South African Submitted Names

These name are used in the Republic of South Africa.
gender
usage
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Letsatsi m Sotho
Means "sun" in Sotho.
Lewatle m Sotho
Means "ocean" in Sotho.
Liboko f Sotho
Means "praises" in Sotho.
Lidië f Afrikaans (Archaic)
Afrikaans version of Lydia
Lienkie f Afrikaans
Diminutive of Lien.
Liepollo f Sotho
Revelations
Lieze f Flemish, Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Liese.
Liezel f Afrikaans
Variant of Liesel.
Lifalakhe f Ndebele
Means "her inheritance" in Ndebele.
Lihle f & m Xhosa, Zulu
Means "beautiful" in Xhosa and Zulu.
Likeleli f Sotho
Means "teardrops" in Sotho.
Likengkeng f Sotho
Means "tears" in Lesotho.
Likotsi m Sotho
Means "accidents" in Sotho.
Lilitha f Xhosa
Means "light" in Xhosa.
Limakatso f Sotho
Means "surprises" in Lesotho.
Limpho f Sotho
Means "gifts" in Lesotho.
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).
Lindelani f Zulu
Means "wait, be patient" in Zulu.
Lineo f Sotho
Means "gifts, grants, talents" in Lesotho.
Lingadani f Ndebele
Means "don't be sad" in Ndebele.
Linmaré f South African (Modern, Rare)
Combination of Lynn and Maré, a variant of Marie.
Lipalesa f Sotho
Means "flowers" in Lesotho.
Lisebo f Sotho
Means "whispers" in Sotho.
Litšeho f Sotho
Means "laughter" in Sotho.
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".
Liyana f Zulu, English (Modern, Rare)
Directly taken from Zulu liyana "it is raining". As an English name, it is a variant of Liana.
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.
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.
Lorika f Afrikaans
Variant of Laurika.
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.
Luchulumancolwenkosi f Xhosa
This 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”... [more]
Luchumo m & f Xhosa
Possibly means "expanding, flourishing" or "prosperity" in Xhosa.
Lufuno m & f Venda
Means "love" in Tshivenda.
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.
Luxon m South African
Transferred use of the surname Luxon.
Luya f Xhosa
Diminutive form of Luyanda.
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.
Lyndall f & m English, South African
Transferred use of the surname Lyndall. This was (first?) used as a given name by the South African author, political activist and feminist Olive Schreiner (1855-1920) for the heroine in her most famous novel, The Story of an African Farm (1883)... [more]
Maanda m & f Venda
Means "power, stength" in Tshivenda.
Madzivandlela f Tsonga
Means "know" in Xitsonga.
Magdaleen f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Magdalene. This name is borne by South African author Magdaleen Van Wyk.
Mahlatse m & f Sotho
Means "lucky" in Sotho.
Mahomed m South African, Medieval Arabic (Moorish)
Form of Muhammad used by South African Muslims, as well as a Moorish variant of Mahomad.
Maikano f Sotho
Means "vows" in Sotho.
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]
Makhahlela m Tsonga
Means "beater" in Xitsonga.
Makhanani f Tsonga
Means "joy" in Xitsonga.
Makhokolotso f Sotho
Means "refuse" in Sesotho.
Makungu m & f Tsonga
Means "plan" in Xitsonga.
Maleagi m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Malachias.
Maleka f South African, African American
Possibly a variant of Malika.
Maleshoane f Sotho
Means "ladybird" in Lesotho.
Maletsatsi f Sotho
Means "sun" or "day" in Sotho.
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.
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".
Manie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Hermanus.
Mantso f Sotho
Means "the dark one" in Sotho.
Maṱoḓzi m & f Venda
Means "tears" in Tshivenda.
Maraai f Afrikaans
Variant of Marai.
Marai f Upper German, German (Austrian), German (Swiss), Afrikaans
German variant of Marei and Afrikaans variant of Maria.
Maraliese f Afrikaans (Rare)
Combination of Mara 1 and Liese.
Mardene f English (American, Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Possibly a corruption of Martine influenced by Mardi, or a variant of Mardena.
Marechelle f Afrikaans (Rare, ?)
Possibly a variant of Marcella.
Mareli f Afrikaans
Short form of Marelise.
Marelie f Afrikaans
Variant of Mareli.
Mareza f Afrikaans
Variant of Maresa.
Marinda f Afrikaans
Feminine form of Marinus.
Marizanne f Afrikaans (Rare)
Combination of Maria and Zanne.
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.
Marlie f Dutch, Flemish (Rare), French (Belgian, Rare), French (Modern, Rare), Haitian Creole, Afrikaans
Dutch diminutive of Marleen as well as a combination of Maria and names that end in lie.
Marlize f Afrikaans
Contraction of Maria and Elize (compare Marlies).
Marno m Dutch, South African
Masculine form of Marna or a variant of Marnix.
Marthelle f Afrikaans
Combination of Martha and Elle
Marthina f Afrikaans
Feminine form of Marthinus.
Marthinus m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Martinus.
Maryke f Afrikaans, Dutch (Archaic)
Afrikaans and archaic Dutch form of Marijke.
Marzanne f Afrikaans
Contraction of Maria and Zanne.
