Bantu Submitted Names

This is a list of submitted names in which the language is Bantu.
gender
usage
language
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Maidei f Shona
Means "what you want" in Shona.
Maikaelelo f Tswana
Means "intention" in Setswana.
Maikano f Sotho
Means "vows" in Sotho.
Maipelo f Tswana
Means "gratitude" in Setswana.
Maisha f Swahili (Modern)
Means "life" in Swahili.
Maita f Shona
A Shona (Zimbabwean) name that implies gratitude for something that has been done well. It may be spelt as Mayita or Mazvita depending on the area of origin of the speaker.... [more]
Maitaishe m & f Shona
It means "You have done it Lord" or simply, "Thank you Lord."
Majani f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "leaves (of a plant)".
Majaya m Shona
Given to the last male born of the the family born in the same year. If families have male children in a given year the last to be born normally carries the name. The year of boys.
Makambo m Lingala
Means "things" in Lingala.
Makana m Kongo
The first given name of the German football player Makana Baku.
Makanaka f Shona
Makanaka means "You are good". #This name is usually given in praise of God".
Makanga m & f Kongo, African Mythology
Means “Wise Person” in Kongo.
Makasela m Tsonga
Means "go, crawl to towards one's goal" in Xitsonga.
Makatendeka m & f Shona
Means "you are faithful (to God)" in Shona.
Makaziwe f & m Xhosa
Means "let him/her be known" in Xhosa.... [more]
Makhahlela m Tsonga
Means "beater" in Xitsonga.
Makhanani f Tsonga
Means "joy" in Xitsonga.
Makhokolotso f Sotho
Means "refuse" in Sesotho.
Makiadi m & f Kongo
Means "misfortune" in Kikongo.
Makiese m & f African, Kongo
Means "happiness" in Kikongo.
Makini m & f Swahili
Means "of good character" or "strength of character" in Swahili.
Makomborero f Shona
Means "blessings" in Shona.
Makunga m Swahili
Means "crazy" in Swahili.
Makungu m & f Tsonga
Means "plan" in Xitsonga.
Makuu m Swahili
This name means Great in Swahili. Known for the crocodile leader in The Lion Guard, also a name for the Swahili people. It is a male name.
Malebogo m & f Tswana
Means "thanks" in Tswana.
Maleshoane f Sotho
Means "ladybird" in Lesotho.
Maletsatsi f Sotho
Means "sun" or "day" in Sotho.
Malija f Nyakyusa
Nyakyusa form of Maria.
Maliza f Swahili
Accomplished woman
Malundama f Kongo
Means "hidden things" in Kikongo.
Malusi m Zulu
Means "shepherd" in Zulu.
Malwandla m & f Tsonga
Means "hospitality" in Xitsonga.
Mamphaki f Sotho
The name Mamphaki originates from the Northern Region of South Africa within the Bapedi people. The name was originally given to the first wife of Ntsetse Mailula - Mamphaki 'aMasekela. It was passed down within the Mailula family down to this day.
Manatsa m Shona
Means "you have made perfect" in Shona.
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]
Mandisa f Southern African, Xhosa, Zulu
Derived from Xhosa and Zulu mnandi meaning "sweet" or "nice, pleasant".
Maneta m & f Shona
It means "You are tired or weary."
Mangwanani f Shona
Means "morning" in Shona.
Manirambona m Rundi
Means "God watches over me" in Kirundi.
Manoka m & f Kongo
Means "rain" in Kikongo.
Mantso f Sotho
Means "the dark one" in Sotho.
Maṱoḓzi m & f Venda
Means "tears" in Tshivenda.
Mapalo m & f Bemba
Means "God's blessings" in Bemba.
Maphoi f Tswana
Means "doves" in Setswana.
Maragarita f Haya
Ruhaya form of Margaret.
Marini f Swahili
Means "pretty" in Swahili.
Marita f Shona
Shona form of Martha.
Mariyamu f Haya
Ruhaya form of Mariam.
Marjani f Swahili, Eastern African
Means ‘Coral’.
Maru m & f Tswana
Means 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.
Maruapula m Tswana
Means "rain clouds" in Setswana.
Masaawe m Chaga
Means "hailstorm" in Chagga.
