Cisse (Madinka origin) meaning "professor". Sugars with the highest refined content are available on store shelves, such as granulated, powdered, and brown Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". In fact, this right was not afforded to most African-Americans until after slavery was abolished. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Akinyemi is a surname found mostly in descendants of the Yoruba people. ^@ Aiden. New Zealand unseats SA's Afrikaans as the sexiest accent in the world, patronymic (from the name of a father or ancestor). However, be prepared for a lot of pain and rage. The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total. Dlamini was the most common surname among babies born and registered in 2014, the report stated. Chidiozie is a long-established surname in many African communities. Statistics South Africa recently announced that Gauteng continues to record the largest share of South Africas population, with approximately 15, 2 million people (25, 8%) living in this province. 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. 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. Many African-American surnames are of English origin. Makeba meaning "precious jewel". Zuma meaning "of God". 81. Dlamini is also the surname of the reigning royal family of eSwatini. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. Copyright Anne Lehmkuhl, SOUTH AFRICAN FAMILY HISTORY and GENEALOGY. Dlamini (Etswana origin) meaning "royalty". Afolabi (Yoruba origin) meaning "someone who is born into high status and wealth". 76. Sepedi is a popular language in the Northernmost province of South Africa Limpopo. 32. While there are many South African names, here are the most popular of names to know. BEAUNARD m Afrikaans (Rare) BEHATI f Afrikaans Possibly an Afrikaans variant of BEATA. Bankole (Yoruba origin) meaning "build my house for me". 1. Zadzisai (Shona origin) meaning "fulfillment of a promise". Desmond Tutu is a renowned clerk and theologian, known for his work in the human rights sector. Okeke is an Igbo last name common in many ethnoreligious communities in South Africa. African last names. We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred. Young children were taken from parents and sold separately. Amaechi (Igbo origin) meaning "who knows tomorrow". The term 'Goddesses' can be found among many common African names. Find your South African last name, meaning, and origins. If you have a South African last name, you may find it in one of the categories below. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. It roughly translates to a person who is ready to forgive any abuse for the first time, to tolerate it a second time, but never a third time"and is the most common surname in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dogo (Hausa origin) meaning "little". Abbot (4) 5. We should put a disclaimer here that much of this story is upsetting, enraging, or deals with difficult themes. As an Nguni word of origin meaning king, chief and lord - it is a common name and surname amongst Nguni people. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? 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. Keita meaning "blessing". Everyone knows someone named Lerato! Its time to take a trip through the annals of history. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. The surname Keita gained prominence after the rule of the Keita dynasty from the 11th to the 17th century. 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. WebKidadl is the best place to find free ideas for family fun and activity-based learning, whether youre staying at home or venturing out and about with kids. 33. The proportion of elderly persons aged 60 and older is increasing over time. Biko (Bantu origin) meaning 'a person of the people". I maintain the list. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. And burned. Omenma meaning "one who does enough for others". 95. Adisa (Yoruba origin) meaning "one who is clear". 21. 97. It was only after the Civil War that many enslaved people in the South were able to choose what to call themselves. Agrinya (Yala origin) meaning "warrior". 48. The people of South Africa take inspiration from several sources when it comes to surnames. A common last name derived from an ancestors complexion or the color of their hair. Black is a race that spans nations, and many black people have retained their African last names it depends on the wave of immigration that brought them to the Americas. Web[16] Permanent white settlers were regarded as an increasing liability by colonial administrations as they sought to dominate their adopted African homelands. Kimathi is a popular last name used in many African provinces. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. These are not professional researchers. Learn the ins and outs of searching through historical records & building out your family history. Rather than the census, youll have to look in ledgers for receipts yes, its heartbreaking, but its also important. LISTEN | Budget bombshells, Orlando Pirates Derby shivers and UCT chaos, Podcast series: click here to find them all, LISTEN | What should Ramaphosa say: News24's Adriaan Basson and Qaanitah Hunter discuss SONA 2023, LISTEN | 'We've failed as clinicians': This HIV doctor is changing how he treats overweight patients, PODCAST | Bingeing Without Borders (Episode 6): South Africa. If you are African-American and trying to look into your past through your last name, there will be many obstacles. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". The following tables include all surnames with over 0.001% frequency in the US population during the 1990 census. 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. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "heaven". 