Southern African Submitted Names

Southern African names include those from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. See also about African names.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Tomutendaishe m & f Shona
Meaning “we give thanks to He who is the Lord”, it is synonymous with the names Tinomutendaishe and Tovatendaishe.
Tonderai m Shona
Means "remember" in Shona.
Toperesu f & m Shona
"Flaming sword" believed to be used by the kings
Topollo f Sotho
Means "emancipation, release" in Sesotho.
Torevei m & f Shona
Means "What shall we say?". This is a name of exclamation or questioning given by a parent who is a lost for words regards the situation they are in
Towera f Southern African, Tumbuka
Means "beauty" or "beautiful". Traditionally the name was given to a child born after death(s) of a preceding sibling. The belief was that this new born is beautiful for death or beautiful for the soil.
Trofimus m Afrikaans (Archaic), Dutch (Archaic)
Afrikaans and Dutch form of Trophimus.
Trudene f English (Rare), Afrikaans
Elaborated form of Trudy.
Tryna f Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Trijna and thus a short form of Catharina and Catherina (compare Tryntje).
Tsakani f & m South African, Tsonga
The meaning is "to be happy". It was popularized by Tsakani Mhinga. She was a South African singer who died in 2006.... [more]
Tsebo m Sotho
Means "knowledge" in Sesotho.
Tsela m Sotho
Means "path" in Sesotho.
Tšelang-lerato f Sotho
Pour in, love
Tshanduko m & f Venda
Means "change" in Tshivenda.
Tshediso m Sotho
Means "consolation" in Sesotho.
Tshegofatso f South African, Sotho
Means "blessing" in Sotho.
Tshenolo m Tswana
Means "revelations" in Setswana.
Tshephang m & f Tswana
Means "be trustful" in Setswana.
Tshephoyame m & f Tswana
Means "my faith" in Setswana.
Tshepiso f Tswana
Means "a promise" in Setswana.
Tshiamo f & m Tswana
Means "goodness" in Tswana.
Tshiananeo m & f Venda
Means "tale, story" in Tshivenda.
Tshifhiwa m Venda
Means "gift" in Tshivenda.
Tshilidzi f & m Venda
Possibly means "Grace". A notable bearer is Tshilidzi Marwala, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg.
Tshimangadzo m & f Venda
Means "miracle" in Tshivenda.
Tshimologo f Tswana
Means "beginning" in Setswana.
Tshireletso f Tswana
Means "protection" in Setswana.
Tshupelo m Tswana
Means "witness" in Setswana.
Tshwanelo f Tswana
Means "rights" in Setswana.
Tsitsi f Shona
Means "mercy, compassion" in Shona.... [more]
Tsoalo f & m Sotho
Means "birth".
Tsotang m Sotho
Means "amazement" in Sesotho.
Tsui m Khoekhoe, African Mythology
The Khoikhoi god of rain and thunder.
Tsundzuka m & f Tsonga
Means "remember" in Xitsonga.
Tsungai m & f Shona
Meaning “be resilient; persevere”.
Tsungirirai m Shona
Means "perseverance" in Shona.
Tuelo f & m Tswana
Means "payment" in Tswana.
Tumelano m Tswana
Means "agreement" in Setswana.
Tumisang m & f Tswana
Means "give praise" in Tswana.
Tumisho m & f Sotho
Means "glory" in Sotho.
Tutsirai m Shona
Means "add to what's already there" in Shona.
Tutu m & f Western African, South African
Means "cliff dweller".
Twelani f Tsonga
Possibly from the Xitsonga word twila meaning "pity, feel pity".
Uakile m Tsonga
“He has built”
Ulunji f & m Tumbuka
Means "righteousness, justice" in Tumbuka.
Uluthando m Ndebele, Zulu
Means "he is love" in Ndebele and Zulu.
Ulwazi m Zulu
Derived from Zulu ulwazi meaning "knowledge".
Umakoti f Zulu
Means "bride" in Zulu.
Umklomelo f Zulu
Means "prize" in Zulu.
Unako m & f Xhosa
Means "ability" or "you can" in Xhosa.
Unashe m & f Shona
Means "God is with you" in Shona.