Masamanisi f & m Southern African, Shona
Means "summons (to court)", ultimately from the English word summons.
Masana m & f Chewa
Means "daylight" in Chewa.
Masana f Tsonga
Means "sunrays" in Xitsonga.
Masegonyana m & f Tswana
Means "small blessings" in Setswana.
Mashaija m Kiga
Means "man" in Rukiga.
Mashawila m Nsenga
Meaning manzi yabila "boiling water", Derived from Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Fall) "the smoke that thunders".
Masiba f Sotho
Means "Feather" in Sotho
Masimba m Shona
Means "powers, energy" in Shona. Other meanings are possible.
Masingisa m Kaguru
Means "he who shakes things" in Chikaguru.
Masingita f Tsonga
Means "miracles" in Xitsonga.
Masiye m & f Chewa
Means "orphan" in Chichewa, literally translating as "leavings", as in something left behind by a dead person.
Masiza m Tsonga
Means "the one who helps" in Xitsonga.
Masvita f Shona
Means "thank you" in Shona.
Matadi m & f Kongo
Means "stone" in Kikongo.
Matamela m & f Southern African, Venda
Possibly 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 Shona
It is the Shona version of the name Matthew.
Matete m Kaguru
Means "finished, completed" in Chikaguru.
‘Mathapelo f Sotho
Means "mother of prayer" in Sotho.
Mathe f Sotho
Means "saliva" in Sotho.
Matheeletša m Sotho
Means "listener" in Sotho.
Matidadisa m & f Shona
Means "you have done us proud" in Shona.
Matigonera m & f Shona
Means "you have done us good" in Shona.
Matimba m & f Tsonga
Means "strength" in Xitsonga.
Matinunura m & f Shona
Means "you have rescued us" in Shona.
Matinyaradza m & f Shona
Means "you have comforted us" in Shona.
Matipa m & f Shona
Means "you have given us" in Shona.
Matirangarira m & f Shona
Means "you have remembered us" in Shona.
Matiropafadza m & f Shona
Means "you have blessed us" in Shona.
Matizorodza m & f Shona
Means "you have given us rest/peace" in Shona.
Matome m Sotho (?)
A Northern Sotho translation of "Duke".
Matondo m Kongo
Means "thanksgiving" in Kikongo.
Matšeliso f Sotho
Means "consolation" in Sotho.
Matshediso f Sotho
Means "consolation" in Sesotho.
Matsimela m Sotho
Means "roots" in Sotho.
Matulumi m & f Kaguru
Means "decorations" in Chikaguru.
Matunda f & m Swahili
Means "fruit" in Swahili.
Maua f Swahili
Means "flower" in Swahili.
Maveletiveni m Swazi
A famous bearer is Maveletiveni Dlamini, son of Mswati III, King of Eswatini and his first wife Queen laMatsebula.
Mavhu f Shona
Means "sand" in Shona.
Mavika f Kongo
A Bisingombe and Mboma feminine name.
Mavuno m Swahili
Swahili masculine name meaning "harvest time".
Mawanikwa f Southern African, Shona
Means "you have been found" and "married" in Shona.
Mayangi m & f Kongo (Modern)
Means "joy; happiness" in Kongo.
Mayela f Kongo
Intelligent
Mayibongwe f Ndebele
Means "give thanks" in Ndebele.
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.
Mayingi f & m Kongo
Nicknamed: Yingi
Mazvita f Shona
Means "we are grateful" or "many thanks" in Shona.
Mbada f Shona
Means "leopard" in Shona.
Mbalienhle f Ndebele, Zulu
Means "beautiful flower" in Zulu and Ndebele, from mbali "flower, flowers" and enhle "something that is beautiful of nice".
Mbazima f Tsonga
Means "they are tough" in Xitsonga.
Mbhoni f Tsonga
Means "witness" in Xitsonga.
Mbhurhi f Tsonga
Means "beautiful girl" in Xitsonga.
Mbilime f Kaguru
Means "runner" in Chikaguru.
Mbiya f Chewa
Means “bowl” in Chichewa.
Mbogo m Haya
Means "buffalo" in Haya.
Mbomela m & f Lingala, Luba
Means "sixth born child" in Lingala and Luba.
