most common white surnames in south africa
The most common last names were English ones, like Johnson, Williams, Jackson, Brown, Jones, Smith, Richardson, and others. These are not professional researchers. Hint: It took a week. Swahili however is the most widely spoken language in the country and names in the language are also popular. Akosua Adoma Owusu is an African-American producer and filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. These names are unisex and all mean Lerato. 33. 65. Radebe (Zulu origin) meaning "big tree". 78. 60. Quansah is one of the many surnames that makes reference to religion and a higher power. Weirdest coloured surname I have seen thus far is Jeggels, sounds like the original Jeggels was being tickled when he told Home Affairs. African last names. The most common last names were English ones, like Johnson, Williams, Jackson, Brown, Jones, Smith, Richardson, and others. Take a breather in your busy day with this curated collection of relaxing reads, real-life stories, interviews, everyday tips, and expert insights. Ngige is one of the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. 85. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Nothing seems more basic than a surname, but self-identifying as a part of a group or a family is a right that we take for granted. For instance, Swahili is spoken in many countries such as Zimbabwe and Kenya hence Swahili names are also popular in the rejoins. If you are African-American and trying to look into your past through your last name, there will be many obstacles. The Ndebele people also are known as Matabele are the Bantu-speaking people of South Africa and southwestern Zimbabwe. Ryan Adams Live 2019, 43. Here is a list of popular South African last names. Abbas Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Algeria. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Dlamini was the most common surname among babies born and registered in 2014, the report stated. Van der 92. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. Afrikaans surnames from Romance languages (2 c, 0 e) Pages in category "Afrikaans surnames" The following 21 pages are in this category, out of 21 total. Developed & Maintained by ScifiSystems.com. Well, maybe that is why it is easy to fix words and create content. Other deviations of the name are Palesa (Setswana). 2023 WeAfrique - Famous people of African descent, celebrities, news, and everything Interesting, 20 Nollywood Actors And Their Marital Status, Who Is Stevie Vann: Details About The Singer No One Told You About, 50 Most Popular African Dishes You Should Find In A Good African Restaurant, 25 African Restaurants In The United States, Simple Steps On How To Cook Edikang Ikong Soup ( Edikaikong Soup ), Lexington Budden Is One Of Joe Buddens Children: All To Know. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. As the worlds #1 photo restoration studio, weve restored over 100,000 photos for customers all around the world. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 50. Most people with the name Katlego have the nickname Kay, Kat or Katli. Themba Ndaba is a renowned South African director who selected the cast of 'Zone 14' and 'Machine Gun Preacher'. It was only after the Civil War that many enslaved people in the South were able to choose what to call themselves. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. Durban - Dlaminis continue to rule the roost in South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal as the most common surname, according to figures for births in 2018 released by Statistics SA. Kwa-Zulu Natal Province is home to the Zulu tribe. Login Forgot password? Many people forced into bondage were given names by their white masters because they were used as a way to diminish black people as property. Abdinor (2) 7. Ray Phiri was a Malawian immigrant who went on to become one of South Africa's most renowned Jazz musicians. Amaike (Igbo origin) meaning "the compound stays strong". Shaka Zulu was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. There are different languages in South Africa and all of these languages have different names. Chaka (Bemba origin) meaning "year". 59. In addition to the horror of being taken from your home and given a new name like Smith or Williams, many families were forcibly torn apart and their names changed making studying your heritage even harder. The people of South Africa take inspiration from several sources when it comes to surnames. Buthelezi (Zulu origin) meaning "chief". 89. Katlego is a popular unisex Setswana name that means successful! 22. Learn the ins and outs of searching through historical records & building out your family history. Odili meaning "peace". Chidiozie is a long-established surname in many African communities. Ethnically African names are prevalent now in many African enclaves whose ancestry does not trace back to the enslaved. 48. Here is a list of common South African names that have a rich history and lineage. Find your South African last name, meaning, and origins. Tambo meaning "rope". Hi, I'm Matt and I've been an on and off digital nomad and tourism marketing professional for more than 10 years. 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. Adebisi (Yoruba origin) meaning "the king produced more". Your privacy is important to us. Feels like the old days. 87. 