Unkulunkulu m Zulu, African Mythology
Means "the old, old one" or "ancestor" in Zulu. This was the name of a mythic first ancestor in early Zulu mythology, who appeared, or was created from, breaking reeds. It may have also been used to denote any significant ancestor... [more]
Upenyu m Shona
Upenyu means "life". This may be given by a parent meditating over the circumstances of life.
Usaza m Nsenga
Meaning youthful or childhood. A person who looks much younger than his age
Utah m & f English (American, Rare), English (African, Rare), South African
Taken from the name of the US State of Utah. While a masculine name in the USA, in Nigeria and South Africa, it is sometimes used as a feminine name.
Uukongo m Ovambo
Means "hunting" in Ovambo.
Uusiku m Ovambo
Means "night" in Ovambo. This name is traditionally given to children born during the night.
Uys m Afrikaans
Transferred use of the surname Uys. The Uys family played a significant role in South African history during the nineteenth century and made distinguished contributions to South African culture, politics and sports during the course of the twentieth.
Uzuru m & f Shona
Meaning “a higher place; sky; paradise; heaven”.
Valmarie f English (American), Afrikaans
Variant of Valmai influenced by Marie as well as a combination of Valerie and Marie.
Varaidzo m Shona
Varaidzo means "One who keeps company". This is given to acknowledge your child as one with whom you keep company. It is common to give this name to a child born in your later years.
Vasti f Biblical Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Biblical Dutch, Afrikaans, Biblical Spanish, Biblical Italian, Biblical Finnish
Finnish, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish form of Vashti and Dutch variant of Wasti.
Velile m & f Xhosa, South African
Means "appeared, arrived" in Xhosa.
Vemvane f Zulu
Means "butterfly" in Zulu.
Vhonani m & f Venda (Modern)
Vhonani meaning is "watch or look"... [more]
Vimbainashe f Shona
Means "have faith in God" in Shona.
Vimbayi f Shona
Means "have faith" in Shona.
Vimbo f Shona
Means "faith, trust" in Shona.
Violett f English (Modern), Norwegian (Rare), Swedish (Rare), Hungarian (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
English variant and Swedish form of Violet as well as a Hungarian borrowing of French Violette. This name coincides with the Swedish word violett "purple (the color)".
Vivette f French (Rare), English (Rare), Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare), Norwegian (Rare)
Possibly a diminutive form of Vivienne (see also Viviette), but it could also be an independent name that is ultimately derived from Latin vivus "alive" or Latin vividus "full of life, lively, spirited".
Vonani m & f Tsonga
Means "behold" in Xitsonga.
Vongai f Shona
Means "Be thankful". This name is both a call to be thankful and an expression of gratitude.
Vukona f Tsonga
Means "presence" in Xitsonga.
Vukosi m Tsonga
Means "royalty, chiefdom" in Xitsonga.
Vulombe f Tsonga
Means "honey" in Xitsonga.
Vushemadzoro m Shona
The name comes from Shona tribes in which KingShip was prevalent. This name was usually given to the chosen next bearer of the throne. The name means the Kingship turnover, i.e. the practice of succeeding a leader... [more]
Vusumuzi m Zulu
Means "builder of the home" in Zulu.
Vutivi f Tsonga
Means "knowledge" in Xitsonga.
Vutlhari m & f Tsonga
Means "wisdom" in Xitsonga.
Vutomi m & f Tsonga
Means "life" in Xitsonga.
Vutshila m & f Tsonga
Means "art" in Xitsonga.
Vuyi f South African
Short form of Vuyiswa.
Vuyiseka f Xhosa
Means "be happy, rejoice" or "makes happy" in Xhosa.
Vuyisile m & f Xhosa
Means "bringing joy" in Xhosa.
Vuyiswa f South African
vuyiswa is a Zulu word meaning "rejoice".
Vuyo m Xhosa
Means "happiness, joy" in Xhosa. Sometimes used as a short form of names beginning with Vuyo-.
Vuyokazi f Xhosa
Means "great joy" in Xhosa, a variant of Vuyo using the feminine or augmentative suffix -kazi.
Waasila f South African
Probably derived from Arabic وَسِيلَة (wasīla) "means, medium; tool, instrument; measure, step provision".
Wachikondi m & f Chewa
Means "friendly" in Chewa.
Wadzanai m & f Shona
Means "be in cordial fellowship" in Shona.
Wakai m Shona
Meaning “build”.
