Igbinedion It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Each surname has its own peculiar significance and purpose. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. It is now common in South Africa. It is usually given to boys. 51. 101. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is an anti-apartheid activist and politician, who worked under Nelson Mandela as the South African Minister of Health. There are ten countries found in this part of the continent, not counting the island of Madagascar. Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. Toure (Ghanaian origin) means "elephant," from the Soninke word. 3. Ndaba meaning "news". Kaizer Motaung is the founder and manager director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, a South African soccer team. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. His reason was to rid the country of all of Mobutus influence and he felt a change of name was the way to do it. 72. For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. Sarpong It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Aguta is included in the list of conservative surnames found in the African mainland. A name that reflects the gratitude of the family is Chamapiwa, meaning that which you have been given. 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 Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. 48. Ameziane (Tamazight origin) means little or young, this last name is from a language that is mainly spoken in Algeria. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. This is why many last names technically have different origins. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". It is suitable for both boys and girls. Zadzisai -It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. Each name is unique and holds an ancestral meaning, symbolizing the origin and history. Owusu (Ghanaian origin) means "strong will and determined". Omenuko The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. It also means the next to be crowned among the Yoruba speaking groups. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. I bet you were unable to make out a few of their pronunciation. 66. 2. 89. Nnamani -Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. Toure -This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. Ait (Berber origin) means son, and is found among people from Morocco. 47. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. 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. Stephen Biko was an African nationalist who was at the forefront of the internal resistance to the apartheid movement. Helping or aiding others is a common theme found among Afrikaans names. Orji is a common surname in many South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. 85. It is common both as a surname and a nickname. Agrinya (Nigerian origin) means "warrior," found amongst the Ogoja people of Nigeria. http://www.expressos. 4. 15. 57. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". 45. Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. 52. 1. It is suitable for both boys and girls. "Bruyn" is an archaic spelling of "bruin", meaning "brown". Meaning: Spirit. It is a Dutch/Flemish variant on the word Lowe, meaning Lion. It is typically a male name. Ray Phiri was a Malawian immigrant who went on to become one of South Africa's most renowned Jazz musicians. Over nine years, she has helped various brands with compelling, well-researched, and unique content. Kalu (Ibo origin) meaning "God of thunder", Kalus is one of the most prominent surnames found in the African continent. 59. Obama Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means to lean or bend. 66. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". 86. Thebe Medupe is an African Astrophysicist recognized for his work on a project called 'Cosmic Africa'. 76. 30. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. This name is also masculine in essence. 81. Elmalik (Arabic origin) means the King, often found in the countries of northern Africa. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. 93. And many of the names in Oromo (another Ethiopian language) that contain Waaq as in Waaqgari, or Waaqayoo are similar derivations from the Oromo word for God (Waq). Meaning: The Lord is gracious.. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 41. 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. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. 10. The name can be translated as fullness of power. Get in touch! It is a globally used Igbo surname which means tiger. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". It is usually given to boys. 27. My African name reflects my personality I hate fights and arguments ; I am a peaceful person. One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means third child born to a couple. according to the nigerian census. Meaning: The son of royalty. 51. Jlassi (Tunisian origin) means loyalty or sincerity. It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. 41. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. Wairimu Kuria, Kenyan in US, African names comes with great pride and power. It means born on a Friday. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. 52. It is considered to be primarily male. Katlego (Tswana origin) means success. Buhari meaning "is a man". Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. In many languages of Ethiopia for example, typical names are compounded of the divinity and some aspect of it. Usually found among the male population of Nigeria, this name means honor surrounds him. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames. Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. 20. 52. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. It means supreme or a great warrior and is usually given to boys. 2. It means one who does good to others. Masoja Msiza is a South African artist known for appearing in the hit telenovela 'Uzalo'. The culture and diversity of the African continent are seen through its wide range of last names. Chidozie (Igbo origin) meaning "God repairs". 56. Babangida -Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means the master of the house. 37. It can be used for both boys and girls. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. 68. 99. Used both as a last name and a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Siddig (Arabic origin) meaning friend. 20. Particularly, the African people dont toy with their surnames. My name is Kwena and it means crocodile. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Adebisi is one of the many African names that mean king. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". 65. 71. We hope you liked our selection. Adisa (Yoruba origin) meaning "one who is clear". 42. Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means return of the crown. I am trying to find out if the sir name(last name) can indicate what part of Africa a person is from. 23. If anything the french names have remained the same and are quite common in South Africa. It means child with fat cheeks. Agrinya (Yala origin) meaning "warrior". 79. Alioune (Senegalis origin) meaning "sublime" or "lofty". Asa directly translates to shield, so Alasa means lord or owner of the shield. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". 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. 54. 23. 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. Do you know what or where the last name Uwagbal or Ofenjiaguan came from or what it means. 90. Unlike some places, African surnames dont really follow trends or have common features or patterns. Teklehaimanot Origin: Ethiopian. For example: Sefu "sword" and Tau "lion" (masculine) and Marjani "coral" and Ife "love" (feminine). Amahle (Zulu origin) means the beautiful ones. Oyekan -Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. 64. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Afrikaans names shared by family members. Kasongo Origin: Congolese. You can hear a certain surname in a family being carried forward for many generations.