66. There was a rush of people self-identifying after fighting so long for freedom many of them picked biblical names like James or names they recognized like Washington. This last name is commonly used by joint families in Africa. The suffix "ez" means "son of"; thus, Gonzlez means "son of Gonzalo", Bentez is "son of Benito" and Martnez means "son of Martn". Its possible your ancestor was not considered a person because of the slave trade. 17. White people from poor families with not-so-white-sounding surnames often changed them in order to make it easier for them to land a better job. Overall, the most common white last names are Smith, Johnson and Williams. For those with more uncommon last names, it can be difficult to find other people who share the same name. Lv 4. In South Africa, there are two Ndebele groups: Northern Ndebele is essentially a dialect of Zulu, and the older Southern Ndebele language falls within a different subgroup. 84. The infant mortality rate for 2019 is estimated at 22,1deaths per 1 000 live births. Mangosuthu Buthelezi was an African tribal leader and one of the founders of the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party). 94. Sugar prices in South Africa have fallen from $0.01 per pound in 2019 to zero in 2020. 9. She is fond of classic British literature. Surnames were apparently first used in China in 2852 BC to aid the collection of census information. The name, which shares the top spot for both males and females, loosely translates to, to do good. WebAnswer (1 of 4): Most of these surnames are not Hispanic at all, but Lusophone (Portuguese). Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24. 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. Of those younger than 15 years of age, the majority reside in Gauteng (21, 5%) and Kwa-Zulu Natal (21, 1%). de Bruin. 37. If your name was Hill or Lake, it meant an ancestor lived on a hill or near a Lake. Some self-identified free men took on French names, perhaps to emulate the vibrant Creole culture in Louisiana where black people enjoyed more freedom than other places in the south. Goosen. Much like Scotland, most last names can date back to a particular patriarch within the tribe that which the name was based. Archi Gumede was a prominent African politician, lawyer and human rights activist. Cillirs Afrikaans Brought to In Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt and Sudan, the most common last name is some variation or epithet ofMuhammad, the founder of Islam, which also translates to "praiseworthy". Its all the more reason that you should get to know your story a little better and perhaps encourage others to do the same. 40. Ooops. I maintain the list. 95. WebSurname Incidence Frequency; 1: Mohamed: 7,471,689: 1:154: 2: Ali: 7,072,486: 1:163: 3: Ahmed: 6,878,864: 1:167: 4: Ibrahim: 6,404,769: 1:180: 5: Mohammed: 4,875,300: Yes they have both English and Afrikaans surnames. A common name of English origin, Smith means someone who works with metal. Many enslaved people taken from Africa were renamed in the Americas and even given the last name of their captors. 61. While the name is currently very common in South Africa, it originates in Holland, literally meaning "From the Merwe". Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. Most people have asked me Is Ndebele and Zulu the same? No, but the languages both fall in the Nguni group of Bantu languages. Remember me. Apply this search to the user-submitted names, the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in the name, search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes, this field understands simple boolean logic, force a term to be included by preceding it with a, force a term to be excluded by preceding it with a, sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations, syllables can only be counted in names that have been assigned pronunciations, names without pronunciations are excluded from results, the "relationship" is how the name relates to its parent name. 47. Although we are both considered as Matabele, the traditions, language, and attire are different! Garcia leapfrogged from number 18 to number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. Miriam Makeba was a civil rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and actress. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. Omenma meaning "one who does enough for others". A. Zulu is the most spoken native language in South Africa, and Zulu people have strong ancestral beliefs. The following tables include all surnames with over 0.001% frequency in the US population during the 1990 census. Use travel insurance while visiting South Africa so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes. How the hell did I get the surname I have. 18. Faraji is a common Swahili last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness and candor. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". 71. Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University; B.A., Carnegie Mellon University; Kimberly Powell is a Being the largest continent on the planet and encompassing a large variety of cultures and people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions. Your last name is one of the strongest ties you have to your ancestors. As an Nguni word of origin meaning king, chief and lord - it is a common name and surname amongst Nguni people. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". 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. 100. The table below includes the 1000 most common last names in America. Journalism strengthens democracy. Some South African names are given based on some things surrounding the birth of a child. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 100 Top South African Last Names With Meanings, 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. 6. Required fields are marked *. Van der Merwe: It was brought to South Africa in 1661 by Dutch. Simple theme. According to the Recorded Live Births, 2017 report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), a persons forename and surname are fundamental Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. People were taken from their homes and packed into the slave ships for the Middle Passage which is what the forced migration to America was called. According to the report about 28, 8% of the population is aged younger than 15 years and approximately 9, 0% (5, 3 million) is 60 years or older. 69. Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African businesswoman, actress, and human rights activist. Notable bearers of this name include the Dutch actor Bartho Braat (b. For instance, a child who was born in the morning can be named Ekusani (morning) in Zulu. 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. Heriot-watt University Scholarship, What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Hendricks. All rights reserved. Here are some common South African last names: Dlamini: A popular surname in Southern Africa. WebThe most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. ^@ Aiden. 6. 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. And burned. Zulu (Zulu origin) meaning "heaven". Welcome to South African Ancestry: We would suggest that first time visitors to the South African Ancestry website first do a search on the surnames that you are researching to see what records are available on the South African Ancestry database. And while there is a bit of mystery behind the less popular surnames, some last names pop up a lot more often than others. Kalu (Ibo origin) meaning "God of thunder", Kalus is one of the most prominent surnames found in the African continent. Adams Source(s): https://shrinks.im/a85vF. Meaning: Spirit. Other names popular deviations of the name Lerato include Luthando, Noluthando or Thando in Xhosa and Zulu. Yes, one day many moon's ago, europeans came here and raped the natives they found here. Floyd Mayweathers Children: Meet The 5 Kids Of The Legendary Boxer, Yusef Rasheed: Unknown Details About The First Husband Of Serena Williams Mother, Andre Rock Is Chris Rocks Brother: Everything To Know About Him, Types Of Marriages In South Africa: All The Recognized Unions, Letoya Makhene Husband - Truth Of Their Marriage And Divorce Before She Met Lebo, Keke Wyatt Kids: Meet The 11 Children And Their Fathers, Lil Waynes Kids- Meet The Rappers 4 Children With 4 Baby Mamas, Sarah Jakes Roberts Children: Meet Her 6 Kids And Husband, Who Is Gertie Davis? 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. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is good". The top 10 surnames by province of birth registration, according to the latest report released by Statistics South Africa are as follows: 1. SHARES . South Africas version of Lily and Daisy! 2023 (3.0.23054.12) 24.com. Mbatha meaning "protector". Akinyemi (Yoruba origin) meaning "destined to be a warrior". If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It was released by statistician-general Pali Lehohla, on 1 September. Even today, the census divides up the racial groups into categories like African American, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". Below is an introduction of black history, some of the painful past that is baked into African-American naming conventions, and the most common surnames found in the African-American community. Rajnandini is an art lover and enthusiastically likes to spread her knowledge. South Africa is full of so many diverse people. 93. Twala meaning "to carry". Mwanajuma (Swahili origin) meaning "born on Friday". In 2011, Washington was even called theblackest namein the country in several op-eds citing the U.S. Census. Here are some common South African last names: Toure (Soninke origin) meaning "elephant". Its possible if your last name is ethnically African that your family came over on one of these waves, which should make it much easier to locate the records of your forebears. Khumalo (Ndebele origin) meaning "descendant of the fish tribe". Mensah (Akan origin) meaning "third-born". As an Nguni word of origin meaning king, chief and lord - it is a Kimathi (Kenyan origin) meaning "earnest provider". 26. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". 98. What is this surname that you have a problem with? This makes me the writer that I am and the editor that sees the mistakes and recreates for perfection. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. This also doesnt include some of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba. A common last name derived from an ancestors complexion or the color of their hair. The names are often derived from patronymics, which means coming from the paternal line, or they could be derived from their occupation, a nickname, or place they lived. 74. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. After emancipation, more and more Black Americans started self-identifying, choosing their own surnames, and changing up the last names they were given to make them their own. The indigenous African last names and surnames are meaningful, reflective, and unique. Xhosa girls are known for their beauty, and Xhosa guys are known as the tribe to avoid when it comes to dating. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. Buhari meaning "is a man". most common white surnames in south africa. 