These
name are used by speakers of Nguni languages.
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Akahlulwa m Xhosa (Modern)This name is derived from the song Akahlulwa lutho uuJesu. Mostly popularity in the Xhosa nation. But this name is also understood Zulu which means Jesus is undefeated.
Amile m Zulusomething keeping a structural holding making sure things are balanced in life.
Anele m & f ZuluMeans "be enough; be sufficient; be adequate" in Zulu.
Aphelele m XhosaMeaning “they are perfect” or “they are complete” in Xhosa. Often given to the last child in Xhosa families.
Axhoba m XhosaThe meaning of this name is, they are armed.
Bafana m ZuluDerived from Zulu
abafana, the plural form of
umfana, meaning "boy, young man."
Bheki m Zulu"The person that's broadminded, able to think further about future needs and wants".
Bhekumbuso m Zulu (Rare)Means "look after the kingdom", from Zulu
bheka "look after" and
umbuso "kingdom, dominion".
Dela f Zulu (Rare)Dela. in Zulu it means to become whole, to feel complete and satisfied.
Fanyana m ZuluFrom Zulu
umfanyana,
abafanyana meaning "little boy".
Ghakarhi m ZuluThe meaning of this name is fierce warrior. A person not accepting defeat as an option.
Goodwill m Zulu, South African, LiteratureDerives 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]
Gugu f XhosaMeans "our pride" in Xhosa. A famous bearer is actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Gugu f ZuluFrom Zulu
igugu meaning "precious".
Ijuba f ZuluCommonly it is meaning Dove or Peace. Less common in means storm or fighting. It also means freedom in some local tribes. It is said many years ago a great war loomed. Fighting had started but one warrior championed the cause of peace and unity... [
more]
Inyoni f ZuluDerived from Zulu
inyoni meaning "bird".
Jabu f ZuluThe name's origin meaning is "It is the shortened form of the name Jabulani which means joy or to rejoice"
Khanyokulhe f ZuluMeans "guide on the way" in Zulu from the word
khanyo meaning "guide" and
kuhle meaning "way".
Khwezi m & f ZuluMeans "bright morning star" in Zulu.
Langa m ZuluFrom Zulu
ilanga "sun, sunshine, day".
Linda m ZuluMeans "wait!" in Zulu (note that this is the imperative singular form of
-linda).
Liyema f XhosaMeans "stability in the family" in Xhosa.
Lubabalo m XhosaThe meaning of this name is Grace, praising God, giving thanks for what you have.
Lubanzi m South African, XhosaMeans "upper layer, flat and clear surface" (usually directed or linked to the love parents have for the child).
Maveletiveni m SwaziA famous bearer is Maveletiveni Dlamini, son of Mswati III, King of Eswatini and his first wife Queen laMatsebula.
Mbalienhle f Ndebele, ZuluMeans "beautiful flower" in Zulu and Ndebele, from
mbali "flower, flowers" and
enhle "something that is beautiful of nice".
Mswati m SwaziTwo famous bearers of this name are Mswati II (1825-1868) and Mswati III (1968 -), Kings of Swaziland. Mswati is not their birth name but their name as monarchs.
Mzwandile m XhosaMeans "the house has expanded" in Xhosa, idiomatically referring to a growing family.
Nambitha f XhosaTo Nambitha is to savour, to take a small bite out of one's food and chew it slowly to enjoy every bit of it. A girl who is named Nambitha is encouraged to savour life.
Nandi f ZuluMeans "sweet" in Zulu. This was the name of the mother of
Shaka, famed warrior king of the Zulus in colonial South Africa (though her grave is marked
Nindi).
Ngcondebuku m & f Xhosa (Modern)Ngconde comes from the Xhosa clan names of Amakwayi. Amakwayi ,Ongconde, o Togu o Tshiwo.Buku is the surname of Michael who belong to Amakwayi o Ngcondentshaba From Kingwilliamstown, Eastern Cape,South Africa.His home village is Ndevana near Zwelitsha,Phakamisa and Ilitha Township.
Nkosi m XhosaMeans "king; lord; ruler; god" in Xhosa.
Nombuyiselo f Xhosa"She who gives back." This is the name of comedian and talk show host Trevor Noah's mother.
Novuyo f XhosaMeans "ultimate joy" or "mother of joy" in Xhosa.
Rolihlahla m Xhosa, AfricanisiXhosa for 'pulling the branch of a tree', colloquially 'troublemaker'. This was the given name of Nelson Mandela (Rolihlahla Mandela) and is now typically attributed to him as a middle name.
Samkeliso m SwaziIn Swazi culture this means, a gift has been given. In Swaziland, the meaning of names is determined by the circumstances around the birth.
Sicalo m SwaziA famous bearer is Sicalo Dlamini (1987-) son of Mswati III, King of Eswatini and his first wife Queen laMatsebula.
Silindile f & m Xhosa, Zuluit means we are waiting for the baby's arrival and for success in the baby's life.
Simphiwe m & f ZuluMeaning "we have been given him/her" in Zulu.
Sinenhlanhla f ZuluMeans "we have luck" in Zulu, from
sine "we have" and
inhlanhla "luck".
Solomzi m XhosaMeans "eye of the home" or "guardian of the home" in Xhosa.