Waliko f & m Tumbuka
Means "God is there" in Tumbuka.
Walumbike f Chewa
Means "praise" in Chewa.
Wandile f & m Zulu, South African
Means "you are extra" in Zulu.
Wandisile m Xhosa
Means "he has been added" in Xhosa.
Wankumbu m Bemba
Means "He (God) is merciful" in Bemba.
Watidaishe f Shona
Means "the Lord has loved us" in Shona.
Watipaso m & f Tumbuka
Means "he (God) has given us again" in Tumbuka.
Wedzerai f Shona
Means "add onto" in Shona.
Wenyasha m & f Shona
Means "merciful" in Shona.
Werunako f Shona
Meaning "of beauty; a girl or woman of beauty".
Wessie f & m Southern African, English (American, Rare)
Possibly a unisex diminutive of Wesley.
Wicus m Afrikaans
Short form of Lodewicus.
Wikus m Afrikaans
Short form of Lodewikus.
Willanie f Afrikaans
Willanie is a female compound name. The "Will" is derived from "Willem" (German variant of William) which means determination and will. The "anie" is derived from the name Stephanie which means crown, victorious... [more]
Willene f English (American), American (South), Haitian Creole, Afrikaans
Feminine elaboration of Willie using the common name suffix lene, or perhaps a contraction of names such as Wilhelmina, Wilmadeene, and Willodean.
Wilmarie f Afrikaans, South African, Spanish (Caribbean), English (Rare)
Either a combination of names beginning with Wil-, such as Wilma, Willem or Wilfredo, and Marie or a feminine form of Wilmar... [more]
Wisani f Tsonga
Means "rest" in Xitsonga.
Witness m English (African), South African
From the English word, witness, "one who has personal knowledge of something".
Wynand m Medieval Dutch, Dutch (Rare), West Frisian (Rare), East Frisian (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Medieval Dutch form of Wijnand, Frisian variant of Winand and South African form of Winand.... [more]
Wynanda f Medieval Dutch, Dutch (Rare), West Frisian (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare), English (American, Rare)
Medieval Dutch form of Wijnanda, Frisian variant of Winanda and South African form of Winanda.
Xabiso m Xhosa
Means "value, price" in Xhosa.
Xiavelo f Tsonga
Means "share" in Xitsonga.
Xichavo f Tsonga
Means "respect" in Xitsonga.
Xihlamariso f Tsonga
Means "surprise, marvel" in Tsonga.
Xikombiso m & f Tsonga
Means "proof, example" in Xitsonga.
Xiluva f Tsonga
Means "flower" in Xitsonga.
Ximphephani f Tsonga
Means "the saved" in Tsonga.
Xisomisani m & f Tsonga
Means "dry seasons" in Xitsonga.
Xisungulo m & f Tsonga
Means "beginning" in Xitsonga.
Xitshembhiso m & f Tsonga
Means "promise" in Xitsonga.
Xitsundzuxo m & f Tsonga
Means "reminder" in Xitsonga.
Xola m & f Xhosa
Means "be at peace" or "to forgive" in Xhosa.
Xolisile f South African, Zulu
Means "(we are) sorry" in Zulu.
Xolo m & f Xhosa
Possibly related to Xhosa uxolo "peace, pardon", itself from -xola "to be calm, at peace, happy; to forgive".
Yakachena f Shona
Name that means "Pure"
Yananai f Shona
Meaning “be joined or brought together.”
Yananiso f Shona
Meaning “togetherness; bringing or binding together”.
Yanano f Shona
Meaning "togetherness; integration; fellowship", longer forms of the name include Ruyanano and Yananiso.
Yandiswa f South African
Means "increased" in Zulu and "extended" in Xhosa.
Yapunga f Tumbuka (Archaic)
Means "wind; bringing people together" in Tumbuka.
Yemetle f Sotho
Means "beautiful (referred to an object)" in Sotho.
Yemurai f Shona
Means "appreciate" in Shona.
Yeukai f Shona
Means "remember" in Shona.
Yeuko f & m Shona
Meaning "remembrance", it derives from the verb kuyeuka.
Yeutsamoyo f Shona
It means "remind the heart".
Yevedzo f Shona
Meaning "captivation; fascination", deriving from the verb kuyevedza meaning "to captivate; to make one gaze".