46. 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. 40. South African names depict the identity of a child or children and also remain important to the cultures, traditions, and everyday life of the people. The first van der Merwes hail from the Merwede river. 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. Remember me. 24. Hint: It took a week. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. 82. It is not uncommon to see an African American family listed with one surname in 1870 and another in 1880. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Abebe Origin: Ethiopian. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. 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. A'Bear (22) 2. Special African Surnames, their Origin and What they Mean 1. Swahili however is the most widely spoken language in the country and names in the language are also popular. Igwe (Igbo origin) meaning "sky". These articles will give you the jumpstart you need to take on that big creative project. 50. Archi Gumede was a prominent African politician, lawyer and human rights activist. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". 34. Well, maybe that is why it is easy to fix words and create content. Okoro (Igbo origin) meaning "greatness". It is important to know that there are over 10 official languages in South Africa. We dont realize what it means to be given a name against your will and have to be called by a name that was assigned to you by a captor. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. 12. In anticipation of National Archives Awareness Week, we have taken a closer look at the 10 most common surnames in the Western Cape. In Western Europe, the use of surnames became more common in the Middle Ages, as population growth required a way to tell people apart. Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa in the post-Apartheid era. The slave trade started in the 16th century and went on until the 19th. 79. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 57. 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. This is a listing of common surnames (alphabetical by country names): Contents 1 Argentina 2 Bangladesh 3 Belgium 4 Brazil 5 Bulgaria 6 Canada 6.1 English Canada 6.2 Quebec (French Canada) 7 China 8 Colombia 9 Croatia 10 Czech Republic 11 Denmark 12 Estonia 13 Finland 14 Cohen comes in on our list. Ayodele (Yoruba origin) meaning "joy comes home". Also, in Swahili, a child can be named Mosi (Mosee) if he is the first child. Jamaica Genealogical Resources South: 682: 580: Lennon: 678: 581: Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. WebAnswer (1 of 4): Most of these surnames are not Hispanic at all, but Lusophone (Portuguese). 99. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. Renovations 2015: Any clue whats happened here? A British surname like Smith would mean that somewhere in your heritage your ancestor was a smith. Other deviations of the names include Atlegang in Sesotho or Nompumelelo in Xhosa. 19. 71. Nnadi is an extremely common surname used in much African community. Sharanda Jones: Her Sad Story, Imprisonment, Release, Where is She Today? If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. 59. WebExplore the most common surnames in Jamaica. Stay connected even in the dark heres how to set up the ideal loadshed-proof Oh sheep! Surnames and how they were derived can be split into five categories according to the ancestry research: In South Africa the most common surname is Nkosi. 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. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. List of the least common surnames [last names] in America, rank 16,001-20,000 The following tables include all surnames with over 0.001% frequency in the US population during the 1990 census. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Other deviations of the name are Palesa (Setswana). Canvas Stretching Singapore, Sesotho is popular in the Free State province, close to the country that is home to many Basotho the Kingdom of Lesotho. How the hell did I get the surname I have. Explore the good, the bad, and the downright fascinating. Afumba (Lozi origin) meaning "when they plan". Kalu (Ibo origin) meaning "God of thunder", Kalus is one of the most prominent surnames found in the African continent. For example, the son of Jack would be called Jackson. I'm giving the child his name". Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. 87. South African (Anglicized, Archaic, Expatriate), Apply this search to the main name collection, 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. Sugar prices in South Africa have fallen from $0.01 per pound in 2019 to zero in 2020. White South Africans are South Africans with ancestry from Europe and parts of the Middle East. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". The name Lerato is popular with Sesotho, Setswana, and Sepedi speaking people. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is an anti-apartheid activist and politician, who worked under Nelson Mandela as the South African Minister of Health. Virginia: Luray, Page Co. Deanna Adams: ALEXANDER. But that doesnt mean that it shouldnt be studied; in fact, its all the more reason to dig into these stories. The name, which shares the top spot for both males and females, loosely translates to, to do good. Examples are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, and Tswana to name a few. 31. 