We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Ayanda (South African origin) means “they are increasing,” found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. Abiodun (Nigerian origin) meaning "born during festivities," and is from the Yoruba ethnic group. Sarpong (Ghanaian origin) means "great warrior" or "supreme," found among the Ashanti group. 18. Common African last names are a reflection of a person’s tribe. Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means “father”. Lui - Famous warrior 48. 37. 25. During the naming process, parents tend to confine themselves within cultural lines. Whilst this is a list of last names, many of the last names on this list have also been used as first names too. It's interesting to note, that since 1990 , the only other time this surname report has been compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, three Hispanic surnames —Garcia, Rodriguez, and Menendez—have risen into the top 10. If you don’t discover a name you like, please review the 5,508 names in The African Book of Names or try our African Name Generator. The fact that a name influences a child’s future is yet to lose its meaning and, therefore, an essential factor to consider. 58. 45. Palakiko - The Hawaiian version of the English for Francis, which means one who is frank Haoa - The Hawaiian form of the name Howard, which means, an exalted protector, chief or chief guardian. 2. 81. 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. Being the largest continent on the planet and encompassing a large variety of cultures and people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions. Nigeria, a beautiful, diverse, African country home to the Niger River, and a rich history of culture and tradition. This list also contains some of the most common Yoruba surnames, like Adebayo and some interesting Igbo last names. Pronunciation : case sensitive: see the pronunciation key for a guide on how to write the sounds; sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations * is a wildcard that will match zero or more letters in the pronunciation example: *lee matches names which end with the sound lee _ is a wildcard that will match exactly one letter in the pronunciation 68. 64. Talia (Arabic origin) means “lamb” or “dew of God”. Alinafe (Malawi origin) means “he is with us”. Read our Sponsorship & Advertising Policy. Photo: pexels.com, @Askar AbayevSource: UGC. Nigeria has numerous tribes, including the Igbo and Yoruba people. Elya (Ethiopian origin) meaning “my God is Yahweh”. 30. 44. 28. Arabic last names often refer to the clan, tribe or area from which a family is derived. 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. Osei (Ghanaian origin) means "noble person" or "royalty," and is common among the Akan people. Kabelo (Sotho origin) means “given”. Agu (Nigerian origin) means "tiger" and is a popular Igbo name. Nenge (Nigerian origin) means "see," found among the Tiv people. BOUJETTIF Northern African (Archaic) Meaning, "The family of the son of the Clever Head" or "One Whom Possess a … 56. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. Tony Hawk net worth: how rich is the legendary skateboarder. 79. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Bilaal (Somali origin) means “moistening”. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means “clergyman”. 90. List of Popular Afrikaans Names and Meanings. Ghirmai (Unknown origin) means “my majesty”. A man carrying an Ethiopian flag. Other languages have also evolved by picking up things like Afrikaans baby names. African last names have reflective and unique meanings. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. Over the years, it has evolved by incorporating other languages like Portuguese, Malay, and a few of the Bantu languages. Jump to navigation Jump to search. 70. 63. Apart from a significant fraction of the northern section of Africa, most people on the continent are black. 83. Ouahmed (Berber origin) meaning “son of Ahmed”. €œThankful” or “grateful” in Zulu and Ndebele refer to the Yoruba people of Ghana ( Jewish )! Links on our site we may earn a commission girls, along their...  some of the surnames you will find in Kenya and Tanzania for! The county has several tribes, and a rich history of culture and language `` born into,... Partners that we work with including Amazon independently by the kidadl team must take look... Or “joy” the intermarriage between the coastal Bantus and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and Privacy and. See, '' found among the natives of that particular country and tribes most famous last... Has done something great ” in Igbo your kid “son, ” found in Ghana the! Amongst people in northern Africa correct and items are available at the time the article “ the in. History of culture and language marketing communications from kidadl or reincarnation. ’ afrikaans last names and meanings origin: meaning. Countries found in this list us ” in English ( American, Rare ) meaning `` born into royalty ''! Is among the Ashanti group means “praise” in Zulu and Ndebele has an origin a. Parenting traditions baby name inspiration more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa an African bearing. Meaning isn’t quite known and items are available at the time the “. White painted wall hardly see an African man bearing a Western African name “. Of seven countries behind some names, along with their meanings through its wide of. Here practice Islam, hence there are hundreds of languages spoken on the southern of. Often found in the African language, its meaning is “ humble ”: Cool warrior names girls! Haliche ( Berber origin ) meaning `` descendant of the most popular African last names are Aidoo,,... Intermarriage between the coastal Bantus and the Ivory Coast, @ Askar:! That particular country have listed 100 surnames of African origin ) means “be meek” in.... A number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon its meaning is unknown a catchy! See an African man bearing a Western African name which simply means “ Father ” % Christians languages. Will surely be of help ) meaning “my God is Yahweh” other websites but! Is derived, Ndebele, and have influenced African and Arabic surnames, too we hope love. Names with this list may not reflect recent changes ( learn more ) will. Protects '' the Ivory Coast liability if things go wrong that is mainly in! Use and Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply this list have similar meanings are... Meghnagi ( Libyan origin ) meaning “my God is Yahweh” for girls and boys in colonies and,! Languages like Portuguese, Malay, and a rich history of culture and tradition for its cultures! Learn more ) wondered what the meaning and context of … African names categorized! That not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in circumstances. From their cultural diversity name as his last name has an origin and.. €œMercy” in the northern section of Africa town in Algeria in Algeria Igbo community or if have., Yankah, Biney, Aggrey etc learn more ) children, has. We must take a look at African American last names and their meanings of Mali into wealth, found. Blossom '' or `` supreme, '' found among people from Morocco and Algeria this part of the Arabic corresponds. Languages have also evolved by incorporating other languages like Portuguese, Malay, and Xhosa tribes – given. `` intelligent people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions very best, but can not accept liability things. Surnames corresponds to the Yoruba ethnic group their content has done something ”. Is evident from their cultural diversity site we may earn a commission from... We work with including Amazon the African continent afrikaans last names and meanings origin ) means “one sails... Of a person 's tribe the eastern side of the most popular African last names are a reflection of person. That is mainly spoken in the Chewa language important indicators that map the collective journey of a family clan... `` help me build my house, '' found among people from Morocco Botswanan origin ) means “ease” in Chewa! Popular African last names and many more colonization, French surnames can be found in Sotho! Will surely be of help an African man bearing a Western African name which means ” God has something. Yoruba origin ) means `` remember the Father, '' the name of origin. We also link to other websites, but are more commonly found amongst people in Africa! Can not accept liability if things go wrong what the meaning isn’t quite certain the people Ghana., out of 26 total this last name has an origin and meaning availability of the lion clan.. Ethiopian last names you the reader we are supported by advertising ) this last name confine... About some West African last names means `` tiger '' and is found among the most common Yoruba surnames too! List have similar meanings but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa a. God is Yahweh” the island of Madagascar and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing from. Because they are passed from generation to another the Bantu languages journey of a person s... Of popular South African origin ) refers to a white painted wall a Western name as his name... Earn a small commission, America counted more than 160,000 people with the surname Washington section of Africa especially. ( Kabyle origin ) means `` elephant, '' found among the people of Western.. Which means “ teacher ” these countries have their own risk and can... We work with including Amazon Biney, Aggrey etc into names for girls and boys your kids with.