Yibanathi m & f Zulu, Xhosa
Means "be with us" in Zulu and Xhosa.
Yinhla m Tsonga
Means "point; cornerstone" in Xitsonga.
Yolandi f Afrikaans
Afrikaans variant of Yolande.
Yolindi f Afrikaans
South africa
Yolisa f Xhosa
Means "exciting" in Xhosa.
Yomelela m Xhosa
Measn "be strong" in Xhosa.
Yonelani f Xhosa
Means "be satisfied" in Xhosa.
Yosefe m Southern African
Chitonga form of Joseph.
Zaakir m South African
Form of Zakir used especially in South Africa.
Zadzisai m & f Shona
Means "fulfill" in Shona.
Zama f South African, Zulu
Means "try" in Zulu.
Zamokuhle f Zulu
Means "try the good" in Zulu.
Zana m & f Shona
Meaning "a hundred".
Zandile f Zulu
Means "they have multipled" in Zulu.
Zanele f Zulu
Means "they are enough" in Zulu.
Zanne f Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Sanne.
Zaranyika m Shona
Means "populate the world" in Shona.
Zayaan f & m South African (Rare), Muslim (Rare)
Variant transcript of Zayyan.
Zenzele f Xhosa
Means "she will do for herself" in Xhosa.
Zenzile f South African
This is Miriam Makeba's first name. She was nicknamed Mama Africa and was a South African singer and civil rights activist.
Zethu f & m Xhosa, Zulu
Means "ours" or "belongs to us" in both Xhosa and Zulu within the Nguni language group. Notable South African name bearers include actor Zethu Dlomo and orchestral musician Zethu Mashika.
Zhizha f Shona
Meaning “summer” in Shona.
Zibu f Zulu
Means "waterlily" in Zulu.
Zibuseni m & f Ndebele
Means "rule yourself" in Ndebele.
Zibusiso f Ndebele
Means "blessings" in Ndebele.
Zinhle f Zulu
Means "they (the girls) are beautiful" in Zulu.
Zintwezinhle f Zulu
Means "beautiful things" in Zulu.
Ziona f Hebrew, Jewish, English, Afrikaans
Feminine form of Zion.
Ziphozonke m & f Zulu
Means "all the gifts" in Zulu.
Zithembe m Zulu
Means "trust yourself" in Zulu.
Zivai m Shona
Means "know" in Shona.
Zivaizvinodababa m & f Shona
Means "know what the father wants" in Shona.
Zivanai f & m Shona
"Know each other". Meant for relatives to keep in touch.
Ziyanda f Xhosa
Means "increase within daughters" in Xhosa.
Zobuhle f Zulu
Means "of beauty" in Zulu, from the possessive form of ubuhle.
Zoleka f Xhosa
Means "humble" in Xhosa.
Zoliswa f Xhosa
Means "one who calms" in Xhosa.
Zondai f & m Shona
"You may hate me." A situational name where a family is telling it's enemies you may hate me all you want.
Zororo f & m Shona
Rest. "May be speaking of a time of rest or peacefulness experienced by family around time of child's birth".
Zozibini f South African
There is not much known about the name sadly, only that it was born in South Africa and the name Zozibini means "'Received with both hands' In this culture it is considered impolite, unappreciative to accept a worthy gift with one hand... [more]
Zuko m South African, African
Means "harmony, someone with a good heart, loving, appreciative and calm" in Nguni.
Zuva f Shona
Means "day; daylight; sun; sunlight" in Shona.
Zuvarashe f & m Shona
Means the "lord's sun"
Zuwa m & f Shona
Meaning “sun”, it is also synonymous with Zuva.
Zvanaka f Shona
Means "it is well" in Shona.
Zvichanzii m & f Shona
Means "what is it?" in Shona.
Zvido m & f Shona
It means "desires".
Zvidzai m Shona
Means "despise, look down upon" in Shona.
Zvikomborero f Shona
Means "blessings" in Shona.
Zvipo m & f Shona
Meaning "gifts".
Zviyo m & f Shona
It is the plural of Chiyo. It means "grains". This is a name that symbolizes the smallness of grains which when planted and in their own season and time, grow and are harvested for multitudes and nations... [more]
Zvose m & f Shona
Meaning "the all; everything".
Zwelethu m & f Ndebele
Means "our nation" in Ndebele.