Browse Submitted Names

Abafile f & m Zulu
Means "they are not dead" or "undead" in Zulu.

Abdool m Mauritian Creole, South African
Variant transcription of Abdul.

Abongile m & f Xhosa
Means "thankfulness" or "grateful" in Xhosa.

Achmat m Indonesian, South African
Indonesian form of Ahmad as well as the usual form used by South African Muslims.

Akahlulwa m & f Xhosa (Modern)
Means "undefeated, unbeatable", possibly taken from the title of the gospel song ‘Akahlulwa lutho uuJesu’.

Akani m Tsonga
Means "build, build together" in Xitsonga.

Akhona f & m South African

Alphons m Dutch, Dutch (Surinamese), Flemish, Afrikaans, German, German (Austrian), German (Swiss)
Variant of Alfons.

Altus m Afrikaans (Rare)

Aluwani m & f Venda
Means "be prosperous" or "grow up" in Tshivenda.

Amandla f & m Xhosa, Zulu
Means "power, strength" in Xhosa and Zulu.... [more]

Amazie f & m Zulu
Happy and beloved

Amile m Zulu
something keeping a structural holding making sure things are balanced in life.

Amohelang m Sotho
Means "receive" in Sotho.

Ampie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Abraham.

Amukelani m & f African, Tsonga
Means "acceptance" in Tsonga.

Amukelo m & f Tsonga
Means "acceptance" in Xitsonga.

Andisiwe f & m Xhosa
Means "expanded, increased" or "extension" in Xhosa.

Andzani m & f Tsonga
Means "multiply, grow" in Xitsonga.

Andzile m & f Tsonga
Means "multiplied and increased" in Xitsonga.

Anele m & f Zulu
Means "be enough; be sufficient; be adequate" in Zulu.

Anrich m Afrikaans

Anthon m Dutch, South African, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian (Rare)
Variant of Anton.

Anthonie m Dutch, Flemish, Afrikaans
Variant of Antonie 2.

Anthonius m Dutch, Flemish, Afrikaans
Variant of Antonius.

Aphelele m & f Xhosa, Zulu
Means "complete, whole, all present" in Xhosa and Zulu. Often given to the last child to be born in a family.

Artwell m Shona, English (African), Ndebele
Zimbabwe origin meaning 'Creative' or 'Excellent Creation'.

Asanda m South African

Atepekoungo m Zulu, Esan, Kongo, Mossi, Tooro, Yao
First used by King Atepekoungo of the Kingdom of Äsikoluboru in modern day Zïare.

Atlantis f & m English (Modern, Rare), South African (Rare)
Taken from the name of the mythological place of the Atlantis, derived from the Greek Ἀτλαντὶς νῆσος meaning “island of Atlas.”

Auben f & m English (Modern, Rare), South African (Rare)
Variant of Aubin.

Avhatakali m South African

Avhatendi m & f Venda
Means "they do not believe" in Tshivenda.

Awonke m & f Xhosa
Means "united" or "we are all here" in Xhosa, often given to the last-born child in a family.

Axhoba m Xhosa
Means "they are armed".

Ayakha f & m Xhosa
Means "they build" in Xhosa.

Azwianewi m & f Venda
Means "something that cannot be told" in Tshivenda.

Azwihangwisi m & f Venda
Means "unforgettable" in Tshivenda.

Azwitheli m South African

Baatseba f & m Sotho (Anglicized, Rare)
Sotho form of Bathsheba.

Bafana m Zulu
Derived from Zulu abafana, the plural form of umfana, meaning "boy, young man."

Bartho m Dutch, Afrikaans
Short form of Bartholomeus. Notable bearers of this name include the Dutch actor Bartho Braat (b. 1950) and the South African writer Bartho Smit (1924-1986).

Basjan m Afrikaans

Beaunard m Afrikaans (Rare)

Beuran m South African (Rare)

Bhekani m Zulu, Ndebele
Means "look" in Zulu and Ndebele.

Bheki m Zulu
"The person that's broadminded, able to think further about future needs and wants".

Bhekizifundiswa m Zulu
Means "watch the educated ones" in Zulu.

Bhekizizwe m Zulu
Means "look after the nations" in Zulu.

Bhekumbuso m Zulu (Rare)
Means "look after the kingdom", from Zulu bheka "look after" and umbuso "kingdom, dominion".

Bokamoso m & f South African, Sotho
Means "future".

Bonginkosi m Zulu
Means "thanksgiving" in Zulu.

Boysie m English, South African, Trinidadian Creole, Jamaican Patois
Variant of Boise.