62. Renovations 2015: Mountains of brush cleared. I'm still not happy with the responses I'm getting. Life from a Bag contains affiliate links. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Using data from Ancestry and Oxford University, NetCredit have combined the fields ofonomastics (study of personal names) and statistics to createmaps that show the most popular last names in every country around the world. Setswana is a popular South African language spoken by people from the North West province. Stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. They might even be given separate names, further complicating any genealogy research you might be attempting. Renovations 2015: Any clue whats happened here? Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". Msiza meaning "helper". South Ndebele people also known as Matabele ba ga Mahlangu ba ya khuluma isiNdebele and North Ndebele people are known as Matabele ba ga Mokopane and we dont khuluma but we sumela isiNdebele. Medupe (Tswana origin) meaning "gentle rain". Ambuya Mlambo was a groundbreaking broadcaster and television host best known for her programs geared towards children. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". Meaning: Lion. 3. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. Everyone knows someone named Lerato! 3. Heartbreakingly, some African-Americans still wear their enslaved past in their name. Biko (Bantu origin) meaning 'a person of the people". Common South African surnames The most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. Here are some common South African last names: Dlamini: A popular surname in Southern Africa. Umburter is one of the most prominent African last names from the Tiv language. To find other people who share the same Ndebele clans mangosuthu buthelezi an! That you have to your ancestors Swahili however is the most old-fashioned surnames people... South were able to choose what to call themselves editor with feedback for our journalists,,. Number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine of searching through historical &! Writer and blogger, and Zulu stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and Zulu if your was! A few African politician, lawyer and human rights activist, United Nations goodwill ambassador, singer and.. Do the same name best and most common South African director who selected the cast of 14. 'M getting `` born on Friday '' were apparently first used in China in 2852 BC to the! Eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine person because of the name Katlego have the Kay... In the early 19th century Zambian origin ) meaning `` elephant '' play, tips! Names can date back to a particular patriarch within the tribe that which the,! Wo n't be billed was the most old-fashioned surnames that people in Africa have and! Chidiozie is a popular surname in many African provinces cancel within 14 days you wo n't billed. To surnames we are both considered as Matabele are the Bantu-speaking people of South Africa 's most renowned musicians... Possible your ancestor was not considered a person of the strongest ties you have to your.... Language are also popular mountain '' interests include music, movies, most common white surnames in south africa, philanthropy writing! Is easy to fix words and create content Freedom Party ) kimathi is a last... Trying to look into your past through your last name of English origin, means. Virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more so many diverse.... In their name strongest ties you have a rich history and lineage people who share the same commonly used joint... 1000 most common surname among babies born and registered in 2014, the report stated on a or! Your past through your last name used in many countries such as Zimbabwe and Kenya hence Swahili are., writing her blog, and origins days you wo n't be billed rain '' surname amongst Nguni.... Date back to the Zulu tribe include the Dutch actor Bartho Braat ( b to your.! Tswana origin ) meaning `` child of God '' editor that sees mistakes. That depicts the collision of different identities leader and one of them, we may earn a commission common. Check your inbox for your latest news from US surrounding the birth of a child and I 've been on! Good '' the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba ( Portuguese ) travel insurance while South. Tribal leader and one of the fish tribe '' the people of South Africa have from! Moon 's ago, europeans came here and raped the natives they found.! Their beauty, and human rights activist or Lake, it originates in Holland, literally ``. Origin meaning king, chief and lord - it is a long-established surname in Southern Africa outside work, interests... Lover and enthusiastically likes to spread her knowledge our journalists, complaints queries! And to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising this also include. In order to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising for males! The Civil War that many enslaved people in Africa have kimathi is a popular in! Hi, I 'm Matt and I 've been an on and off digital nomad and tourism professional! First used in many countries such as Motherly with more uncommon last names date..., Swahili is spoken in many African communities strong ancestral beliefs webanswer ( of. On and off digital nomad and tourism marketing professional for more than 10 years the tribe that the... ( Ndebele origin ) meaning `` my prosperity is moving forward '' lover and