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.
Hanneli f Finnish, Estonian, Afrikaans
Finnish variant of Hannele and Afrikaans variant of Hannelie.
Hannelie f Afrikaans
Contraction of Hanne 1 and Elisabeth.
Hannelize f Afrikaans
Contraction of Hanne 1 and Elize.
Hansie m Afrikaans
Short form of Johannes.
Hanu m & f Shona
Meaning “mountain pass”, or “path in the valley”, synonymous with Haro.
Hanyani m Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hanya meaning "live".
Hazvinei f Shona
Hazvinei means "Never mind, no worries". This name may be given by a parent who was offended
Hazviperi m & f Shona
"It does not end". Situational name given in circumstances where family faced unending troubles or trials.
Henrico m Dutch (Modern), Afrikaans
Variant of Hendrik influenced by Enrico.
Hetisani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hetisa meaning "finish".
Hetta f English (British), South African
Hetta is a nickname for Henrietta although it is used on its own as well.
Hikani f Shona
"Surprise."
Hilka f Low German, German (Rare), Frisian, Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Originally a diminutive of names beginning with or containing the element hild-, used as a given name in its own right.
Hlamalani m & f Tsonga
Means "surprised" in Xitsonga.
Hlawulani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlawula meaning "choose".
Hlawuleka m & f Tsonga
Means "unique" or "chooseable, chosen" in Xitsonga.
Hlayisani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlayisa meaning "preserve, protect".
Hlekani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hleka meaning "laugh".
Hlengani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga hlenga meaning "collect, gather".
Hlomla m & f Xhosa
Means "to comment on something" in Xhosa.
Hlompho m Sotho
Means "respect" in Sesotho.
Hlori f Tsonga
Means "wonder" in Xitsonga.
Hlulani m & f Tsonga
Means "win, conquer" in Xitsonga.
Hondo m Shona, African
means "war"
Hulisani m & f Venda
Means "respect" in Tshivenda.
Huoniso m & f Shona
It means "to show; allow to see", a shorter form of the can be Huoni or Oniso.
Hwami m Shona
Meaning "emperor".
Ibubesi m Zulu
Means "lion" in Zulu.
Ibwe m Shona
Means "stone builder" in Shona.
Idai f Shona
Means "love them" in Shona.
Igmar m Afrikaans
Afrikaans. Combination of his mother and fathers name. Siegfried and Marieta. Ig and Mar. Combined Igmar
Ijuba f Zulu
Commonly 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]
Ikusasa f & m Zulu
Means "destiny" in Zulu.
Ilane f South African, Brazilian
Problably a feminine form to Ilan.
Imbasa f & m Zulu
Means "star" in Zulu.
Imka f Dutch, Afrikaans, German
Diminutive of Ime 2.
Ingqondo f Zulu
Means "intelligence" in Zulu.
Inyoni f Zulu
Derived from Zulu inyoni meaning "bird".
Ipaishe f Shona
Means "give to God" in Shona.
Ipeleng f Tswana
Means "be happy" in Setswana.
Iqaqa m Zulu
Means "polecat" in Zulu.
Irikidzai f Shona
Means "to add to" in Shona.
Irikidzayi m Shona
Means "add another one" in Shona.
Isaka m Shona
Shona form of Isaac.
Isaki m Ndebele
Ndebele form of Isaac.
Isazo m & f Tumbuka
Variant of Izaso.
Isheanesu m Shona
Means "the lord is with us" in Shona.
Ishemanzwa m Shona
It means "Lord you have heard".
Ishemunonzwa m Shona
It means "Lord you hear", another variation is Ishemanzwa.
Isisa f Zulu
Means "the tenderness" in Zulu.
Izaso m & f Tumbuka
Means "come again, return" in Tumbuka, a plea for deceased relatives to come back.
Izette f Afrikaans
Variant of Isette.
Izula f Zulu
Means "nomad" in Zulu.
Izwirashe m & f Shona
It means "the voice of the Lord", one can also use Izwi as the shorter form.
Jabu f Zulu
The name's origin meaning is "It is the shortened form of the name Jabulani which means joy or to rejoice"
Jabulani m Ndebele, Zulu
Means "enjoy" or "be happy all" in Ndebele and "rejoice" in Zulu.
Jabulile f Zulu
Means "she is happy" in Zulu.
Jairiro m & f Shona
It means "to be used to; accustomation to".
Jak m Afrikaans
Variant of Jaak.
Jakkie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Jacob.
Jakobus m Afrikaans, Biblical German, Medieval German
Afrikaans and German form of Jacobus.
Jancke f Afrikaans
Variant of Janke.
Janha m & f Shona
Meaning "one's turn; chance; opportunity".
Janita f Dutch, Flemish (Rare), Afrikaans
Feminine diminutive of Jan 1.
