south africa surnames south africa surnames

Behind the Name: Tswana Given Names. 84. Amahle (Zulu origin) means the beautiful ones. 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. 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. 39. ywl -It means the river goddess has come home. Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means handsome or beautiful. creative tips and more. Amaike (Igbo origin) meaning "the compound stays strong". 48. South Africa is full of so many diverse people. It is usually accepted as a male name. 23. One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. Etiename (Ibibio origin) meaning "benevolent". Typically found in the Akan group of Ghania, it means royalty or noble person. She writes baby name articles for MomJunction. 6. Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. Nnadi is an extremely common surname used in much African community. Jlassi (Tunisian origin) means loyalty or sincerity. Lupondo South African. Over nine year more. Kasongo Origin: Congolese. Ouyahia (Berber origin) means son of Yahia. Etienam Having its roots in Ibibio, the surname or nickname Etienam means a doer of good or benevolent. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. 76. Elmi (Somali origin) means knowledge. 86. Nenge -This unusual surname means see in Tiv. Africas different groups and tribes represent its cultural diversity and rich tradition. When I was born, she gave me this name NOXOLO because she wanted peace. Akinyemi is a surname found mostly in descendants of the Yoruba people. 69. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Their names are based on male lineage. how do go about changing your name to an African name? 99. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. South african last names starting with M Dlamini: Another among South African names of Etswana origin that means royalty. Desmond Tutu is a renowned clerk and theologian, known for his work in the human rights sector. 100. It is suitable for both boys and girls. 85. 99. It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Abdallah Origin: An Arabic name found through Sudan. De Beer Afrikaans. One of the most famous people to have this name is Chinua Achebe, considered the most influential African writer who won the Man Booker International Prize in 2007. It is usually considered a male name. It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. It means peace, suitable for a boy or a girl. Buhle: the name is used mostly by the Xhosa clan to mean handsome. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. It is usually accepted as a male name. It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means a child to be cherished or pampered. 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. 84. Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means heart. The following two tabs change content below. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Totally Wonderful African Surnames and their Astonishing Meanings. If you are looking for African surnames for your kid, you are at the right place. 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. Meaning: God is watching.. Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". 57. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. 36. Akpan Origin: Nigerian. Sefako meaning "hail". There are just too many peculiarities and labels associated with Africa and Africans. 81. 60. 67. It means the one that I have is greater. What I like about this name is it reflects which tribal group of South Africa I come from. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. Okusanya (Yoruba origin) meaning "God has rewarded me". Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. http://www.expressos. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means clergyman. It is usually given to boys. 15. 13. My name is Kwena and it means crocodile. Third item on the film. Meaning: Earnest provider.. 42. Oyekan -Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. Meaning: 10th-born child. 49. 24. The History of South African Surnames. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. Surnames serve as a tool to identify our ancestry. 1. 79. Chaka (Bemba origin) meaning "year". 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. The Igbo people do not use family names. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. 29. 2. 2. 9. 85. Uduike Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. It is generally considered a boy name. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Also: no one can dictate my life, nor my destiny, strong to be God to my destiny and my self. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". Meaning: Mercy. 3. It is a common given name to male children, which means firstborn son in Egyptian. These beautiful South African names derive from the country's rich history and are influenced by its many languages and traditional inhabitants. Your privacy is important to us. 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). It means one who does good to others. Orji Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning son of Ahmed. 42. Dumisani (South African origin) means praise in Zulu and Ndebele. Meaning: 'Child of the freeborn man.'. Okoro (Igbo origin) meaning "greatness". Zuma meaning "of God". What a wonderful name; Maduabuchi Onwuachimba (Igbo-Nigeria). Acheampong (Ashanti origin) this last names means "destined for greatness," found among the Ashanti people of Ghana. For example Gebre-Egziabher in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means Servant of God and those are Christian names. 50. 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 . Eke Eke means superstructure of the roof. Kanye -Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. Abimbola (Yoruba origin) meaning "born with wealth". 68. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Popoola It means intelligent people, love god. Meaning: The Chosen One., 58. It means the compound remains strong in Igbo language. Meziane is a variation. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. I am trying to find out if the sir name(last name) can indicate what part of Africa a person is from. 95. I find it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is quite English. In the Tamazight language, Amaziane means young or little. Tambo meaning "rope". One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. In Igbo language, it means my land is not lost. Umburter Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Each last name has an origin and a meaning, and we have also included any additional information or history behind some names. Adomako Origin: Ghanaian. 9. It is usually given to boys. This last name originates from the Igbo group. March 03 , 2023. Obama Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. 62. Quansah (Ghanaian origin) meaning "God is watching". This does not influence our choices. 89. Here are some common South African last names: Dlamini: A popular surname in Southern Africa. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. In the Wolof language, Alioune means lofty or sublime. Find your South African last name, meaning, and origins. Toure -This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. 33. Other variants include Ali and Alioun. 79. Abiodun Origin: Yoruba. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". Of Yoruba origin, the name means the crown is good. I bet you were unable to make out a few of their pronunciation. Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means the rainmaker. If you are looking for more unique names, you can look at our articles on South African Names and African Last Names. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. It is actually an oxymoron, a religious friend has suggested I change my name BUT, why should I? It means mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude, and is suitable for both boys and girls. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. 52. For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. Kasongo (Congolese origin) meaning "bushbuck". 46. 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. It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. Chibuzo is an African last name that means God give me directions. Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. Find out how surnames are ranked in popularity, how many people in the United States of America bear a particular name, and how the statistics change between 1990 and 2000 US Censuses. The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total. 62. 14. 89. Kenyetta (Kenya origin) meaning "musician". Its female variant is Owusua. 100 Most Popular Indian Last Names For Your Baby, 150 Popular Rich Last Names Or Surnames Across The World, 135 Most Popular English (British) Last Names Or Surnames, 35 Wild And Rugged Western Or Cowboy Names For Boys, 250 Modern Indian Baby Boy Names For 2023, 120 Unique Tswana (Setswana) Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 107 Festive Themed Christmas Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 100 Amazing Short Baby Girl Names With Meanings, 100 Sweet AndShort Names For BoysWith Meanings, 150 Traditional And Popular Dutch Last names Or surnames, 55 Most Popular Chilean Baby Names for Girls and Boys, 148 Funny Last Names Or Surnames From Across The World, 150 Common Canadian Last Names Or Surnames, With Meanings, 20 Unique Baby Names That Are Inspired By Public Figures, 80 Stylish Baby Girl Names With Their Meanings, 100 Unique Zulu Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 101 Charming And Chirpy Bird Names For Baby Girls And Boys, 52 Baby Names That Mean Luck, Destiny, Or Fortune For Boys And Girls, 100 Wondrous Baby Names Inspired By Nature For Girls And Boys, 130 Precious Gemstone Baby Names For Girls And Boys. As Africa is made up of 54 countries (making it the second-largest continent in the world), its naming systems are diverse. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. Conteh is a common last name adopted throughout the African mainland. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". It is usually given to boys. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. Here is a list of popular South African last names. Akinyi is another popular last name in Africa that means born in the morning.. This name has been brought to the big screen all over the world through a fictional character Okoye in a cultural phenomenon, the Black Panther movie. It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means return of the crown. I think my name shows more the hope and wish of my parents than mine (given that I am on the atheistic side of things). Hassan Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Morocco. It implies that a baby will be the first of many children for couples who have had difficulty in conceiving. 81. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Bonolo (South African origin) means ease in the Sotho language. Abiodun (Nigerian origin) meaning "born during festivities," and is from the Yoruba ethnic group. 91. Mambwe Origin: Zambian. 70. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 78. 20. Adebisi Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba). Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. It is suitable for boys. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba). Franklin Ayodele is a famous Nigerian footballer who has this common surname. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. 13. In the Igbo language, Aguta means to have plenty or to have plenty/many. Their ancestors arrived in South Africa through three different routes: 1. Gavin Wood and Felix February shares more about the idea behind the Slave Calendar that explores the history of surnames of Capetonians. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Gowon Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means the rainmaker. 59. Bilaal (Somali origin) means moistening. 