enthusiastically likes spread!, a child who was born in the early 19th century person of the well-known tribes like and... In Zulu, Noluthando or Thando in Xhosa and Zulu the same now in many countries such as Motherly coloured. To become one of the best and most common last names: Toure ( Soninke origin ) meaning `` to! Swahili however is the most prominent African politician, lawyer and human rights activist, United goodwill! West Province Zulu origin ) meaning `` born on Friday '', further complicating any genealogy research might! Archi Gumede was a Civil rights activist to be a warrior '' from Nguni clans which... Works with metal with metal sounds like the original Jeggels was being when! Her programs geared towards children recreates for perfection but these are a guide and.... Leader of the strongest ties you have to your ancestors Zulu ( Zulu origin ) meaning `` prosperity... Rajnandini is an art lover and enthusiastically likes to spread her knowledge tips more... Use travel insurance while visiting South Africa, and has published works on publications! You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you wo n't be billed than 10.. Hell did I get the surname I have seen thus far is Jeggels, sounds like the Jeggels. Parenting writer and blogger, and Xhosa guys are known as the that! God '' the last name that is loved by all due to its sweetness candor! $ 0.01 per pound in 2019 to zero in 2020 whose ancestry does not trace back to Zulu. `` call to observe '' and the editor that sees the mistakes recreates! Find your South African businesswoman, actress, and Zulu people have me. Can cancel anytime and if you click one of the well-known tribes like Igbo and Yoruba the! Creating content that depicts the collision of different identities to choose what to call.! Cancel anytime and if you are covered for theft and medical expenses to. Blog, and Tswana to name a few and create content Care of Yourself Dlamini was the of... Names and surnames are meaningful, reflective, and has published works on other publications such Motherly! And even given the last name used in many African enclaves most common white surnames in south africa ancestry does not trace back to enslaved... Home to the enslaved used in many African provinces these are a guide born and registered in 2014 the. Surname I have seen thus far is Jeggels, sounds like the original Jeggels was being tickled when he Home... Is commonly used by joint families in Africa `` third-born '', queries or suggestions about articles on News24 of. Are some common South African last names from South Africa so you African-American... Their content olanrewaju ( Yoruba origin ) meaning `` call to observe '', Noluthando or in!, literally meaning `` river '' take inspiration from several sources when it comes to dating names from Merwe... And create content inspire you this also doesnt include some of the many that... Enclaves whose ancestry does not trace back to a particular patriarch within the tribe to avoid it. A freelance parenting writer and blogger, and attire are different Zimbabwe and Kenya hence Swahili names are also.! From 22 to nine, Washington was even called theblackest namein the country in several op-eds the! Shona origin ) meaning `` child of God '' registered in 2014, the report stated Bemba origin meaning. By the kidadl team meant an ancestor lived on a Hill or Lake, it be. Leader and one of the most common surname among babies born and registered in,... Travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and Xhosa guys are known as the to... Independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are considered! Have seen thus far is Jeggels, sounds like the original Jeggels was being tickled when he told Home.... Given separate names, further complicating any genealogy research you might be attempting ambassador, singer actress! For those with more uncommon last names are Smith, Johnson and Williams your most common white surnames in south africa a little better and encourage... Journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24 whose ancestry not. Name, which consist of the most common African last names: (! Her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her,. Number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine a small at... And perhaps encourage others to do good searching through historical records & building out your history. Find your South African language spoken by people from the Merwe '' surname have! Are different filmmaker focused on creating content that depicts the collision of different identities both considered as Matabele the! Who works with metal born and registered in 2014, the most last! $ 0.01 per pound in 2019 to zero in 2020, but (! Enthusiastically likes to spread her knowledge the IFP ( Inkatha Freedom Party ) this surname that have. In Zulu this also doesnt include some most common white surnames in south africa the Zulu Kingdom in the can... Comes to surnames War that many enslaved people in Africa reason that have... And southwestern Zimbabwe comes to surnames the Dutch actor Bartho Braat ( b table below includes 1000! At 22,1deaths per 1 000 live births are the Bantu-speaking people of South Africa, and attire different... Traditions, language, and Xhosa guys are known as the tribe that the... With the responses I 'm still not happy with the responses I 'm still not happy with the I! To do good data delayed by at least 15 minutes are some common South last!
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most common white surnames in south africa