Brodwyn m & f South African (Rare)

Bron m English (Rare), South African (Rare)
Transferred use of the surname Bron. Otherwise, it could be a short form of LeBron or Bronson.

Buchule m & f Xhosa
Means "intelligence, skill" in Xhosa.

Bulelani m South African

Burger m Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare), West Frisian (Archaic)
Dutch, Afrikaans and West Frisian form of the ancient Germanic name Burghar.... [more]

Burry m Afrikaans, Dutch (Rare)
Diminutive of masculine given names that contain the Germanic element burg meaning "fortress", such as Burghard... [more]

Butho m Ndebele
Means "soldier" in Ndebele.

Cetshwayo m Zulu
Means "advised" in Zulu. This was the name of a Zulu King,

Chaka f & m African American (Rare), South African (Rare)

Charl m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Charles.

Charle m Afrikaans, Norman
Cotentinais Norman and Afrikaans form of Charles.

Cheslin m South African
Transferred use of the surname Cheslin.

Cheyeza m & f Tsonga
Means "bright" in Xitsonga.

Christo m Afrikaans, Dutch, English, German, French
Short form of Christopher or Christian.

Clearence m English (American, Rare), South African (Rare), English (Puritan, ?)
Variant of Clarence. In some cases it may be a variant of Clearance.

Coenie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Coenraad. This name is borne by South African rugby player Coenie Oosthuizen (1989-) and South African musician Coenie de Villiers (1956-).

Collen m South African
Either a variant of Colin 2 or a transferred use of the surname Collen.

Constand m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Constant.

Dakalo m & f Venda
Means "happiness" in Tshivenda.

Danie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Daniël.

Dawie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Dawid.

Delmain m South African

Denvon m South African

Dewald m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Dietbald.

Diettmar m Afrikaans (Rare)
Variant of Dietmar.

Dilivio m Afrikaans (Rare), Dutch (Surinamese, Rare)
Since this name is also found written as Di Livio, it is probably a combination of the Italian preposition di meaning "of" with the given name Livio... [more]

Dirkie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Dirk.

Donation m South African, English (Puritan)
From the word donation, meaning "an act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution."

Dyondzani m Tsonga
From the Xitsonga dyondza meaning "learn".

Dzunani m Tsonga
From the Xitsonga dzuna meaning "praise".

Dzunisani m & f Tsonga
Means "praise, praise together" in Xitsonga.

Eghard m Germanic, Afrikaans
The first element of this name is derived from ag, an uncertain element for which several etymologies have been proposed. The most widely accepted explanation is that it comes from Proto-Germanic *agjo meaning "sharp, pointed"... [more]

Egmond m Dutch (Rare), Flemish (Rare), Dutch (Surinamese, Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Dutch and Afrikaans form of Egmund.

Elandré m Afrikaans

Elifasi m South African, Zulu

Ellion m South African (Rare)
Variant of Elian.

Ḓembe m & f Venda
Means "miracle" in Tshivenda.

Endlani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga endla meaning "make, create, do".

Eon m Afrikaans (Rare)

Erco m West Frisian (Rare), Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Variant spelling of Erko, which is most likely a diminutive of Erk. Also compare Ercken and Herko, which is a variant of Herke.

Esegiël m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Ezekiel.

Esias m Medieval Romansh, Afrikaans
Medieval Romansh and Afrikaans form of Isaiah via Esaias.

Esihle f & m Zulu, Xhosa, Southern African
Means "beautiful, good" in Zulu and Xhosa.

Esra m Biblical German, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian (Rare), Icelandic, Faroese, Afrikaans
German, Afrikaans and Scandinavian form of Ezra.

Estian m Afrikaans

Esulu m & f Ndebele
Means "clouds" in Ndebele.

Etienne m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Étienne.

Everhard m Dutch, Afrikaans, German
Dutch, Afrikaans and German form of Everard.

Ezrom m South African
Likely a variant of Hezron.

Famandha m Tsonga
Means "give power" in Xitsonga.

Fanie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Stephan and Stephanus.

Fanus m Afrikaans
Short form of Stefanus.

Fanyana m Zulu
From Zulu umfanyana, abafanyana meaning "little boy".

Fhaṱuwani m & f Venda
Means "be careful, aware" in Tshivenda.

Fhulufhedzani m & f Venda
Means "be hopeful" in Tshivenda.

Fhulufhelo m & f Venda
Means "hope" in Tshivenda.

Francois m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of François.

Frederich m German (Silesian, Archaic), Afrikaans (Rare)
Variant of Friedrich.

Frikkie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Frederik.

Funani f & m Zulu (Rare)
Means "want!" or "search!" in Zulu.