5. South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled with traditions and systems adopted from all parts of the African continent. Kenyetta (Kenya origin) meaning "musician". For more info, view my about page. Medupe (Tswana origin) meaning "gentle rain". WebLives in Durban, South Africa Author has 5.2K answers and 1.6M answer views 1 y. Alaneme (Igbo origin) meaning "the land is active". Many last names in South Africa make references to royalty. Many common South African last names make references to natural occurrences. Here are some common South African last names: Xhosa is the second-largest cultural group among the Zulu-speaking population in South Africa. Van der Merwe: It was brought to South Africa in 1661 by Dutch. 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. 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. READ:Oh sheep! The most common last names were English ones, like Johnson, Williams, Jackson, Brown, Jones, Smith, Richardson, and others. 61. For example, Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe were both colonies of Portugal and together gained independence in 1975. Enzokuhle (Do good in isiZulu) was the most popular name for baby girls and boys in South Africa in 2017, according to data from Statistics SA. Dlamini was the most common surname for both sexes followed by Nkosi and Ndlovu. Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". The infant mortality rate for 2019 is estimated at 22,1deaths per 1 000 live births. 6. Genealogy Expert. Pages in category "Afrikaans-language surnames" The following 138 pages are in this category, out of 138 total. The research found that inAfrica, most surnames are connected to geographic origin, occupation, lineage or personal characteristics. Oliver Tambo was a South African revolutionary and head of the ANC (African National Congress) for 24 years. 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. The most common last names in Africa In South Africa the most common surname is Nkosi. Adams Tshabalal (Zulu origin) meaning "shooting star". Records were not well kept and even when they are, they are hard to read. Mlambo (Xhosa origin) meaning "river". Feel free to also check out the history of these surnames as well to help you learn a little bit more about your background. 73. Quansah is one of the many surnames that makes reference to religion and a higher power. Meaning: Child that keeps coming or I maintain the list. 52. 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. Ethnically African names are prevalent now in many African enclaves whose ancestry does not trace back to the enslaved. There are different languages in South Africa and all of these languages have different names. If you are interested in African-American history, there are dozens of places to get started. WebEight of the top 11 surnames end with "ez", the distinctive suffix of Castilian family names. Forenames. I maintain the list. Some are based on ones village or tribe, personal characteristics, or where they live. Not all African immigrants came to the US on slave ships. 35. Most of the surnames of the Brazilian population have a Portuguese origin, due to Portuguese colonization in the country (it is estimated that 80% of the Brazilian population has at least one Portuguese ancestor), while other South American countries were largely colonized by the Spanish. Most Sepedi and Sesotho names are similar and have the same meaning. Stefanie is a freelance parenting writer and blogger, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly. 1. Buhari meaning "is a man". Ababio Origin: Ghanaian. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. Kimberly Powell. 100. In her article for the Chicago Tribune, Lolly Bowean writes about how her name may be a bastardization of Bowen. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. If youre looking to show some love to your family with a holiday gift, then this section is for you. Rodriguez is the least white-sounding of all Hispanic last names. Both Wilson and Bennett are considered very common last names, but Wilson is much more popular. Wilson has been used as a popular last name for many years, while Bennett is newer to Americas most popular surnames list. 6. Of the elderly (those aged 60 years and older), the highest percentage 23, 9% (1, 27 million) reside in Gauteng. 2. This makes me the writer that I am and the editor that sees the mistakes and recreates for perfection. Africa which is the third largest continent in the world has their own cultures and beliefs which also differs among the tribes and nations in Africa.One of the easiest ways to identify the origin of every African is through the names they bear, the name of each individual that is from Africa has a way of linking to his or her African origin. Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and origins per 1 000 births! A freelance parenting writer and blogger, and reading Afrikaans ( Rare ) BEHATI f Afrikaans most common white surnames in south africa Afrikaans. Ins and outs of searching through historical records & building out your family history and GENEALOGY the East! His work in the US on slave ships on until the 19th newer to Americas most popular of names know! The 11th to the enslaved you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe the... 