This is a list of submitted names in which the usage is Southern African; and the description contains the keywords god or is or my or father.
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Abarahama m ShonaMeans "one who has birthed or fathered relatives", derived from Shona
kubara "to bear offspring, to bud" and
hama "relatives". This is the Shona equivalent of
Abraham.
Achiko m & f ShonaA shorter form of the name
Achiriko, meaning "one who remained" or "one who is still there".
Achipo f ShonaMeaning "one who remains" or "one who is still here".
Adiwa f ShonaMeaning "one who is beloved or desired", a longer form of the name can be
Adiwanashe, deriving from the verb
kudiwa.
Afara m & f ShonaMeaning "one who is happy or joyous".
Aidei f ShonaIt is a name that asks a question, meaning "what did he/she desire?"
Akatendeka m & f ShonaMeaning "one who is faithful", deriving from the verb
kutendeka.
Alouette f English (Modern, Rare), Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare), Spanish (Mexican, Rare)Derived from French
alouette "lark, skylark".
Alouette is a popular Quebecois children's song, commonly thought to be about plucking the feathers from a lark. Although it is in French, it is well known among speakers of other languages as many US Marines and other Allied soldiers learned the song while serving in France during World War I and took it home with them, passing it on to their children and grandchildren.... [
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Amukudzaishe m ShonaIt is a name that means, "He has put the Lord in a high place" or "He has exalted the Lord", a shorter version of the name is
Amukudza.
Amutenya m OvamboMeans "midday" in Ovambo. This name is traditionally given to children born during the afternoon.
Anaishe f & m ShonaDerived from Shona
anashe, meaning "who is with God".
Anemi f ShonaIt means "He (the Lord) is with you", or "one who is with you".
Anesu f ShonaA Shona name for girls. It means "God is with us".
Angula m OvamboMeans "morning" in Ovambo. This name is traditionally given to children born in the morning.
Asavela f & m XhosaMeans "they still appear" in Xhosa. A famous bearer is South African actress Asavela Mngqithi.
Asekei m ShonaIt is a name which asks a question, meaning “what does he laugh at?” or “what has made him laugh?”
Ashira m & f ShonaMeaning “receive; accept; welcome”, the fuller version of the name is
Gashira.
Banga m ShonaMeans "knife" or "sword" in Shona. Banga is the name of a Ngbandi god of water.
Behati f AfrikaansPossibly an Afrikaans variant of
Beata. It is the name of Namibian fashion model Behati Prinsloo (b. 1989).
Cézanne f & m English, AfrikaansFrom the French artist, Paul Cézanne. This name is sometimes used as a feminine name by Afrikaners in South Africa due to its similarity to
Suzanne.
Chenjerai m ShonaChenjerai means "Be on guard, wisen up". Chenjerai Hunzvi the Zimbabwean Freedom Fighter is one bearer of this name.
Chimika f & m TumbukaAfter miscarriage(s), family would use traditional medicine (herbs, roots, barks) to prevent a potential next miscarriage. Kumika means "to stop, halt, prevent". Chimika is what you use to stop, prevent, halt... [
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Chimurenga m ShonaChimurenga is a Shona word roughly translated to English as, "revolutionary struggle". The Shona language is spoken by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. This word is sometimes used as a given name.
Chipovisule m & f Chewa (Dutchified, Rare)"Chipovisule" is a name of African origin, specifically from Malawi. In Chewa, it means "God is with us" or "God is among us." It carries a sense of divine presence and protection.
Chishimba m & f BembaThe name Chishimba originates from the Bemba people of Zambia, a Bantu-speaking ethnic group. It holds cultural and linguistic significance in Zambia. The name derives from the Bemba language and carries meanings rooted in positivity and charm.... [
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Coenie m AfrikaansDiminutive of
Coenraad. This name is borne by South African rugby player Coenie Oosthuizen (1989-) and South African musician Coenie de Villiers (1956-).
Confidence f English (Puritan), South AfricanMeaning, "the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust." From late Middle English, from Latin
confidentia, from
confidere ‘have full trust.' Referring to the confidence one may have in God.