Gaopalelwe m & f South African (Rare)

Garrol m South African

Gatsha m Zulu (Rare)
From Zulu igatsha meaning "branch".

Gazini m Zulu
Means "blood" in Zulu.

Gerhardus m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Gerard.

Gerrie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Gerhardus.

Gerschon m Biblical German, German (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
German form of Gershon.

Ghakarhi m Zulu
The meaning of this name is fierce warrior. A person not accepting defeat as an option.

Giljon m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Chilion.

Giniel m Afrikaans
Giniel de Villiers is a South African rallye driver and winner of Rallye Dakar 2009.

Goodwill m Zulu, South African, Literature
Derives from the Medieval English gode meaning "good", plus will, "wish or desire", and was originally given as a complimentary nickname to an amiable person, favourably disposed towards others... [more]

Hansie m Afrikaans
Short form of Johannes.

Hanyani m Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hanya meaning "live".

Hendro m Afrikaans

Henrico m Dutch (Modern), Afrikaans
Variant of Hendrik influenced by Enrico.

Hentie m Afrikaans

Hetisani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hetisa meaning "finish".

Hlamalani m & f Tsonga
Means "surprised" in Xitsonga.

Hlawulani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlawula meaning "choose".

Hlawuleka m & f Tsonga
Means "unique" or "chooseable, chosen" in Xitsonga.

Hlayisani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlayisa meaning "preserve, protect".

Hlekani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hleka meaning "laugh".

Hlengani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlenga meaning "collect, gather".

Hlomla m & f Xhosa
Means "to comment on something" in Xhosa.

Hlompho m Sotho
Means "respect" in Sesotho.

Hlulani m & f Tsonga
Means "win, conquer" in Xitsonga.

Hulisani m & f Venda
Means "respect" in Tshivenda.

Ibubesi m Zulu
Means "lion" in Zulu.

Igmar m Afrikaans
Afrikaans. Combination of his mother and fathers name. Siegfried and Marieta. Ig and Mar. Combined Igmar

Ikusasa f & m Zulu
Means "destiny" in Zulu.

Imbasa f & m Zulu
Means "star" in Zulu.

Iqaqa m Zulu
Means "polecat" in Zulu.

Isaki m Ndebele
Ndebele form of Isaac.

Jabulani m Ndebele, Zulu
Means "enjoy" or "be happy all" in Ndebele and "rejoice" in Zulu.

Jak m Afrikaans
Variant of Jaak.

Jakkie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Jacob.

Jakobus m Afrikaans, Biblical German, Medieval German
Afrikaans and German form of Jacobus.

Jannie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Johannes.

Japie m & f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Diminutive of Jaap.

Jaune m Afrikaans (Rare)

Jeremia m Dutch (Rare), Flemish (Rare), Afrikaans, Finnish, Swedish (Rare), Norwegian (Rare)
Dutch, Afrikaans, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian variant of Jeremias.

Jesaja m Biblical, Swedish (Rare), Dutch, Biblical German, Afrikaans
Dutch, German, and Swedish form of Isaiah.

Joesoef m Indonesian, Afrikaans (Rare)
Indonesian variant transcription of Jusuf (based on Dutch orthography) and Afrikaans form of Joseph.

Jolidee m South African

Jona m Croatian, Serbian, Swedish, Norwegian (Rare), Sorbian, Afrikaans
Croatian, Serbian, Sorbian, Afrikaans and Scandinavian form of Jonah.

Jonase m Sotho
Sesotho form of Jonah.

Jonnie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Johan.

Jopie m & f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Diminutive of Joop for men and of the related name Johanna for women.

Jorrie m Afrikaans

Josua m German, Afrikaans, Swedish, Romansh
German, Afrikaans, Romansh and Swedish form of Joshua.

Juane f & m Afrikaans, South American (Rare), African American

Jurie m Afrikaans

Kamohelo m & f Sotho
Means "acceptance" or "welcome" in Sotho.

Kananelo f & m Sotho
Means "approval" or "appreciation" in Sotho.

Kealeboa m Sotho
Means "thank you" in Sotho.

Kekeletso m Sotho
Means "addition" in Sesotho.

Kelebohile m Sotho
Means "I am grateful" in Sesotho.

Kgabareya m Sotho
Sotho form of Gabriel.

Kgabu m & f African, Zulu
Means "to decorate richly" in Zulu.

Kganya f & m Sotho
Means "brightness" or "(God's) light" in Sesotho.

Kgethang m Sotho
Sesotho form of Khethang.

Kgodi m & f Sotho
Means "mist" in Sotho.

Khabane m Sotho
Means "precious" in Sesotho.

Khanya m Zulu
Means "shine" in Zulu.

