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Africa is the land of abundant natural resources and cultural diversity. It is home to many ethnic groups and tribes. If you are looking for African surnames for your kid, you are at the right place. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. Dive into this post for some amazing and interesting African surnames.
Key Pointers
- Africa is a diverse country with different cultures and languages, leading to unique-sounding names for babies.
- Some classic characteristics of African last names include personality, physical attributes, and futuristic hopes.
- Some may have last names from their fathers, while others may have mixed lineage passed down through generations.
- Some popular choices include Gcobani, meaning ‘be joyful,’ Mensa, meaning ‘third child born to a couple,’ Abimbola, meaning ‘born with wealth,’ and Akinyi, meaning ‘born in the morning.’
Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames
1. Abara:
Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means ‘spirit’.
2. Abebe
The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means ‘flower’ or ‘blossom’.
3. Abimbola
A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means ‘born with wealth’.
4. Abiodun
Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. It means ‘one who is born during the festival or war’. It can be used for both boys and girls.
5. Abioye
A well-liked Yoruba male name, Abioye means ‘born into royalty’ or ‘the son of royalty’. It also functions both as the last name and a surname.
6. Acheampong
If you want your baby’s name to be promising, then, this is the perfect name to choose. The Ashanti or Asante people anticipate a good future for their children by giving the name Acheampong, which means ‘destined for greatness’.
7. Achebe
This last name originates from the Igbo group. Achebe is an invocation of a deity, which means ‘the Goddess protects’. One of the most famous people to have this name is Chinua Achebe, considered the most influential African writer who won the Man Booker International Prize in 2007.
8. Adebayo
Often spelled as Adébáyọ̀, this name is a very popular first name and last name among men in Nigeria and people who are of African descent across other continents. It means ‘he came in a joyful time’ or ‘the king/crown/royalty meets joy’ in Yoruba.
9. Adebisi
An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means ‘the king/crown/royalty produced more’. It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage.
10. Adebowale
Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means ‘return of the crown’. It is suitable for both boys and girls.
11. Adeleke
Stemming from the Yoruba group, Adeleke means ‘the king/crown/royalty triumphed’. It is generally considered a boy name.
12. Adegoke
It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means ‘the crown gained advancement’. It is suitable for boys.
13. Adekunle
An appreciative masculine name that embraces a new arrival with positivity, it means ‘the king/crown/royalty filled the house’. Similar to the name Adewole, which means ‘the king/crown has entered the house’, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups.
14. Adelakun
Sometimes used as a first name, this surname means ‘the king/crown/royalty opens the belly/ womb’. It is usually considered to be suitable for boys.
15. Ademola:
A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means ‘the king/crown/royalty along with wealth’.
16. Adesina
Popular among the female populace of Nigeria, it is an inspirational name which means ‘she opens the way’. It implies that a baby will be the first of many children for couples who have had difficulty in conceiving.
17. Adesiyan
Of Yoruba origin, the name means ‘the crown is good’.
18. Adeyemi
Generally given to boys, it means ‘the king/crown/royalty befits me’ or ‘worthy of the crown’.
19. Adisa
This Yoruba name means ‘the lucid one’ or ‘one who is clear’. It is a common unisex name.
20. Afia
The Akan name is widely used among the girls. It means ‘born on a Friday’. Other variants are Efua, Afua, and its male version is Kofi.
21. Afolabi
It means ‘born into wealth’ or ‘born into high status’.
22. Afolayan
A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means ‘one who walks with confidence’ or ‘one who carries oneself like a wealthy person’.
23. Agrinya
Usually earned, Agrinya means ‘warrior’ in the Yala language.
24. Agu
It is a globally used Igbo surname which means ‘tiger’.
25. Aguta
In the Igbo language, Aguta means ‘to have plenty’ or ‘to have plenty/many’. It is primarily masculine in essence.
26. Agwuegbo
Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means ‘the hardship is over’. It is mostly given to girls.
27. Akinjide
It means ‘the strong one has returned’. It is mostly given to boys due to its masculine connotation.
28. Akintola
It means ‘valor is the worth of wealth’ or ‘being brave’, usually given to boys.
29. Akinyemi
It means ‘destined to be a warrior’ in Yoruba language. This name is also masculine in essence.
30. Akpabio
Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means ‘leader’, ‘noble’ or ‘prime’. It is usually given to boys.
31. Aku
Another Ibibio name, Aku means ‘wealth’.
Did you know?32. Alaneme
An Igbo surname, Ala means ‘land’, while neme means ‘doing something’. It can be translated into ‘the land is active’.
33. Alasa
directly translates to ‘shield’, so Alasa means ‘lord or owner of the shield’. It is generally considered to be a masculine name.
34. Alioune
In the Wolof language, Alioune means ‘lofty’ or ‘sublime’. Other variants include Ali and Alioun. It is generally given to boys.
35. Amaechi
It means ‘who knows tomorrow’, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. It is suitable for boys.
36. Amaike
It means ‘the compound remains strong’ in Igbo language.
37. Ameziane
In the Tamazight language, Amaziane means ‘young’ or ‘little’. Meziane is a variation.