Danismo m Southern AfricanThe meaning of Danismo is "Jubilant and Content with one's life and experiences." Commonly used to describe someone who has had good fortune recently.
Dzikamai m ShonaDzikamai means "settle down".
The name is given to express the idea of settling down and not jumping from one relationship to another or one project to another. The former Zimbabwean Minister and MP, Dzikamai Mavhaire is one well known bearer of this name.
Dzinashe m ShonaDzinashe means "It's with the Lord". One well known bearer of this name is Dzinashe Machingura.
Eghard m Germanic, AfrikaansThe 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"... [
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Endai m ShonaMeaning "go, depart" or "proceed, progress"; it is the plural of
enda.
Faf m Afrikaans (Rare)Afrikaans diminutive of
François. A notable bearer is South African rugby player Faf de Klerk (1991-), whose given name is François.
Future m & f English (Rare), Western African, Southern AfricanThis name is from the English word derived from Old French
futur meaning "future, to come," which is then derived from Latin
futurus meaning "going to be, yet to be, the future (as a noun)." The Latin word is an irregular suppletive future participle of
esse meaning "to be," which comes from the Proto-Indo-European root
*bheue- meaning "to be, exist, grow, come into being."... [
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Gamuchirai f ShonaMeans "accept or receive" in Shona. It is typically given to a child born out of wedlock.
Gedleyihlekisa m Southern African, ZuluIn the case of former South African president Jacob Zuma (1942-), the name means "the one who smiles while causing you harm" in Zulu. His middle name was invented by his father, who based it on the phrase
ngeke ngithule umuntu engigedla engihlekisa meaning "I won't keep quiet when someone deceives me with a beautiful smile while he is doing damage to me".
Ghakarhi m ZuluThe meaning of this name is fierce warrior. A person not accepting defeat as an option.
Giniel m AfrikaansGiniel de Villiers is a South African rallye driver and winner of Rallye Dakar 2009.
Goodwill m Literature, English (African), Southern AfricanFrom the English word
goodwill, derived from Middle English
gode meaning "good" and
will "wish, will, volition", which was originally a nickname applied to an amiable person with a favourable disposition towards others... [
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Gwinyai m ShonaGwinyai means "be strong". The Zimbabwean tennis player Gwinyai Tongoona is a famous bearer of this name.
Hakunei m & f ShonaThis is a name that implies and asks, meaning "What is not there?". This is a name given by or to someone who is assumed to be falling short or without, so they name the child "What could be missing?" in a sense of affirmation, so to say there is perfection even if you (all) do not see it or doubt it... [
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Hamandishe m ShonaMeaning “one’s relative or family is God”, this name may be given by and/or to someone who is devoted to God, who is an orphan, has no relatives or was abandoned.
Hamunyari f ShonaHamunyari means "Have you no shame".
This name is given in a feuding situation.
Igmar m AfrikaansAfrikaans. Combination of his mother and fathers name. Siegfried and Marieta. Ig and Mar. Combined Igmar
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... [
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Jabu f ZuluThe name's origin meaning is "It is the shortened form of the name Jabulani which means joy or to rejoice"
Karikoga m ShonaMeans "one who is alone". The name may be given to say that one who lives alone or was born alone without siblings.
Keatlaretse f TswanaMeans "to receive with open hands" in Tswana. It is usually used as a sign of respect.
Kianda f African Mythology, Southern AfricanKianda (or Dandalunda) is a goddess of the sea, of the waters, and a protector of fishermen in traditional Angolan culture. Kianda was traditionally worshipped by throwing offerings such as food and clothing into the sea... [
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Kuchinei m ShonaKuchinei means "What more is left to do, to see or to say"
This name may be given by a parent who is at their wit's end. The Zimbabwean singer of the 1970-80s Kuchinei Chikupo was one well known bearer of this name.
Kwanaya f ShonaMeaning “it has rained”, rain is seen as a symbol of new life as its waters are a source of nourishment for natural life.
Kwena m & f SothoMeans "crocodile" in the Sotho and Tswana languages. This name is chiefly used by Northern Sotho people.