Mbulelo m Zulu, Xhosa
Means "thank you" in Xhosa and Zulu.
Mbuso m Ndebele
Means "kingdom" in Ndebele.
Mbuyi m Luba
Derived from the Luba word mbùùyì meaning "the firstborn of twins".
Mbuyiseli m Xhosa
Means "one who returns or restores" in Xhosa.
Mduduzi m Zulu
Comforter
Medupe m Tswana
Means "continuous rain" in Setswana.
Mehluli m Ndebele
Means "conquerer" in Ndebele.
Mej m Gusii, Ibibio (Latinized, Archaic)
Ibibio form of Mike and Gusii form of Matt.
Menji m Kongo
"Wisdom"
Menzi m Southern African, Zulu
Means "creator" in Zulu.... [more]
Merapelo f Tswana
Means "prayers" in Setswana.
Meshindi m Zulu
Means "victor" in Zulu.
Mesi f Yao (Modern)
Modern variant of Miesi.
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.
Mhambi f Zulu
Means "traveler" in Zulu.
Mhara f Shona
Means "impala" in Shona.
Mheho m & f Tsonga
Means "breeze" in Xitsonga.
Mhizha m Shona
Means "Ironsmith" in Shona.
Mhlava m Tsonga
Means "earth" in Xitsonga.
Mhlengi m Zulu
Means "healer" in Zulu.
Mhoze m Shona
The Shona equivalent of the name Moses, also a nickname for Mhozisi.
Mhuru m Shona
Means "calf" in Shona.
Miehleketo m & f Tsonga
Means "thoughts" in Xitsonga.
Miesi f Yao
Means "water" in Yao.
Migiyo f Tsonga
Means "the dancer" in Xitsonga.
Mijaji f Tsonga
Means "the judge" in Xitsonga.
Mikateko f Tsonga
Means "blessings" in Xitsonga.
Mikhenso m & f Tsonga
Means "thanksgiving" in Xitsonga.
Mirai f Shona
Means "wait" in Shona.
Miriraishe f Shona
What upon the Lord
Miriro f & m African, Shona
Started in the early 1900's. Name was given to the second born daughter of the family. Name means "to be expected." Basically the one who was waited for.
Misuli f Swahili
Means "muscle" in Swahili.
Mixo m & f Tsonga
Means "dawn, morning" in Xitsonga.
Miyelani m & f Tsonga
Means "keep quiet" in Xitsonga.
Mkarkara f Swahili
Swahili feminine name meaning "passion flower".
Mkhuleko m Ndebele
Means "prayer" in Ndebele.
Mkhumbuleni m Zulu
Means "let's remember him" in Zulu.
Mlamuleli m Ndebele
Means "one who intervenes" in Ndebele.
Mlilo f Zulu
Means "fire" in Zulu.
Mlindeli m Ndebele
Means "guardian" in Ndebele.
Mlungisi m Ndebele
Means "the one who brings order" in Ndebele.
Mmaabo f Tswana
Means "their mother" in Tswana.
Mmaphefo f Sotho
Means "mother of cold" in Sotho.
Mmathapelo f Sotho
Means "mother of prayer" in Sotho.
Mmini f Sotho
Means "dancer" in Sotho.
Mmoloki m Tswana
Means "saviour" in Setswana.
Mmusi m Tswana, South African
Means "the ruler" in Tswana.... [more]
Mnotho m & f Zulu
Means "economy" or "rich, wealthy" in Zulu.
Moagi m Tswana
Means "builder" in Tswana.
Modiri f Tswana
Means "the doer" in Setswana.
Moeketsi m Sotho
It means "Multiplier/increase" in Sotho
Moeletsi m Sotho
Means "advisor" in Sesotho.
Moeng m Tswana
Means "guest, visitor" in Setswana.
Mofenyi m Tswana
Means "the conquerer" in Setswana.
Mogakolodi m Tswana
Means "one who advises" in Setswana.
Mogapi m Tswana
Means "conqueror" in Tswana.
Mogotsi m Tswana
Means "fire builder" in Setswana.
Mohapi m Sotho
Means "victor" in Sotho.
Mohato m Sotho
Means "step" in Sesotho.
Mohau m Sotho
Means "pity" or "mercy" in Sesotho.