38. Anenih
Commonly used as a male name in Nigeria, Anenih means ‘God bearing name’. It is a commonly adored name for boys.
39. Aniefuna
In Igbo language, it means ‘my land is not lost’.
40. Anotidaishe
Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Anotidaishe means ‘the Lord loves us’.
41. Apara
It means ‘one who comes and goes’.
42. Asaju
Another expression of a characteristic trait, Asaju means ‘leader of warriors’, and is considered primarily male.
43. Awolowo
Having its origin in Yoruba, Awolowo means ‘the oracle has dignity’. This name is often given to boys.
44. Babangida
Among the Hausa tribes of Nigeria, Babangida means ‘the master of the house’. This name is primarily given to male members.
45. Bankole
Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means ‘help build our house’ or ‘build my house for me’. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family.
46. Banmeke
Another name that implores to the child is Banmeke, which means ‘hold or sustain the rafter of the house with me’.
47. Biobaku
A hopeful name that reflects an uncertain situation is Biobaku, which means ‘if he or she does not die’. This name is suitable for both genders.
48. Buhle
Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means ‘handsome’ or ‘beautiful’.
49. Chamapiwa
A name that reflects the gratitude of the family is Chamapiwa, meaning ‘that which you have been given’. It has its origin in the Shona groups of Zimbabwe.
50. Chidozie
In Igbo, this surname means ‘the Lord perfects all’ or ‘the God repairs.
51. Chidubem
A name that praises God is Chidubem, which means ‘God is my guide’ in Igbo.
52. Chuke
Its variant is Chike, which means ‘God’s power’.
53. Chukwunyelu
A name that acknowledges a divine concession is Chukwunyelu, which means ‘God gives’ in Igbo.
54. Dogo
It is one of the most widely used Hausa nicknames which means ‘little’.
55. Eesuola
It has its roots in Yoruba and it means ‘a lot of wealth’.
56. Egebe
Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means ‘kite’.
57. Eke
Eke means ‘superstructure of the roof’.
58. Ele
It is common both as a surname and a nickname. It means ‘a good runner’.
59. Emem
It means ‘peace’, suitable for a boy or a girl.
60. Etienam
Having its roots in Ibibio, the surname or nickname Etienam means ‘a doer of good’ or ‘benevolent’.
61. Falade
Several African names and surnames, when translated, often make full sentences. One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means ‘god of divination has intermingled with royalty’.
62. Folorunsho
One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means ‘under God’s protection’.
63. Furaha
It originates from the Swahili culture and means ‘delight’ or ‘happiness’.
64. Gcobani
One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means ‘be joyful’. This name is primarily masculine.
65. Gowon
Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means ‘the rainmaker’. This name is also predominantly given to boys.
66. Igbinedion
It has its origins in the Benin culture and means ‘seeking refuge in the elder’s protection’.
67. Igwe
Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means ‘heaven’, which is considered the highest realm of existence. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland.
68. Ihejirika
It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. It means ‘the one that I have is greater’.
69. Jelani
One of the given and last names for boys among the Swahili tribes, Jelani means ‘mighty’ or ‘full of strength’.
Did you know?70. Kanye
Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means ‘let’s give’ or ‘to give honor or tribute’. It also means ‘once’ or ‘one time’ in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu.
71. Keita
It is a Malian surname, which means ‘blessing’.
72. Kenyatta
If Kenyan last names are what pique your interest, Kenyatta is an ideal choice. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means ‘musician’. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine.
73. Kikelomo
It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means ‘a child to be cherished or pampered’.
74. Ladipo
Used both as a last name and a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means ‘wealth and prosperity’. It is suitable for both boys and girls.
75. Mensah
One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means ‘third child born to a couple’. This name suits both boys and girls.
76. Mmeremikwu
It is an aspirational surname with Igbo origin, which means ‘to be higher’ or ‘to be better’.
77. Mwanajuma
This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means ‘born on Friday’.
78. Ndiaye
Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. It means ‘descendant of the lion clan’, and is suitable for both genders.
79. Nenge
This unusual surname means ‘see’ in Tiv.
80. Nnadi
This name from the Igbo tribes means ‘my God is alive’ or ‘my father lives’.
81. Nnamani
Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means ‘my father’s land’ or ‘my ancestral home’. It is usually given to boys.
82. Nwachukwu
This surname shows the devout nature of the people towards religion and belief in God. It originates in Igbo and means ‘child of the supreme God’.
83. Nwadike
It is of Igbo origin and means ‘one who is from a strong lineage’, ‘this person is strong’, ‘child warrior’, or ‘ son of a hero’. It is usually given to boys.
84. Obama
Popularized by former US president Barack Obama, the name has its origin in the Luo dialect, and means ‘to lean or bend’.
85. Obi
A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means ‘heart’. It is considered a male name. For those interested in Nigerian last names that are meaningful, Obi is an apt choice.
86. Obiakolam
It means ‘may I not lack a family or a home’.
87. Okiro
Originally a unisex nickname, Oriko is often used as a fond last name. It means ‘child with fat cheeks’.
88. Okoro
Another unisex name, Okoro means ‘child of the freeborn man’, or ‘man’ in Urhobo.