Landi f AfrikaansShort from of
Yolandi. This name is borne by South African model Landi Swanepoel (b. 1979).
Laurika f Afrikaans, SlovakAfrikaans elaboration and Slovak diminutive of
Laura. Laurika Rauch is a South African singer who performs in both Afrikaans and English.
Lefika m Sotho“My Rock” It’s used in Lesotho and South Africa
Lemogang m Tswana, SothoA known bearer is South African actor Lemogang Tsipa (1991-), who was born to a Pedi father and a Tswana mother.
Lené f AfrikaansI've heard a suggestion that the meaning of the name might be "pool" or another body of water of some kind, but this is difficult to confirm as there is no reference to a language from which it originates, or it could be the short form of
Magdalene or
Helene with an acute on the last e, a popular stylisation among Afrikaans people.
Linda m ZuluMeans "wait!" in Zulu (note that this is the imperative singular form of
-linda).
Liyabona f & m XhosaMeans "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 XhosaMeans "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.
Luchulumancolwenkosi f XhosaThis name is a scared name. Taken from words the Ancient King of the AmaMpondomise clan King Vukuzumbethe. He used to say “ lulo uchulumanco lwenkosi” which meant “this is God’s happiness”... [
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Makanaka f ShonaMakanaka means "You are good". #This name is usually given in praise of God".
Maru m & f TswanaMeans cloud. In setswana culture anything which has to do with water, which is a precious commodity is loved. Clouds bring rain and so are welcomed wherever they appear.
Matamela m & f Southern African, VendaPossibly means "the one who does not hold grudges" in Venda. It is the first name of the South African president Cyril Ramaphosa (1952-).
Mateo m ShonaIt is the Shona version of the name Matthew.
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".
Motheo m South AfricanAllegedly means "foundation" in Tswana. It is said to normally be given to a child who is viewed as the foundation of the family. Normally a first born. It signifies a new life or re-birth.
Mpule f Southern AfricanThis is the name of Mpule Kwelagobe, she is a Botswana politician, businesswoman, model, and beauty pageant title holder, who was crowned Miss Universe 1999 in Trinidad & Tobago.
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.
Muambiwa m & f VendaMeans "the one who is spoken of/about" in Tshivenda.
Muchena m ShonaOne who is white or light skin tone. Or Blessing in Ndau dialect of Shona
Munesu f & m ShonaMeans "God is with us" or "God is within us" in Shona.
Mutinta f Southern AfricanMeans “to change” or "different" in Tonga, a language spoken in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The name is traditionally given to a baby girl born after the birth of two or more consecutive sons.
Mwari m Shona, African MythologyMeans 'force behind creation' in Shona. Shona traditional religion, Mwari is the supreme creator deity who is believed that he is the author of all things and all life and all is in him.
Mwaziona m & f NsengaThis is a Nsenga name given to both boy and girls. It means "Have you seen" or "Have you seen yourselves".
Namatai m ShonaNamatai means "Pray or praise and worship God".
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).
Ndakaitei f ShonaMeans "What did I do?"
This name is an expression of regret by a parent. Usually given by a single mother whose partner does not take responsibility of the child born.
Nerutendo f ShonaMeaning "with belief" or "with thanks; with gratitude", another form of the name is
Norutendo. It derives from the verb
kutenda.
Nguluwe m NsengaMeaning warthog. This is the clan name. Daughters of Nguluwe are called Daka or Mbewe
Nokutenda m & f ShonaMeans "with gratitude (associated with faith in God)" in Shona.
Nsofwa f & m BembaNsofwa is a Bemba name originating from a landlocked /landlinked country Zambia, located in the southern end of the African Continent. The name comes from a Bemba name for 'Elephant,' 'Nsofu' one of the largest land mammals known to man... [
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Nǃxau m KhoekhoeMeaning unknown. Notable bearer of this name is Nǃxau ǂToma, a Namibian bush farmer and actor (1944-2003).... [
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Nyashadzashe m & f Shonaits from zimbabwe and is in the shona language it means Gods grace
Oomihlynne f TswanaOomihlynne is a female South African name meaning "rising star."