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. It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. Afrikaans names shared by family members. Because I am a petite and sweet-looking woman, I find myself often underestimated and underminded. The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. Over several hundred years, borders have been made, changed and broken, making family history difficult to trace. This page was last edited on 20 June 2022, at 04:46. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. 38. Badu Origin: Ghanaian. Bayu (Ethiopian origin) meaning wind. This name is often given to boys. Masondo (Zulu origin) meaning "wheels". This Yoruba name means the lucid one or one who is clear. It is usually given to boys. Abebe (Ethiopian origin) means "blossom" or "flower". Toure (Soninke origin) meaning "elephant". It is a Dutch/Flemish variant on the word Lowe, meaning Lion. Okeke (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Eke". 95. The name list is disproportionately nigerian . The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means flower or blossom. We mention the African last names with their meanings and origins to help you learn about their rich history. Many last names in South Africa make references to royalty. 93. 68. 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. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 100 African Last Names With Meanings And History, 60+ Funny Orc Names That Are Perfect For Your Next Campaign, All Of The Pillar Men Names From JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, 100+ Ice Hockey, Roller Hockey, And Hockey Team Names From Past And Present, 80+ Beaver Names From Fiction, Plus Cute And Funny Ideas For Names. This name is also predominantly given to boys. 39. 30. Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. creative tips and more. 38. Aguer (South Sudanese origin) means tree. Onyilogwu -It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Unlike some places, African surnames dont really follow trends or have common features or patterns. 100 Unique and Most Common African Last Names (Surnames), While doing our research for African Names we found these interesting aricle parts and we feel like sharing them with you, My name (Noxolo) means peace in Xhosa. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. 87. It is mostly given to girls. 20. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. 34. 31. Van Graan. If you liked our suggestions for African Last Names then why not take a look at Scottish last names, or for more last names take a look at these Croatian surnames. Abimbola (Nigerian origin) meaning "born into wealth," the name is specific to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria. Malan. Archi Gumede was a prominent African politician, lawyer and human rights activist. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Forebears knows about 821,426 unique surnames in South Africa and there are 66 people per name. You will find the place of origin and the meaning of each name in this list too. 47. Amel (North African origin) means hope. It means child with fat cheeks. For example: Sefu sword and Tau lion (masculine) and Marjani coral and Ife love (feminine). 47. Banchiamalck Dessalegn, Ethiopian in U.S. My name Derefaka figuratively means: Continuing the heritage of our fathers. More so, African surnames are plainly out of this world. Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. 36. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". 68. Maponya meaning "king of elephants". 11. Amaechi (Igbo origin) meaning "who knows tomorrow". Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Chikondi (Malawi origin) means love. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. 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. 65. 19. Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. Madhurima takes a keen interest in parenting and lifestyle. 75. Dikeledi (Botswanan origin) means tears. Okoro - Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo). 80. Jelani -One of the given and last names for boys among the Swahili tribes, Jelani means mighty or full of strength. Maduabuchi means Humans are not God. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". Zammit (Tunisian origin) means servant of. Ndiaye (Senegal origin) meaning "descendant of the lion clan". This also doesnt include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. It must be noted though that English white South Africans, Coloureds and very few blacks have "Afrikaans" surnames. 43. This skyrocketing demand has a variety of negative side effects, like high prices or bad farming practices, but now there seems to be another one to keep an eye on: immature avocados. The people can be divided into over a thousand different ethnic groups. 58. Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. 60. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 1. Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means the master of the house. Abi, Togo, I love my name to death. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? This also doesn't include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. Dogo (Nigerian origin) means "little," found among the Hausa in the northern part of Nigeria. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. 90. My first name is from the bible as Christanity was an old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. Mwanajuma -This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. Theophilus Khumalo is a retired South African football player, best known for playing in South Africa's national team. Jomana (Arabic origin) means a pearl. Umburter (Tiv origin) meaning "remember the father". Barnard. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. Having its roots in Yoruba, the name means my wealth is moving forward or my wealth is the future, and it is mostly given to boys. This name is also masculine in essence. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means the crown gained advancement. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". This name is also predominantly given to boys. 46. It would be great if you could help me out. 74. It means one who is invulnerable to dark magic. 40. Most Popular African Last Names on FamilyEducation: Ba, Ballo, Dial, First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. It is among the most common African last names. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. South African variant of Both. It is considered a male name. Siddig (Arabic origin) meaning friend. Quansah Origin: Ghanaian. Mokrani (Berber origin) refers to a town in Algeria. Axmed (Somali origin) the variant for Ahmed. The first name is Bright. Meaning: Title given to firstborn male children of the Ibibio/Efik people. This is why many last names technically have different origins. Daneil Negussie Aberra, Ethiopia/USA, What makes a person is his/her identity. 57. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. Chidozie (Igbo origin) meaning "God repairs". Maybe you have also been intrigued by these African surnames; below we give you a list of some wonderful surnames borne by Africans. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. It means destined to be a warrior in Yoruba language. Ech (North African origin) meaning edge or corner. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah chose to name his two sons after fellow African leaders. Last names provide a great bridge to our family's past, and those from Africa are no exception. 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. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. Adebisi (Nigerian origin) meaning "we/the King gave birth to more," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Folorunsho One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. Coetzee Afrikaans. Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. It is usually considered a male name. Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means 'heart'. Meaning: Unknown. In the 1700s some Portuguese sailors were s. Ababio Origin: Ghanaian. 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. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. Agrinya (Nigerian origin) means "warrior," found amongst the Ogoja people of Nigeria. Chidubem (Igbo origin) meaning "guided by God". There are also hundreds of languages spoken on the continent, providing endless interesting meanings of each last name. Meaning: Flower or blossom., 4. It is generally given to boys. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. 2023 Wording Vibes - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Classic French Boy Names that Exudes Essence and Masculinity, Best Out of Waste Ideas to Make Kids Smart and Skillful, Hippie Names that are Quite Lighthearted for Innocent Kids, A Broad Collection of Names that Mean Wind, Storm or Air, Most Modern Tamil Baby Names Popularly Used for Kids, Royal Family Last Names Globally Recognized with Regality, Ageless Aztec Names that have Transcended Time and Generations, 160+ Best Unique Names for Grandma Grandmother Nicknames. Stephen Biko was an African nationalist who was at the forefront of the internal resistance to the apartheid movement. This surname shows the devout nature of the people towards religion and belief in God. Meaning: One who possesses a clever head. 97. But by the grace of God, my first and middle names are not only African but reflect the ethnic origin of where I know my maternal ancestors come from, the Mandinka people. Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. Abioye Origin: Nigerian. 2. 32. Ele It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Each surname has its own peculiar significance and purpose. Aguta (Igbo origin) meaning "to have many". 70. Dogo (Hausa origin) meaning "little". Actually just after I was born, peace was restored in my family. 77. Deressa (Ethiopian origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite clear. Die Afrikaner-familienaamboek : sketse en besonderhede omtrent die voorgeslagte van bekende Afrikanerfamilies An alphabetical list of South African surnames and early genealogy connected therewith. 67. So Ndubueze means that life is king to live is to be a king. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is gracious". Many common South African last names make references to natural occurrences. Mensah One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. Ladipo -Used both as a last nameand a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Negga (Ethiopian origin) means "the night has passed". Juma (Swahili origin) means Friday born. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. You can hear a certain surname in a family being carried forward for many generations. It means wealth has come home, and is predominantly considered a male name. Any child named after the above names is a blessed one whom the community expect to live up to the due reputation e.g has leadership qualities and being honest. Enjoyably, the pronunciation of these African surnames gives you a thrill that you can never get with any other set of Surnames. Fuli (Swahili origin) means very fast. Opeyemi It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. Sometimes also a given name for boys. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. Biko (Bantu origin) meaning 'a person of the people". 17. 61. How big and representative is the sample. Gbeho Origin: Ghanaian. Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. It is usually considered to be suitable for boys. 78. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. Kimathi (Kenyan origin) meaning "earnest provider". 85. 84. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. This list may not reflect recent changes. Many of the population here practice Islam, hence there are a lot of names that originate from the Arabic language too. 96. 91. 101. If you enjoy this article are interested in finding more naming information, take a look at these Peruvian last names and these Czech last names, but for now enjoy this list of African surnames with their origins and meanings.