good. 93. 89. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. The people of South Africa take inspiration from several sources when it comes to surnames. Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. 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Originally a unisex nickname, Oriko is often used as a fond last name. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. 88. Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". Mbatha meaning "protector". It is considered to be primarily male. Medupe (Tswana origin) meaning "gentle rain". It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. Kalu (Ibo origin) meaning "God of thunder", Kalus is one of the most prominent surnames found in the African continent. Buhle (Xhosa origin) meaning "handsome". Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. Chedjou Origin: Cameroonian. It is usually considered to be suitable for boys. Abiodun (Nigerian origin) meaning "born during festivities," and is from the Yoruba ethnic group. The northern part of Africa, according to the UN, is made up of seven countries. Other variants include Ali and Alioun. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Magombo Swahili, African, Swazi (Rare) Meaning unknown, possibly related from the fore name of the same name. West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. Abi, Togo, I love my name to death. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. Daneil Negussie Aberra, Ethiopia/USA, What makes a person is his/her identity. It is generally considered a boy name. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Afrikaans-language_surnames&oldid=1108286178, Template Category TOC via CatAutoTOC on category with 101200 pages, CatAutoTOC generates standard Category TOC, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 3 September 2022, at 15:23. I am a product of religious parents and culture; hence I shall carry this name, however unfitting it seems, to the grave. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. Franklin Ayodele is a famous Nigerian footballer who has this common surname. 51. 24. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". 52. 76. 1. 86. 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. 19. 14. 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. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". BR, USA, I am responding to Vince Gaineys point Why are African Christians so ashamed of their Christian names in comparison to Muslims who have pride in their Arabic Islamic names. I think Vince is confusing European with Christian. Meaning: The Chosen One., 58. Unlike some places, African surnames dont really follow trends or have common features or patterns. 36. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". Omenuko The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. Theophilus Khumalo is a retired South African football player, best known for playing in South Africa's national team. This name is primarily masculine. 37. Here you will find some great Nigerian last names, like Abimbola which means "born into wealth" and Obi, which means "heart". Opeyemi It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. Kimathi Origin: Kenyan. Many last names in South Africa make references to royalty. 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. 21. 48. This name is primarily given to male members. This list may not reflect recent changes. 72. Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. In Igbo, this surname means the Lord perfects all or the God repairs. Hamadache (Algerian origin) the meaning is unknown. Negga (Ethiopian origin) means "the night has passed". Their names are based on male lineage. We have listed 100 surnames of African origin in this article. It is suitable for both boys and girls. This does not influence our choices. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. Meaning: Bushbuck.. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. Akpan Origin: Nigerian. Abimbola (Nigerian origin) meaning "born into wealth," the name is specific to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria. 28. The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total. Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. It depends on what region of Sudan the girl is from. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. 19. 86. creative tips and more. Egebe Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. 6. The one-stop destination for all the unique and amazing African surnames. Do you know what region or tribe that that would be from? 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. Omenma It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. The culture and diversity of the African continent are seen through its wide range of last names. 77. 84. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. 79. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. It is a Dutch/Flemish variant on the word Lowe, meaning Lion. Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. It is common both as a surname and a nickname. It means peace, suitable for a boy or a girl. African Surnames: If theres ever a place or people you cant overlook, its the Africans. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. 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. Dive into this post for some amazing and interesting African surnames. Oyekan -Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means handsome or beautiful. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. 55. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Otueome The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. Stemming from the Yoruba group, Adeleke means the king/crown/royalty triumphed. It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. Stephen Biko was an African nationalist who was at the forefront of the internal resistance to the apartheid movement. 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. 62. Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. You will find the place of origin and the meaning of each name in this list too. I maintain the list. This does not influence our choices. Madhurima takes a keen interest in parenting and lifestyle. 68. Onyilogwu -It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. Asa directly translates to shield, so Alasa means lord or owner of the shield. Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means the king/crown/royalty produced more. Fuli (Swahili origin) means very fast. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". 98. De Beer Afrikaans. 85. In the United States anyone who manifests African ancestry is coded as "black". Chifundo (Malawi origin) means mercy in the Chewa language. Musa Origin: Nigerian. For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. 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.
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