89. Okoye
It is a conventional surname across various African people and means ‘one who is born on orie market day’. This name has been brought to the big screen all over the world through a fictional character Okoye in a cultural phenomenon, the Black Panther movie.
90. Okpara
It is a common given name to male children, which means ‘firstborn son’ in Egyptian.
91. Okusanya
The surname with Yoruba origin means ‘god has rewarded me for my sufferings’. The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth.
92. Oladele
It means ‘wealth has come home’, and is predominantly considered a male name.
93. Oladoyinbo
Usually found among the male population of Nigeria, this name means ‘honor surrounds him’.
94. Olanrewaju
Having its roots in Yoruba, the name means ‘my wealth is moving forward’ or ‘my wealth is the future’, and it is mostly given to boys.
95. Olatunji
Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means ‘wealth awakes again’. It is suitable for both boys and girls.
96. Olowe
It shows the unity of the families in the Yoruba groups. It means ‘one who has many people to call for help’, and is considered typically male.
97. Oluwusi:
It means ‘kingship has increased’.
98. Omenma
It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. It means ‘one who does good to others’.
99. Omenuko
The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. It means ‘one who acts at the time of scarcity’.
100. Onai
Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means ‘a call to observe’ or ‘to see that which has happened’. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai.
101. Onyeneme
It is a name that compliments a person, and it means ‘one who does well’.
102. Onyilogwu
It means ‘one who is invulnerable to dark magic’.
103. Opeyemi
It is both a surname and a given name, which means ‘I should give praise’.
104. Orji
Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. It means ‘sturdy or ‘mighty tree’. It is usually accepted as a male name. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy.
105. Osei
If you’re exploring Ghanaian surnames, Osei is a notable choice. This surname is found in the Akan group of Ghana and means ‘royalty’ or ‘noble person’. It is suitable for boys and girls.
106. Otueome
The rare surname means ‘he says and does as he said he would do’, and is considered to be a masculine name.
107. Owusu
It is an Akan male surname which means ‘strong-willed and determined’. Its female variant is Owusua.
108. Ọyáwálé
It means ‘the river goddess has come home’.
109. Oyekan
Generally used as a masculine name, it means ‘we have increased or multiplied’ or ‘we are many’ among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. It also means ‘the next to be crowned’ among the Yoruba speaking groups.
Did you know?110. Oyinlola
It is a conventional female name among the Yoruba groups and means ‘wealth is sweet’.
111. Popoola
It means ‘intelligent people, love god’.
112. Sarpong
It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. It means ‘supreme’ or ‘a great warrior’ and is usually given to boys.
113. Selassie
Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means ‘trinity’.
114. Temitope
It means ‘mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude’, and is suitable for both boys and girls.
115. Tersoo
It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means ‘father’s love’. It is considered to be primarily male.
116. Toure
This surname is possibly derived from the Soninkè word tùùrè, which means ‘elephant’. It is usually considered a male name.
117. Uduike
Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. The name can be translated as ‘fullness of power’. It is generally regarded as suitable for boys.
118. Umburter
Derived from the Tiv language, it means ‘remember the father’. In this context, the father can also mean God. It is typically a male name.
119. Zadzisai
It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means ‘ fulfilment of a pledge or a promise’.
120. Zivai
Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means ‘you must know’. It is usually given to boys.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is an African last name usually passed down through generations?
African naming customs and practices vary significantly across the continent. In some African societies, a child’s last name is the same as their father’s, while in some, the child’s last name may combine the father’s and mother’s last names.
2. How do African last names reflect the culture of a particular ethnic group?
Last names in Africa often have meanings rooted in the traditions and history of the ethnic group. Many African last names are derived from the names of ancestors or family members. These factors make the last names reflect the culture of the ethnic group.
3. What are the traditions associated with African last names?
Last names in Africa have several traditions associated with them. Some last names are patrilineal, while others might be occupational or toponymic.
4. How do African last names vary across different cultures?
African last names vary significantly across the continent due to the rich diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions. In many African societies, naming conventions are influenced by whether the community follows a matrilineal or patrilineal system. For instance, in Yoruba culture, women typically take their husband’s family name after marriage, while children take their father’s family name. Whereas, in Somali, women do not change their names after marriage. Beyond these distinctions, African surnames often carry meanings related to the circumstances of birth, ancestral connections, and spiritual beliefs, further reflecting the vast cultural diversity within the continent (1).
Africa’s different groups and tribes represent its cultural diversity and rich tradition. African last names are a reflection of their customs and peculiar naming traditions. Each name is unique and holds an ancestral meaning, symbolizing the origin and history. The above list includes all the meaningful surnames with their unique meanings. While going through these last names, remember that many African names may be masculine; however, as parents, choose the surnames that connect with you and suit your baby.
Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture
Surnames serve as a tool to identify our ancestry. The infographic below includes some popular ones from the African continent and of African descent. We mention the African last names with their meanings and origins to help you learn about their rich history. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
We hope you liked our selection. Let us know your favorites in the comment section.
References
- A Guide To Names And Naming Practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
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