Moipone f Sotho
Means "self-admirer" in Sotho.
Mojalefa m Sotho
Means "heir" in Sesotho.
Mokgadi f Sotho, South African
Means "a girl among boys" in Sotho, often given to a daughter born after several sons.... [more]
Mokgethi m Sotho
Variant form of Mokhethi.
Mokgosi m Tswana
Means "a loud cry for help" in Tswana.
Mokhethi m Sotho
Means "chooser" in Lesotho.
Molapo m Sotho
Means "stream" or "river" in Sotho.
Molatadi m Sotho
Means "one who denies all" in Sotho.
Molefi m Sotho
means "payer" in Sesotho.
Moluleloa m Sotho
Means "we have awaited your arrival" in Lesotho.
Mongameli m Ndebele
Means "leader" in Ndebele.
Monkgomotsi m Tswana
Means "my comforter" in Setswana.
Montlenyane f Tswana
Means "beautiful one" in Setswana.
Moomba f Bemba (?)
Variant of Mumba.
Morena m Sotho
Means "chief" in Sotho.
Mosa m & f Sotho
Means "grace" in Sotho.
Mosantu m & f Lingala
Variant of Santu.
Mosela f Sotho
Means "tail" in Sotho, idiomatically meaning "the last one" or "last child".
Mosetsanagape f Tswana
Means "a girl again" in Setswana.
Mosidi f Tswana, Sotho
Means "soot" in Sotho and Tswana.
Mosimanegape m Tswana
Means "a boy again" in Setswana.
Motema m & f Lingala
Means "heart" in Lingala.
Mothusi m Tswana
Means "helper" in Setswana.
Motlagomang f & m Southern African, Tswana, Sotho
Means "who are you going to?" in Tswana.
Motlalepula f Tswana
Means "she came with rain" in Setswana.
Motlalepule m Sotho
Means "rain bringer" in Sesotho.
Motsamai m Sotho
Means "traveller" in Sesotho.
Motshegetsi m Tswana
Means "supporter" in Setswana.
Motsi m & f Shona
Means "first one" or "one who has matted hair" in Shona.
Motsumi m Sotho
Means "seeker" in Sesotho.
Mouendou m Kongo (Gallicized), Vili
Means ‘Journey’ in Vili, a language in the Kongo subgroup of Bantu languages.
Moyo m & f Shona
Meaning “heart”.
Mozisi m Shona
Shona form of Moses.
Mpahlela f Tsonga
Means "pray for" in Xitsonga.
Mpawenimana f Rundi
Means "I was awarded by God" in Kirundi.
Mpelegang f Tswana
Means "put me on your back" in Setswana.
Mpendulo f Zulu
Means "reply" in Zulu.
Mpfareleli m & f Venda
Means "forgive me" in Tshivenda.
Mphikeleli m Zulu
Means "he who perseveres" in Zulu.
Mphoetsile f Tswana
Means "the gift was brought" in Setswana.
Mphonyana m & f Tswana
Means "small gift" in Setswana.
Mphoyame m & f Tswana
Means "my gift" in Setswana.
Mpilo m & f Xhosa, Zulu, Southern African
Means "health" or "life" in Xhosa and Zulu.
Mpoki m Nyakyusa
Means "savior" in Nyakyusa.
Mpumelelo m Zulu
Means "success" in Zulu.
Mqibalo m South African, Xhosa, Zulu
Possibly derived from Mgqibelo, meaning "Saturday" in Xhosa and Zulu.
Mrihani f Swahili
Swahili form of Reyhan.
Msamaniso m South African, Xhosa
Possibly related to Masamanisi.
Msimuko m & f Tumbuka
Means "crossing over" in Tumbuka.
Msizi m Zulu
From Zulu umsizi "helper, aide".
Mswati m Swazi
Two 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.
Mtambo m & f Chewa
Means "clouds" in Chewa.
Mthakathi m Zulu, Xhosa
Means "witch," from 'thakatha' meaning "to bewitch" in Xhosa or "to practice witchcraft" in Zulu.
Mthandazo m Ndebele
Means Prayer
Mthandeni f Zulu
Means "love her" in Zulu.
Mthobeli m Xhosa
Means "the obedient one" in Xhosa.
