Van Graan. Igwe Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. It means sturdy or mighty tree. Mostafa Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Egypt. 86. 67. The Akan name is widely used among the girls. What a wonderful name; Maduabuchi Onwuachimba (Igbo-Nigeria). 40. Common South African surnames. Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means return of the crown. It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. 25. Abbas Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Algeria. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings. Kanumba Origin: Tanzanian. 39. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. As Africa is made up of 54 countries (making it the second-largest continent in the world), its naming systems are diverse. My African name reflects my personality I hate fights and arguments ; I am a peaceful person. 35. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. The northern part of Africa, according to the UN, is made up of seven countries. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. The Muslim name Abd-Allah is equivalent to the Gebre Egziabher I mentioned above. Popular among the female populace of Nigeria, it is an inspirational name which means she opens the way. An Igbo surname, Ala means land, while neme means doing something. In this context, the father can also mean God. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. It can be used for both boys and girls. 35. 96. These countries have their own beautiful languages, resulting in a range of different names that are unique to this region. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. 36. The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. 57. 76. Adisa (Yoruba origin) meaning "one who is clear". 73. 3. 18. This name is also masculine in essence. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). Mines Margaret, or Latin for some Catholics. Amaike (Igbo origin) meaning "the compound stays strong". 1. It can be translated into the land is active. Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". 23. It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. 1. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. 20. This is one of the beauties associated with African surnames. 8. 61. The people can be divided into over a thousand different ethnic groups. A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means one who walks with confidence or one who carries oneself like a wealthy person. Kanye -Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. The above list includes all the meaningful surnames with their unique meanings. 44. Jlassi (Tunisian origin) means loyalty or sincerity. 33. The most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. 48. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. Sarpong It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. Adomako Origin: Ghanaian. This name suits both boys and girls. 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. Cisse (Madinka origin) meaning "professor". 23. 38. Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". Imari is a variant of the African name Imani, meaning loyal.. Furaha It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. Actually just after I was born, peace was restored in my family. It is actually an oxymoron, a religious friend has suggested I change my name BUT, why should I? 53. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Gcobani One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means be joyful. Kasongo (Congolese origin) meaning "bushbuck". 70. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 17. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on South African Names and African Last Names. 98. Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. Twala meaning "to carry". For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? Ech (North African origin) meaning edge or corner. Gbeho Origin: Ghanaian. 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. Ait (Berber origin) means son, and is found among people from Morocco. Rajnandini is an art lover and enthusiastically likes to spread her knowledge. Bankole -Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. Negga (Ethiopian origin) means "the night has passed". This also doesn't include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. Vocabulary words are also often used as given names. 54. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. Behind the Name: Ndebele Given Names. A little under 10% of South Africa's population are Cape Coloureds. Each surname has its own peculiar significance and purpose. The following 67 pages are in this category, out of 67 total. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. 8. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Abara: Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means 'spirit'. Dikeledi (Botswanan origin) means tears. Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. Coetzee Afrikaans. 51. Acheampong Origin: Ghanaian (Ashanti). It would be great if you could help me out. 18. Meaning: We added to the crown.. Msiza meaning "helper". Ray Phiri was a Malawian immigrant who went on to become one of South Africa's most renowned Jazz musicians. Usually earned, Agrinya means warrior in the Yala language. 41. These kinds of surnames evolve into family names such that in a particular community, more than one extended family can have this surname as their last name. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". 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. There are ten countries found in this part of the continent, not counting the island of Madagascar. 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. Abebe (Ethiopian origin) means "blossom" or "flower". Alinafe (Malawi origin) means he is with us. Barnard. It means the one that I have is greater. de Klerk. It means the one that I have is greater. Commonly used as a male name in Nigeria, Anenih means God bearing name. This name is also predominantly given to boys. Chrizanne (South African origin) from the Afrikaans tribe, this is a combination of Christine and Anne. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. 150 Unique and Most Common African Last Names (Surnames), African Culture 16 most interesting traditions, 10 trending Kaftan outfit ideas for grooms-to-be, Richest Person In Kenya And Top 10 Wealthy Kenyans, Turkey is to completely erase all Somalias debts to the IMF, 5 highest paid African football players in 2020, 10 of Africas most amazing Tourist places you must visit, The 10 Best Africans In The English Premier League, 16 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Africa For The Holidays. 19. Dogo (Nigerian origin) means "little," found among the Hausa in the northern part of Nigeria. Rothschild. 32. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". 47. Let us know your favorites in the comment section. It is usually considered a male name. In this context, the father can also mean God. 97. It means child with fat cheeks. 100. Meghnagi (Libyan origin) could refer to zion. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Botha Southern African, Afrikaans. Onyeneme It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. 45. 47. You need to be quite careful and focused to be able to produce these African last names as they should be. It means may I not lack a family or a home. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. Owusu (Ghanaian origin) means "strong will and determined". Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. Ghirmai (Unknown origin) means my majesty. 56. It is usually given to boys. Afrikaans names shared by family members. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 92. Banchiamalck Dessalegn, Ethiopian in U.S. My name Derefaka figuratively means: Continuing the heritage of our fathers. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. 36. Magombo Swahili, African, Swazi (Rare) Meaning unknown, possibly related from the fore name of the same name. 86. 49. 31. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "the Goddess protects". Okusanya (Yoruba origin) meaning "God has rewarded me". 30. 91. 60. 17. The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total. Toure (Ghanaian origin) means "elephant," from the Soninke word. Gumede (Zulu origin) meaning "to end what you have started". 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. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". It is a commonly adored name for boys. Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". Tersoo It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means fathers love. 50. It means a good runner. These people bear some of the most uncommon first names and surnames. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Meaning: The son of royalty. Odili is a surname that is common among many people in the Zulu community. It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. You contact them to see if you share . 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 71. Meaning: Born with wealth.. Kimathi Origin: Kenyan. So I would say that perhaps one would find God in a lot more African names than one would suspect. 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. 3. It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Selassie -Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity.

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south africa surnames