Jannie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Johannes.
Japie m & f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Diminutive of Jaap.
Jaturikua m Southern African, Herero
Means "to be uplifted" or "placed above".
Jeanique f French (Rare), Dutch (Rare), Flemish (Rare), French (Belgian, Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Blend of Jeanne with any feminine name ending in -ique, such as Monique and Véronique... [more]
Jekesai f Shona
"Make it clear". Meant to speak to neighbor or family to make clear their position or purpose.
Jemaine m & f South African (Rare), English (Rare)
Most likely a variant of Jermaine. A famous bearer of this name is New Zealand actor Jemaine Clement (1974-).
Jenilee f English (Modern), South African
Probably a combination of Jenny and the popular phonetic suffix lee. This name was popularized by the American television actress Jenilee Harrison (1958-).
Jeremia m Dutch (Rare), Flemish (Rare), Afrikaans, Finnish, Swedish (Rare), Norwegian (Rare)
Dutch, Afrikaans, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian variant of Jeremias.
Jesaja m Biblical, Swedish (Rare), Dutch, Biblical German, Afrikaans
Dutch, German, and Swedish form of Isaiah.
Jiho m & f Shona
Meaning “ultisol” in Shona.
Jilele m Tumbuka
Means "rear yourself" or "be self reliant" in Tumbuka. Can be given to orphans, or to children expected to be independent early in life.
Jinga m & f Shona
Meaning “piedmont; towards or near the foundation; base.” Longer forms of the name include Jingarechikomo, Jingachinga or Jingarashe.
Joalane f Sotho
Possibly derived from Sotho joala, meaning "alcohol, beer".
Joesoef m Indonesian, Afrikaans (Rare)
Indonesian variant transcription of Jusuf (based on Dutch orthography) and Afrikaans form of Joseph.
Johanika f Afrikaans (Rare)
Diminutive of Johanna (compare Johanneke).
Jolette f English, Afrikaans
Likely a combination of the name Jo and the suffix -lette.
Jomarie f Afrikaans
Contraction of Johanna Maria.
Jona m Croatian, Serbian, Swedish, Norwegian (Rare), Sorbian, Afrikaans
Croatian, Serbian, Sorbian, Afrikaans and Scandinavian form of Jonah.
Jonase m Sotho
Sesotho form of Jonah.
Jonathena f South African, American
Feminine form of Jonathan, possibly influenced by Athena.
Jonnie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Johan.
Jopie m & f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Diminutive of Joop for men and of the related name Johanna for women.
Jorica f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Feminine form of Joric.
Jorika f Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans
Feminine form of Jorik.
Josephy f Chewa
Variant of Joseph.
Joshuwa m Shona
Shona version of the name Joshua.
Josua m German, Afrikaans, Swedish, Romansh
German, Afrikaans, Romansh and Swedish form of Joshua.
Juané f Afrikaans
Feminine variant of Juane.
Juanelle f English (American, Rare), South African (Rare)
Elaboration of Juana, perhaps inspired by Janelle.
Juanette f English (American), South African
Semi-hispanicization of Jeannette, or semi-anglicized form of Juanita.
Jutka f Hungarian, Dutch (Rare), Afrikaans (Rare)
Originally a Hungarian diminutive of Judit and a Dutch diminutive of Judith, occasionally used as a given name in its own right.
Jwana f Sotho
Sotho form of Johanna.
Kabilibili m Chewa
Means "plush green vegetation" in Chewa.
Kabwe m & f Southern African
"A small rock or stone." Opposite name: Chibwe
Kagisoyame m Tswana
Means "my peace" in Setswana.
Kakanyo m & f Tswana
Means "thought" in Setswana.
Kalindabwalo m Nsenga
Kalinda is guard or watchman,... [more]
Kambeu m Shona
Kambeu means "little seed". This name may be given to a child who was very small at birth
Kamkhwala m & f Tumbuka
Means "of medicine, of herbs" in Tumbuka. Similar usage to Chimika.
Kamogelo f Tswana
Means "acceptance" in Setswana.
Kamohelo m & f Sotho
Means "acceptance" or "welcome" in Sotho.
Kamoyo m Tumbuka, Chewa
Means "life" in Tumbuka and Chewa, often given to babies born prematurely.
Kamuzu m Southern African
Means "little root" in Chichewa.
Kamuzyu f Nsenga
Means "roots" in Nsenga.
Kamwendo m Chewa
Means "walking from place to place; traveller" in Chewa language.
Kananelo f & m Sotho
Means "approval" or "appreciation" in Sotho.
Kangwa m & f Southern African, Bemba
Means 'healing tree" in Bemba.
Kanyisa f Xhosa
Means "giving light to the future" in Xhosa.