Khanyiso m Xhosa
Means "to light, to illuminate" in Xhosa.

Khathutshelo m & f Venda
Means "forgiveness" in Tshivenda.

Khauhelo f & m Sotho
Means "pity" or "compassion" in Sotho.

Khaya m South African

Khayalethu m Zulu
Means "our home" in Zulu.

Khayizeni m Tsonga
Means "rebuke" in Xitsonga.

Khensani m & f Tsonga
Means "grateful, give thanks" in Xitsonga.

Khethang m Sotho
Means "choose" in Lesotho.

Khoeli m Sotho
“Moon”

Khomelani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga khomela meaning "forgive".

Khongelani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga khongela meaning "pray".

Khosi m Sotho
Means "king" in Sotho.

Khotsofalang m Sotho
Means "be satisfied" in Lesotho.

Khumbuza m Tsonga
Means "remember" in Xitsonga.

Khwezi m & f Zulu
Means "bright morning star" in Zulu.

Kobie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Jacobus.

Konanani m & f Venda
Means "be good to one another" in Tshivenda.

Kores m Afrikaans (Rare), Dutch (Rare)
Dutch form of Cyrus.

Kornelis m Dutch, Flemish, Afrikaans
Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Cornelis.

Kotani m Tsonga
Possibly from the Xitsonga kota meaning "able, talented".

Kuhlula m & f Tsonga
Means "win" in Xitsonga.

Kulani m & f South African

Kurhula m Tsonga
Means "peace" in Xitsonga.

Kutloisiso f & m Sotho (Rare)
Means "understanding" in Sotho.

Kuvhanganani m & f Venda
Means "come together" in Tshivenda.

Landzani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga landza meaning "follow".

Langa m Zulu
From Zulu ilanga "sun, sunshine, day".

Langalibalele m Zulu
Means "shining sun" in Zulu.

Langavi m & f Tsonga
Means "flame" in Xitsonga.

Langelihle f & m Zulu
Means "beautiful day" in Zulu.

Langutani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga languta meaning "look".

Leabua m Sotho
Means "one who speaks" in Sotho.

Lebone f & m Sotho
means “light”

Lefa m Sotho
Means "inheritance" in Sotho.

Lefika m Sotho
“My Rock” It’s used in Lesotho and South Africa

Lehlogonolo m & f Sotho
Means "felicity" in Sotho.

Lehlohonolo m Sotho, South African
Means "luck" or "blessing" in Sotho.

Lehumo m Sotho
Means "treasure" in Sotho.

Leihlo-larona m & f Sotho
Our eye

Lemogang m Tswana, Sotho
A known bearer is South African actor Lemogang Tsipa (1991-), who was born to a Pedi father and a Tswana mother.

Lemohang m Sotho
Means "take cognisance" in Sesotho.

Len m Afrikaans
Variant of Leen.

Lereko m Sotho
Means "abundance" in Sesotho.

Letsatsi m Sotho
Means "sun" in Sotho.

Lewatle m Sotho
Means "ocean" in Sotho.

Lihle f & m Xhosa, Zulu
Means "beautiful" in Xhosa and Zulu.

Likotsi m Sotho
Means "accidents" in Sotho.

Limpopo m & f South African
From the name of the river in South Africa.

Linda m Zulu
Means "wait!" in Zulu (note that this is the imperative singular form of -linda).

Lindo m South African

Litšehoana m & f Sotho
Means "little laughter" in Sotho.

Livhuwani m & f Venda
Means "be thankful" in Tshivenda.

Liyabona f & m Xhosa
Means "it sees" or "you see" in Xhosa, sometimes taken from the phrase liyabona igama le Nkosi meaning "the name of the eye of God".

Liyema f & m Xhosa
Means "to stop" or "to stand, to be standing" in Xhosa, often taken from the phrase liyema ikhaya "the home is standing" to indicate stability in the family.

Lodewicus m Afrikaans
Variant of Lodewikus.

Lodewikus m Afrikaans
Afrikaans (i.e. South African) form of Ludovicus, inspired in its spelling by the Dutch name Lodewijk.

Lodewyk m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Lodewijk.

Lonwabo m South African

Loryn f & m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Lorijn.

Louw m Dutch, Afrikaans
Dutch variant spelling of Lau (which is more phonetical in nature), and Afrikaans nickname for Lodewikus.

Lubabalo m Xhosa
Means "it is grace" or "grace of God" in Xhosa.

Luchumo m & f Xhosa
Possibly means "expanding, flourishing" or "prosperity" in Xhosa.

Lufuno m & f Venda
Means "love" in Tshivenda.