Otlile f South AfricanSouth African name meaning "She has come; she is here". Otlile "Oti" Mabuse is a professional dancer seen on Strictly Come Dancing.
Paradzai m ShonaParadzai means "destroy". This is possibly addressing an adversary challenging them to destroy what you have if they can".
Reneilwe m SothoThis is borne by the retired South African soccer player Reneilwe 'Yeye' Letsholonyane (1982-).
Revai m & f ShonaMeans "Talk or gossip about".
This is a name given to address neighbours that continue to gossip about your family Rolihlahla m Xhosa, Southern AfricanMeans "pulling the branch of a tree" in Xhosa, colloquially "stirring up trouble" or "troublemaker". This was the given name of Nelson Mandela (Rolihlahla Mandela) and is now typically attributed to him as a middle name.
Ronelda f AfrikaansFeminine form of
Ronald. Ronelda Kamfer (born 1981) is an Afrikaans-speaking South African poet.
Ruvheneko m & f ShonaMeans "Enlightenment".
This name is a declaration that we have seen or received enlightenment or better circumstances 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.
Sechaba m SothoThe meaning is 'nation' as in 'our nation', 'the country we live in'.
Seilatsatsi f SothoMeaning unknown. Seilatsatsi is a character in some Sotho tales.
Shumise f Xhosa10 shillings or 10 bob, created by the father of Alice Jean Shumise Madinga.... [
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Sicalo m SwaziA famous bearer is Sicalo Dlamini (1987-) son of Mswati III, King of Eswatini and his first wife Queen laMatsebula.
Sunette f English (American, Rare), Afrikaans, Dutch (Rare)Meaning uncertain. In the English-speaking world, the name might perhaps be a combination of the English word
sun with the French feminine diminutive suffix
-ette, which would essentially give the name the meaning of "little sun"... [
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Tamani f & m ChewaMeans "praise" or "to God be the glory" in Chewa.
Tanyaradzwa f ShonaMeans "we have been consoled", "we have found comfort" in Shona, often bestowed upon a girl born after a tragedy or difficulty, she being the source of consolation or comfort; the implied meaning is "blessing, godsend".
Tavaziva m ShonaTavaziva means "We know them".
This name is given in a feuding situation to say we know who the enemy is.
Tholoana f SothoMeaning, fruit or seed, in the context of ‘fruit of my womb’ Tinaye m ShonaTinaye means "We have got him or her". Former Manicaland Provincial Governor Tinaye Chigudu is one well known bearer of this name.
Tirivashe m & f ShonaMeans "We belong to the Lord". #This is a Christian name for believers declaring their loyalty to God".
Todini m & f ShonaMeans "What shall we do?".
This is a name of exclamation or questioning given by a parent who is lost regarding what to do in their circumstances Toendepi m ShonaMeans "where shall we go". This name is given where a family has grievances against their neighbours and desire to move away.
Torevei m & f ShonaMeans "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, TumbukaMeans "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.
Tsakani f & m South African, TsongaThe meaning is "to be happy". It was popularized by Tsakani Mhinga. She was a South African singer who died in 2006.... [
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Tshilidzi f & m VendaPossibly means "Grace". A notable bearer is Tshilidzi Marwala, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg.
Unkulunkulu m Zulu, African MythologyMeans "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... [
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Uusiku m OvamboMeans "night" in Ovambo. This name is traditionally given to children born during the night.
Varaidzo m ShonaVaraidzo 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.
Vongai f ShonaMeans "Be thankful". This name is both a call to be thankful and an expression of gratitude.
Vushemadzoro m ShonaThe 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... [
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Willanie f AfrikaansWillanie 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... [
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Yande f & m MwangaPossibly means "an expression of joy" or "an unexpected gift from God" in Mwanga.
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.
Zozibini f XhosaXhosa name, said to mean "received with both hands". (In this culture it is considered impolite or unappreciative to accept a worthy gift with one hand; to show appreciation and respect to the giver, you use both hands to accept a gift.)
Zviyo m & f ShonaIt 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... [
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