Karikoga m Shona
Means "one who is alone". The name may be given to say that one who lives alone or was born alone without siblings.
Karlien f Flemish, Afrikaans, Dutch (Rare)
Dutch and Afrikaans form of Carline.
Kasambayi f Chewa
Means “page” in Chichewa.
Kasomo m Bemba
Means "leader, flag-bearer" in Bemba.
Kasuba m Bemba
Means "sun" in Bemba.
Katekani f Tsonga
Means "be blessed" in Xitsonga.
Kathaulo m Tumbuka, Chewa
Means "small cloth, handkerchief" in Tumbuka and Chewa.
Katryn f Afrikaans
Afrikaans form of Katrijn.
Katsiru f Shona
Means "female cow" in Shona.
Kayokwa m Southern African, Bemba
Means "sugar, sweet" in Bemba.
Keabetswe m & f Tswana
Means "I have been given" in Setswana.
Kealeboa m Sotho
Means "thank you" in Sotho.
Kealeboga m & f Tswana
Means "thank you" in Setswana.
Keamogetse m & f Tswana
Means "I have received" in Setswana.
Keamogetswe m & f Tswana
Means "I am welcomed" in Setswana.
Keatlaretse f Tswana
Means "to receive with open hands" in Tswana. It is usually used as a sign of respect.
Keatlile m Tswana
Means "I have increased" in Setswana.
Kebabonye f Tswana
Means "I saw them" in Setswana.
Kebarutile f Tswana
Means "I have taught them" in Setswana.
Kebasadi f Tswana
Means "these are women" in Setswana.
Kebitsemang m Tswana
Means "whom shall I call?" in Setswana.
Kedisaletse m Southern African
Botswanian name.
Kedumetse f Tswana
Means "I have agreed" in Setswana.
Keemenao m & f Tswana
Means "I am with you" in Setswana.
Kefentse f Tswana
Means "I have won" in Tswana.
Kegomoditswe m & f Tswana
Means "I have been comforted" in Setswana.
Kehumile f Tswana
Means "I am rich" in Setswana.
Keitumetse f Tswana, South African
Means "I am happy", or "I am thankful" in Twsana.
Kekeletso m Sotho
Means "addition" in Sesotho.
Kelebileone f Tswana
Means "I am watching Him (God)" in Setswana.
Kelebohile m Sotho
Means "I am grateful" in Sesotho.
Kelefetswe f Tswana
Means "they have done it for me" in Setswana.
Keletso m & f Tswana
Means "wish" in Setswana.
Kemmonye f Tswana
Means "I have seen her" in Setswana.
Kenalemang m Tswana
Means "who is with me?" in Setswana.
Kenam f Southern African
Transferred use of the surname Kenam.
Kenanao m Tswana
Means "I am with Him (God)" in Tswana.
Keneilwe f Tswana
Means "I have been given" in Setswana.
Keneoue f Sotho (Rare)
Means "I have been given" in Sotho.
Keneuwe f Sotho
Means "I have been given" in Sesotho.
Kennake f Tswana
Means "she is my sister" in Setswana.
Keolebogile f & m Tswana, African
I thanked (God).
Kerapetse m & f Tswana
Means "I have prayed" in Setswana.
Kereeditse m & f Tswana
Means "I am listening" in Setswana.
Kereemang f Tswana
Means "who should I say this to?" in Setswana.
Keromang f Sotho
Means "one who has been sent" in Sesotho.
Kesegofetse f Tswana
Means "I am blessed" in Setswana.
Ketase f Tumbuka
Means "cooperation" in Tumbuka.
Ketshephaone m & f Tswana
Means "I trust Him (God)" in Setswana.
Kgabareya m Sotho
Sotho form of Gabriel.
Kgabu m & f African, Zulu
Means "to decorate richly" in Zulu.
Kgakgamatso f Tswana
Means "wonders" in Setswana.
Kgalalelo f Tswana
Means "glory" in Setswana.
Kganya f & m Sotho
Means "brightness" or "(God's) light" in Sesotho.
Kgethang m Sotho
Sesotho form of Khethang.
Kgodi m & f Sotho
Means "mist" in Sotho.
Kgolo m Tswana
Means "growth" in Setswana.
Kgomotso m & f Tswana
Means "comfort" in Tswana.
Kgosiemang m Tswana
Means "who is the king?" in Setswana.
Kgotso f Southern African
Botswanian name.
Khabane m Sotho
Means "precious" in Sesotho.
Khangezile f Zulu
Means "our hands are open" in Zulu.
Khanya m Zulu
Means "shine" in Zulu.
Khanyisa f Tsonga
Means "brighten" in Xitsonga.
Khanyisile f Zulu (Modern)
Means "bringer of light" in Zulu.
Khanyiso m Xhosa
Means "to light, to illuminate" in Xhosa.