Masana f Tsonga
Means "sunrays" in Xitsonga.
Masia f South African (?)
Probably means "leader".
Masiba f Sotho
Means "Feather" in Sotho
Masingita f Tsonga
Means "miracles" in Xitsonga.
Masiza m Tsonga
Means "the one who helps" in Xitsonga.
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-).
‘Mathapelo f Sotho
Means "mother of prayer" in Sotho.
Mathe f Sotho
Means "saliva" in Sotho.
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".
Matšeliso f Sotho
Means "consolation" in Sotho.
Matshediso f Sotho
Means "consolation" in Sesotho.
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).
Maveletiveni m Swazi
A famous bearer is Maveletiveni Dlamini, son of Mswati III, King of Eswatini and his first wife Queen laMatsebula.
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.
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.
Mbulelo m Zulu, Xhosa
Means "thank you" in Xhosa and Zulu.
Mbuso m Ndebele
Means "kingdom" in Ndebele.
Mbuyiseli m Xhosa
Means "one who returns or restores" in Xhosa.
Mduduzi m Zulu
Comforter
Mehluli m Ndebele
Means "conquerer" in Ndebele.
Menzi m Southern African, Zulu
Means "creator" in Zulu.... [more]
Meraai f Afrikaans
Variant of Maraai.
Merinda f English (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
English variant of Marinda and Afrikaans variant of Marinda.
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.
Mhambi f Zulu
Means "traveler" in Zulu.
Mheho m & f Tsonga
Means "breeze" in Xitsonga.
Mhlava m Tsonga
Means "earth" in Xitsonga.
Miehleketo m & f Tsonga
Means "thoughts" in Xitsonga.
Miempie f Afrikaans
Possibly related to Miem, Miems or Miep.
Miems f Afrikaans
Diminutive of Willemina.
Miga m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Micha 1.
Migael m Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Michael.
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.
Minki f Afrikaans
Short form of Willemien.
Mixo m & f Tsonga
Means "dawn, morning" in Xitsonga.
Miyelani m & f Tsonga
Means "keep quiet" in Xitsonga.
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".
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.
Mmusi m Tswana, South African
Means "the ruler" in Tswana.... [more]
Mnotho m & f Zulu
Means "economy" or "rich, wealthy" in Zulu.
Moegammad m Afrikaans (Rare)
Form of Muhammad used in Afrikaans translations of the Qur'an.
Moeketsi m Sotho
It means "Multiplier/increase" in Sotho
Moeletsi m Sotho
Means "advisor" in Sesotho.
Moesha f Popular Culture, African American (Modern), Jamaican Patois, Antillean Creole, South African
Invented name. It was used for the title character of the American television show Moesha (1996-2001), played by singer Brandy.
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.
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.
Monja f German, Norwegian (Rare), Swedish (Rare), Croatian (Rare), Afrikaans, Dutch
Variant transcription of Russian Моня (see Monya).
Morena m Sotho
Means "chief" in Sotho.
Mosa m & f Sotho
Means "grace" in Sotho.
Mosela f Sotho
Means "tail" in Sotho, idiomatically meaning "the last one" or "last child".
Mosidi f Tswana, Sotho
Means "soot" in Sotho and Tswana.
Motheo m South African
Allegedly 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.
Motlagomang f & m Southern African, Tswana, Sotho
Means "who are you going to?" in Tswana.
Motlalepule m Sotho
Means "rain bringer" in Sesotho.
Motsamai m Sotho
Means "traveller" in Sesotho.
Motsumi m Sotho
Means "seeker" in Sesotho.
Mpahlela f Tsonga
Means "pray for" in Xitsonga.
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.
Mpilo m & f Xhosa, Zulu, Southern African
Means "health" or "life" in Xhosa and Zulu.
Mpumelelo m Zulu
Means "success" in Zulu.
Mqibalo m South African, Xhosa, Zulu
Possibly derived from Mgqibelo, meaning "Saturday" in Xhosa and Zulu.
Msamaniso m South African, Xhosa
Possibly related to Masamanisi.
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.
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.
Mudene f South African, Afrikaans (Rare)
Meaning unknown. A known bearer was Mudene 'Dene' Smuts (1949-2016), a South African politician.
Muhluri m & f Tsonga
Means "conqueror, victor" in Xitsonga.
Mukhethwa m & f Venda
Means "the chosen one" in Tshivenda.
Mulalo m Venda
Means "peace" in Tshivenda.
Mulweri m Tsonga
Means "defender, advocate" in Xitsonga.
Murhangeli m Tsonga
Means "leader" in Xitsonga.
Murhi m & f Tsonga
Means "medicine, cure" in Xitsonga.
Murisi m Tsonga
Means "shepherd" in Xitsonga.
Musa f Ndebele
Means "grace" in Ndebele.
Mutshidzi m & f Venda
Means "saviour" in Tshivenda.
Muzhiyo m Ndebele (Rare)
zulu, ndebele and xhosa name meaning "homesteads of kings"
Mvuseselo m Zulu
Means "revival" in Zulu.
Mxolisi m Southern African, Xhosa, Zulu
Means "peace maker" or "(one who) asks for forgiveness" in Xhosa and Zulu.