Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. It is suitable for both boys and girls. 8. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. The culture and diversity of the African continent are seen through its wide range of last names. Daneil Negussie Aberra, Ethiopia/USA, What makes a person is his/her identity. It means child with fat cheeks. 99. Brought to South Africa by settlers of French decent some time in the past 300 years. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. 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. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". Mbatha meaning "protector". Miriam Makeba was a civil rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and actress. 83. Category:Afrikaans surnames - Wiktionary Some of the names on this list have similar meanings but are derived from different languages and tribes. Meaning: Born with wealth.. Oyinlola It is a conventional female name among the Yoruba groups and means wealth is sweet. 6. Juma (Swahili origin) means Friday born. 17. Tambo meaning "rope". Meaning: Earnest provider.. Uduike (Igbo origin) meaning "full of power". Whilst this is a list of last names, many of the last names on this list have also been used as first names too. Dogo (Nigerian origin) means "little," found among the Hausa in the northern part of Nigeria. Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means the king/crown/royalty produced more. In this context, the father can also mean God. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Afrikaans names shared by family members. Ayanda (South African origin) means they are increasing, found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. These people bear some of the most uncommon first names and surnames. Elya (Ethiopian origin) meaning my God is Yahweh. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. This is why many last names technically have different origins. Over several hundred years, borders have been made, changed and broken, making family history difficult to trace. It is primarily masculine in essence. Siddig (Arabic origin) meaning friend. Tawedzwegwa Purpose Katakwa, Zimbabwe. 93. Names such as Mwanajuma Friday, Esi Sunday, Khamisi Thursday, and Wekesa harvest time refer to the time or day when the child was born. Faraji is a common Swahili last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor. Chidubem is one of the many surnames that calls for a higher power. Common South African surnames. This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. 84. 31. 88. The entire continent of Africa is so incredibly diverse and all of its traditions are pulled from all over, making it one huge melting pot. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. Itumeleng (Botswanan origin) means joy. Chimwemwe (Malawi origin) means pleasure or joy. 88. These countries have their own beautiful languages, resulting in a range of different names that are unique to this region. From the time I got to know about the traditional meaning of my name, I developed a sense of responsiblity to my Family, my heritage and my culture. West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. Behind the Name: Ndebele Given Names. Quansah (Ghanaian origin) meaning "God is watching". Gebreyes (Ethiopian origin) means servant of. This name suits both boys and girls. 54. Conteh is a common last name adopted throughout the African mainland. Quansah is one of the many surnames that makes reference to religion and a higher power. It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. This name is primarily given to male members. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Bayu (Ethiopian origin) meaning wind. 57. Eke Eke means superstructure of the roof. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. This list may not reflect recent changes. It means a good runner. Boujettif (Archaic origin) means the family of the son of the clever head. Abi, Togo, I love my name to death. Luter South African. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. Thanks! Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings Faraji (Swahili origin) meaning "consolation". 70. This does not influence our choices. Abiodun (Nigerian origin) meaning "born during festivities," and is from the Yoruba ethnic group. Mandela. Okoro Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo). Selassie -Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. South African Cape Coloured - Surnames | FamilyTreeDNA Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Dlamini: Another among South African names of Etswana origin that means royalty. Adebisi Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. 96. 50. This name suits both boys and girls. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Buhle (Xhosa origin) meaning "handsome". 50. Musa Origin: Nigerian. Forebears knows about 821,426 unique surnames in South Africa and there are 66 people per name. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. Sekou Nkrumah was named after Guinea's first President Sekou Toure, while Gamal Nkrumah got his name from Egyptian President Gamal . 23. Furaha It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. 78. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Meaning: 10th-born child. It is considered a male name. Falade Several African names and surnames, when translated, often make full sentences. 11. It means the one that I have is greater. It can be used for both boys and girls. This name is also predominantly given to boys. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Alioune (Senegalis origin) meaning "sublime" or "lofty". 94. Third item on the film. 89. 2. 18. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. Answer (1 of 4): Most of these surnames are not Hispanic at all, but Lusophone (Portuguese). This complex background makes summing up African naming traditions in a few paragraphs very difficult. Such a family name is always very outstanding and popular in such a community. 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. 14. Chaka (Bemba origin) meaning "year". Akpabio (Nigerian origin) means "leader" or "noble," and is found among the Ibibio people. Folorunsho One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. Olowe -It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. South african last names starting with R Kanye -Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. Over nine year more. Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. As Sudan is filled with many different tribes and ethnicities. 100 Top South African Last Names With Meanings | Kidadl Tutu (Subiya origin) meaning "wealth". It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". Its female variant is Owusua. Generally given to boys, it means the king/crown/royalty befits me or worthy of the crown. This last name is commonly used by joint families in Africa. It is generally considered to be a masculine name. A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. 1. 12. Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. 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. 33. It is considered a male name. 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 In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. 75. according to the nigerian census. Meaning: We added to the crown.. If you are looking for African surnames for your kid, you are at the right place. 34. It is suitable for both boys and girls. It is now common in South Africa. Keita meaning "blessing". Ladipo -Used both as a last nameand a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Mambwe Origin: Zambian. South African Surnames - Behind the Name Over nine years, she has helped various brands with compelling, well-researched, and unique content. 72. 32. 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. 11. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. It has its origin in the Shona groups of Zimbabwe. South africanLast Names [Surnames] starting with M Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. 3. 85. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. It is usually considered a male name. This last name originates from the Igbo group. Omenuko The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. It is considered to be primarily male. 96. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Chedjou Origin: Cameroonian. Temitope It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. 68. Onyilogwu -It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. It is generally given to boys. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Having its origin in Yoruba, Awolowo means the oracle has dignity. Meaning: Title given to firstborn male children of the Ibibio/Efik people. It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is good". It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. 90. Chibuzo is an African last name that means God give me directions. Other variants are Efua, Afua, and its male version is Kofi. Your privacy is important to us. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". 71. 21. Each surname has its own peculiar significance and purpose. Ayodele (Yoruba origin) meaning "joy comes home". African last names are a reflection of their customs and peculiar naming traditions. Buhari is one of South Africa's orthodox surnames. Umburter (Nigerian origin) means "remember the father," found among the Tiv people. Uduike Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. Umburter Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. 76. 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.