South Africa boasts a variety of cultures, traditions and languages, and parents often choose to name their children according to these distinctions. Here are some of the most beautiful African names and what they mean.
The country’s most popular names are a result of a rich history and have been influenced by everything, from the European settlers to traditional Xhosa and Zulu inhabitants.
Amahle
Female | Amahle, meaning “the beautiful one”, is a popular Zulu name and is pronounced Ah-MAH-she.
Annika
Female | Annika is an Afrikaans name meaning “grace” and is the Swedish diminutive of Anna. Pronounced AHN-nee-kah.
Arno
Male | Arno, an Afrikaans name from Germanic origin, means “eagle” and is pronounced AR-nou.
Elna
Female | Elna is an Afrikaans name meaning “beloved” and is derivative from the Swedish Elin and the Danish and Dutch Helena. Pronounce it ÊLL-nah.
Friedrich
Male | An Afrikaans name from the Old German Frederick, Frederich means “peaceful ruler”. Pronounce it FRED-e-rich.
Imka
Female | Imka, meaning “water”, is an Afrikaans name of Frisian derivative. Pronounce it IEM-ka.
Jabulani
Male | Jabulani, a Zulu name often shortened to Jabu, means “rejoice” and is pronounced Jah-boo-LAH-nee.
Kaya
Female | Kaya means “restful place” and is a popular Zulu name. Pronounce it KAH-yah.
Kholwa
Female | Kholwa is a name used in both the Zulu and Ndebele cultures and means “believe”. The name is pronounced Col-u-WHA.
Lerato
Female | Lerato is a Sotho name meaning “love” and is pronounced LE-raa-too.
Lindiwe
Female | Lindiwe is a Zulu name that means “waited for” and is pronounced LIN-dee-wê.
Luan
Male | Luan is an Afrikaans name meaning “lion” and is pronounced LU-han.
Mandla
Male | Mandla is a popular Zulu name meaning “strength”. Pronounce it MAN-dhla.
Mieke
Female | Mieke is a popular Afrikaans name meaning “water” and is derived from Dutch. Pronounce it MY-khu.
Mpho
Unisex | Mpho is a unisex name of Tswana origin meaning “gift”. Pronounce it M-phô.
Oratile
Unisex | Oratile is a unisex name meaning “origin” and is pronounced O-ra-TEE-lê.
Thabisa
Female | Thabisa is a Zulu name meaning “to bring joy” and is pronounced Tha-BEE-sa.
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