Mthulisi m Ndebele
Means "one who consoles" in Ndebele.
Mthunzi f Zulu
Means "shade" in Zulu.
Mthuthuzeli m Southern African, Xhosa
Means "comforter, one who comforts" in Xhosa.
Muambiwa m & f Venda
Means "the one who is spoken of/about" in Tshivenda.
Muchazvireva m Shona
Means "you will say it" in Shona.
Muchena m Shona
One who is white or light skin tone. Or Blessing in Ndau dialect of Shona
Mudiso m Kongo
Kongo form of Maurice and Morris.
Mufaro f Shona
Means "happiness" in Shona.
Mugeni m & f Kaguru
Means "stranger" in Chikaguru.
Mugisha m Haya
Means "blessing" in Haya.
Mugoli m Kaguru
Means "rich man" in Chikaguru.
Mugume m Kiga
Means "be strong" in Rukiga.
Muhluri m & f Tsonga
Means "conqueror, victor" in Xitsonga.
Mujuni m Haya
Means "helper" in Haya.
Mukabakama f Haya
Means "a wife of kings" in Haya.
Múkabi m Kikuyu
In Kikuyu maasai intermarriage this name was given to a boy born of that relationship in that referred to the maasai as ukabi
Mukai f Shona
Means "be alert; wise-up" in Shona.
Mukejuwa f Kaguru
Means "sun's wife" in Chikaguru.
Mukhethwa m & f Venda
Means "the chosen one" in Tshivenda.
Mukondi f Chewa
Means “love you” in Chichewa.
Mulalo m Venda
Means "peace" in Tshivenda.
Mulamba f Ganda
Means “the whole thing, everything” in Luganda.
Mulele m African, Swahili
"Flying man," "man who flies," or "man of flight." The prefix "mu-" expresses "man of" or "man from" in the Swahili language. One interpretation would be that this is approximately equal to "angel," but because there are numerous parts of Africa where there are lots of devout Christians, I would lean towards the interpretation "man who runs quickly."
Mulokozi m Haya
Means "saviour" in Haya.
Mulweri m Tsonga
Means "defender, advocate" in Xitsonga.
Mumba m & f Bemba
Means "inside the house" in Bemba.
Munatsi m Shona
Means "one who makes perfect" in Shona.
Munesu f & m Shona
Means "God is with us" or "God is within us" in Shona.
Muneyinazvo f & m Shona
Means "what have you to do with it" in Shona.
Mungongege m Nyakyusa
Means "you should follow me" in Nyakyusa.
Mungoni m & f Shona (Rare)
May mean abiding in grace
Munonzwa m & f Shona
Meaning "You hear" or "You are one who hears", Munonzwaishe and Ishemunonzwa are longer and more specific forms of the name.
Munonzwaishe m & f Shona
It means "You Lord are one who hears" or simply, "You hear the Lord".
Munyika m Kaguru
Means "of the bush" in Chikaguru.
Murapi m Shona
Means "healer" in Shona.
Murashani m Haya
Means "fighter" in Haya.
Murhangeli m Tsonga
Means "leader" in Xitsonga.
Murhi m & f Tsonga
Means "medicine, cure" in Xitsonga.
Muringa f Kikuyu
Means "a wire" in Kikuyu.
Murisi m Tsonga
Means "shepherd" in Xitsonga.
Muruthi m Kikuyu
Means "lion" in Kikuyu.
Musa f Ndebele
Means "grace" in Ndebele.
Musanete m African, Shona
Means "do not get tired" in Shona.
Mushana m & f Shona
It means "sunshine".
Musiwanda m Kaguru
Means "lastborn" in Chikaguru.
Musoke m Ganda, African Mythology
Musoke is the God of Rain in Ganda mythology. His Name derives From ‘mu’, indicating a single individual, and ‘soke’, which means ‘rain’.
Musonda m & f Bemba
Means "the taster" in Bemba.
Musongwe m Kaguru
Means "fearless man" in Chikaguru.
Mutsa f Shona
Means "mercy" in Shona.
Mutsawashe m & f Shona
Meaning "the kindness of the Lord".
Mutshidzi m & f Venda
Means "saviour" in Tshivenda.