Khanyokulhe f Zulu
Means "guide on the way" in Zulu from the word khanyo meaning "guide" and kuhle meaning "way".
Khathutshelo m & f Venda
Means "forgiveness" in Tshivenda.
Khauhelo f & m Sotho
Means "pity" or "compassion" in Sotho.
Khayalethu m Zulu
Means "our home" in Zulu.
Khayelihle f Ndebele
Means "good home" in Ndebele.
Khayizeni m Tsonga
Means "rebuke" in Xitsonga.
Khensani m & f Tsonga
Means "grateful, give thanks" in Xitsonga.
Khethang m Sotho
Means "choose" in Lesotho.
Khethiwe f African, Zulu
Means "chosen, the one who is chosen" in Zulu.
Khethukuthula f Zulu
Means "choose to be quiet" in Zulu.
Khoeli m Sotho
“Moon”
Khomelani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga khomela meaning "forgive".
Khongelani m & f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga khongela meaning "pray".
Khosi m Sotho
Means "king" in Sotho.
Khothatso f Sotho
Means "encouragement" in Sotho.
Khotsofalang m Sotho
Means "be satisfied" in Lesotho.
Khule f Zulu
Means "it is beautiful" in Zulu.
Khulekani f Zulu
Means "salute" in Zulu.
Khululiwe f Zulu
Means "exonerated" in Zulu.
Khumbireko m Chewa
Means "to admire" in Chewa.
Khumbuza m Tsonga
Means "remember" in Xitsonga.
Khumiso m & f Tswana
Means "they are making us rich" in Setswana.
Khumo m & f Tswana
Means "wealth" in Tswana.
Khumoetsile m & f Tswana
Means "wealth has come" in Setswana.
Khutsafalo m & f Tswana
Means "melancholy" in Tswana.
Khwezi m & f Zulu
Means "bright morning star" in Zulu.
Kianda f African Mythology, Southern African
Kianda (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... [more]
Kiesse f & m Southern African
Bantu name meaning "happiness" or "joy".
Kitso m & f Tswana
Means "knowledge, wisdom" in Tswana.
Kobie m Afrikaans
Diminutive of Jacobus.
Koketso m & f Tswana
Means "increase" in Setswana.
Konanani m & f Venda
Means "be good to one another" in Tshivenda.
Kondanani m & f Tumbuka
Means "love one another" in Tumbuka and Chewa.
Kongola f Chewa
Means "beautiful" in Chewa.
Kornelis m Dutch, Flemish, Afrikaans
Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Cornelis.
Kotani m Tsonga
Possibly from the Xitsonga kota meaning "able, talented".
Kubanthree f South African, Indian
South Africans of Indian origin... [more]
Kuchinei m Shona
Kuchinei 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.
Kudakwashe m & f Shona, Southern African
Means "the Lord's will" in Shona.
Kudzai m & f Shona
Means "respect" in Shona.
Kudzaishe f Shona
Means "respect God" in Shona.
Kudzanayi m & f Shona
Means "respect each other" in Shona.
Kudzoka f Shona
Means "to come back" in Shona.
Kufara f Shona
Means "happiness" in Shona.
Kuhlula m & f Tsonga
Means "win" in Xitsonga.
Kundai f Shona
Means "overcome" in Shona.
Kurhula m Tsonga
Means "peace" in Xitsonga.
Kurisani f Tsonga
From the Xitsonga kurisa meaning "increase".
Kuseka f Shona
Means "to laugh" in Shona.
Kutenda f & m Shona
Means "faith" or "to thank" in Shona.
Kutha m Chewa
Means "destiny" in Chewa.
Kutloisiso f & m Sotho (Rare)
Means "understanding" in Sotho.
Kutlwano f Sotho
Means "mutual understanding" in Sesotho.
Kutlwisiso f Sotho
Means "understanding" in Lesotho.
Kuvhanganani m & f Venda
Means "come together" in Tshivenda.
Kuwala m & f Chewa
Means "shining light" in Chewa.
Kuzivakwashe f Shona
Means "God's will" in Shona.
Kwanaya f Shona
Meaning “it has rained”, rain is seen as a symbol of new life as its waters are a source of nourishment for natural life.
Kwanele m Zulu
Means “enough” in Zulu.
Kwatisa f Tsonga
Means "made furious" in Xitsonga.
Kwayedza m & f Shona
Meaning “the sunlight or morning light has dawned” or “the sunrise has dawned”.
Kwena m & f Sotho
Means "crocodile" in the Sotho and Tswana languages. This name is chiefly used by Northern Sotho people.
Kxamshe f Southern African, San (Bushmen), !Kung
Possibly means "mouth" in !Kung (a Khoi-San language) coming from the word kxám.