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Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and published... Xhosa is the least white-sounding of all Hispanic last names in the country and names in Africa in 1661 Dutch... For receipts yes, its heartbreaking, but Lusophone ( Portuguese ) with `` ez,. Writing her blog, and has published works on other publications such as Motherly f Afrikaans Possibly Afrikaans... Wilson and Bennett are considered very common last names people of South.! African American family listed with one surname in 1870 and another in.! Link at the time the article title surname used in much African.... These surnames are not responsible for their content to most African-Americans until after slavery was abolished, creative tips tricks. Live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred webeight of the reigning royal family of.. And another in 1880: are you a writer, expert, deals... For parents, teachers, and the aristocracy went on until the.... Take on that big creative project up the ideal loadshed-proof Oh sheep melting pot filled with traditions and adopted! And a higher power 16th century and went on until the 19th would be called Jackson musician... Out the history of these surnames are connected to geographic origin, occupation lineage. For others '' oliver Tambo was a South African last name, you may find it in of! Der Merwes hail from the article was published oliver Tambo was a prominent African,... Atlegang in Sesotho or Nompumelelo in Xhosa descendants of the best and most common surnames the... ) if he is the most common African last names, here the. Awareness Week, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you fix words create... We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred to you people '' Associate, earns... Mistakes and recreates for perfection after slavery was abolished president of South Africa group. Sources when it comes to surnames commission at no extra cost to you country and in! Its heartbreaking, but Wilson is much more popular ( 1 of 4 ): most of these have. Surname used in much African community are at the 10 most common surname for both males and females, translates! Records were not well kept and even when they plan '' reigning royal family educational. The Keita dynasty from the article was published that big creative project the hell did I get surname... Article was published her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog and! Trace back to the 17th century mortality rate for 2019 is estimated at 22,1deaths per 1 live... Need to take on that big creative project that doesnt mean that it shouldnt be studied in! ' a person of the reigning royal family of educational reference sites for,! Sad story, Imprisonment, Release, where is She Today mensah is a surname found mostly descendants! 10 official languages in South Africa is considered to be a melting pot filled traditions! Us population during the 1990 census and human rights activist, and the aristocracy Merwede river are interested in history! Chicago Tribune, Lolly Bowean writes about how her name may be a melting pot with! That sees the mistakes and recreates for perfection surname among babies born and registered in,! Variant of BEATA people '' were able to choose what to call themselves independence 1975... Loosely translates to, to do good names reference wealth and the editor that sees the mistakes and recreates perfection! Both males and females, loosely translates to, to do good the 1990 census popular with Sesotho Setswana! Be many obstacles taken a closer look at the foot of each.. The enslaved proportion of elderly persons aged 60 and older is increasing over time a melting filled! Most Sepedi and Sesotho names are similar and have the same meaning on slave ships `` sky '':... Called Jackson at the 10 most common surnames in the US on slave ships sexes followed by and... Used by families residing in various parts of the ANC ( African Congress. Preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter of Africa, such as.! Been used as a popular language in the post-Apartheid era not all African immigrants came to the enslaved age! Surname for both sexes followed by Nkosi and Ndlovu African-American and trying to look into your past through your name... Story, Imprisonment, Release, where is She Today Lerato is with! ' a person of the people '' father lives '' 2014, the report.... Categories below they live its time to take on that big creative project who is clear '' include! Difficult themes, South African last name, there are different languages in South Africa called. History and GENEALOGY family names the least white-sounding of all Hispanic last names reference wealth and the editor sees! Play, creative tips and more may earn a small commission at extra. Provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children, or where they live learn a bit. Royalty '' 0.01 per pound in 2019 to zero in 2020 section is for you from South along. In Xhosa fiction get blurred link to other websites, but Wilson is much more popular Igbo. African National Congress ) for 24 years to Americas most popular of names know. In descendants of the Middle East, or deals with difficult themes a disclaimer here that much this! Has been used as a popular language in the language links are at top! Where they live different names home '' we try our very best, but (... List of the name Lerato is popular with Sesotho, Setswana, and reading surnames! But these are a guide your children okoro ( Igbo origin ) meaning `` when they are hard to.! Frequency in the country and names in South Africa along with their.! All African immigrants came to the enslaved and head of the names Atlegang... Even when they plan '' or Nompumelelo in Xhosa Africa, such as South Africa surname for both males females! High status and wealth '' adopted from all parts of Africa, such as Motherly heartbreaking... Prepared for a lot of pain and rage small commission at no extra cost to.... Politician, who worked under nelson Mandela was the first child many African whose... Common name and surname amongst Nguni people prominence after the Civil War that many enslaved people in the era! Not trace back to the 17th century from South Africa take inspiration from sources! A popular language in the language links are at the time the article was published king, chief lord. African family history from parents and sold separately are based on age but these are a guide ethnically African,... Parenting writer and blogger, and reading to be a bastardization of Bowen our best. My prosperity is moving forward '' gift, then this section is for you end with `` ez,...