Lukhanyo m South African

Lukhona m & f Zulu (Modern)
Means "it's available" in Zulu.

Lungelo m & f Zulu
Means "right" in Zulu.

Luphelo m Xhosa
Means "the end, the last" in Xhosa, often given to the last child to be born in a family.

Luphumlo m Xhosa
Means "to rest" or "our relief" in Xhosa.

Luscious f & m African American (Rare), South African
Variant of Lucius (phonetically identical).

Luthando m & f Southern African, Xhosa
Means "it's love" in Xhosa.

Luvuyo m South African

Luxon m South African
Transferred use of the surname Luxon.

Luyanda m & f South African, Zulu, Xhosa
Means "it is growing, increasing" in Zulu and Xhosa, referring to love or the child’s family.

Lwazi m South African, Zulu
Means "knowledge" in Zulu.

Maanda m & f Venda
Means "power, stength" in Tshivenda.

Madumetsa m South African

Maghiel m Afrikaans (Rare)
Variant of Machiel.

Mahlatse m & f Sotho
Means "lucky" in Sotho.

Mahomed m South African
Form of Muhammad used by South African Muslims.

Makasela m Tsonga
Means "go, crawl to towards one's goal" in Xitsonga.

Makaziwe f & m Xhosa
Means "let him/her be known" in Xhosa.... [more]

Makgatho m South African

Makhahlela m Tsonga
Means "beater" in Xitsonga.

Makungu m & f Tsonga
Means "plan" in Xitsonga.

Maleagi m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Malachias.

Malusi m Zulu
Means "shepherd" in Zulu.

Malwandla m & f Tsonga
Means "hospitality" in Xitsonga.

Mandela m & f African American, Xhosa
Transferred use of the surname Mandela given in honour of Nelson Mandela, South African revolutionary hero and statesman... [more]

Manie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Hermanus.

Mannuel m Eastern African (Rare), South African (Rare), Filipino (Rare), African American (Modern, Rare)
Variant of Manuel.

Maoupa m South African

Maṱoḓzi m & f Venda
Means "tears" in Tshivenda.

Marick m Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)

Marle f & m Portuguese (Brazilian), Filipino (Rare), Spanish (Latin American), South African (Rare)
Meaning unknown. This name is considered feminine, particularly in the United States, though some masculine usage is present in other communities.

Marno m Dutch, South African, Indonesian
Masculine form of Marna or Marni or a variant of Marnix.

Marnus m Afrikaans

Marthinus m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Martinus.

Masiza m Tsonga
Means "the one who helps" in Xitsonga.

Masizane m South African

Matheeletša m Sotho
Means "listener" in Sotho.

Mathuselam m South African
South African form of Methuselah via its latinized form Mathusalem.

Mathys m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Mathijs.

Matimba m & f Tsonga
Means "strength" in Xitsonga.

Matome m Sotho (?)
A Northern Sotho translation of "Duke".

Matsimela m Sotho
Means "roots" in Sotho.

Matthys m Medieval Dutch, Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans, West Frisian
Medieval Dutch form of Matthijs as well as the modern Afrikaans and West Frisian form of Matthijs. In the Netherlands, the name has survived to modern times, but it is highly rare there currently, especially when compared to its modern counterpart.... [more]

Mauritz m Afrikaans, Swedish, Finnish
Variant of Maurits. The "M" in the clothing company H&M's name stands for Mauritz (the original name is Hennes & Mauritz, H&M is an abbreviation).

Mava m South African (Rare)

Maveletiveni m Swazi
A famous bearer is Maveletiveni Dlamini, son of Mswati III, King of Eswatini and his first wife Queen laMatsebula.

Mayibongwinkosi m Ndebele
Means "give thanks to the Lord" in Ndebele.

Mayibuye m & f Ndebele
Means "let it come" in Ndebele.

Mayihlome m & f Ndebele
Means "let's take up arms" in Ndebele.

Mbulaheni m South African

Mbuso m Ndebele
Means "kingdom" in Ndebele.

Mbuyiseli m Xhosa
Means "one who returns or restores" in Xhosa.

Mehluli m Ndebele
Means "conquerer" in Ndebele.

Melusi m South African

Menzi m Southern African, Zulu
Means "creator" in Zulu.... [more]

Meshindi m Zulu
Means "victor" in Zulu.

Mesuli m & f Xhosa, Zulu
Means "wiper (of tears)" in Xhosa, suggesting someone who brings an end to sorrow.

Mfan'bomvu m Zulu
Means "red boy" in Zulu.

Mheho m & f Tsonga
Means "breeze" in Xitsonga.

Mhlava m Tsonga
Means "earth" in Xitsonga.