Zabu - This Nigerian last name means “gold. Each surname tells a unique story, enriching the tapestry of Swahili identity. If you are interested in Ethiopian names, browse our list of the most popular names in Ethiopia, many of which are used as both first and surnames! Common Ethiopian Surnames and Meanings Abebe - African Most Common Last Names In Kenya. The most common surnames in Mozambique in Jul 10, 2024 · An African American surname list is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about their own family history or the history of African Americans in general. The exact definition of Black Dutch remains unclear, but it is generally accepted to refer to individuals whose ancestry is a mix of African and European, typically Dutch or German. The Akan people generally reside in Ghana, Togo, and Sierra Leone. Nkrumah – Referring to “ninth born” in Akan. Adeoye - Crown. Abeyie; Feb 28, 2010 · This is a compilation of 6000 names and their meanings from some central, eastern, and southern African countries, such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It is now common in South Africa. Adeniyi – Meaning “the crown is fitting for this” – Yoruba origin. Means "power of the father" in Igbo. Means "still shining" in Xhosa and Zulu, from the roots sa "still, continuing" and khanya "to shine". Occupational name for a Hugh-man. It means “born on the holy ground. Oct 22, 2023 · Common German surnames in the United States include Schmidt, Mueller, Wagner, and Becker. Obama Luo. Excluding slaves, the 1860 U. Dzifa (Ghanaian origin) means “one is at peace”. Since those are the countries from which many of America's original settlers came, it's hardly surprising. The names are the same as the top surnames in the United States: Smith, Johnson HARRIS – Son of Harry. Oct 7, 2023 · List of Most Common Surnames in Africa. Unigwe - This name means “heaven” in Igbo. New York: Citadel; 2000. From the given name Adamu (see user-submitted name). Jun 13, 2023 · Below are some of the most popular last names for Black people with African-American roots. Famous name bearer: Dutch film actor Dzifa Kusenuh. Badenhorst Afrikaans. Abimbola - To be born wealthy. This page is currently showing names ranked from 1 to 1000. Ademola – Yoruba for ‘the crown is added to my wealth. Upamecano French (African), Manding (Gallicized) A very rare French surname with African roots. Diop – Meaning Apr 21, 2023 · Top 10 Most Popular Last Names in Africa. Gausha African American. Jan 31, 2023 · Certain families that have a strong lineage bear this surname. Nov 12, 2023 · Here are over 107 Nigerian last names along with their meanings: Adebayo – ‘The crown meets joy’ in Yoruba. Jul 29, 2023 · Top 50 Nigerian Last Names With Meanings. 3. Zola (name) Zuma (surname) Categories: Bantu-language surnames. Ikenna m Igbo. Feb 14, 2023 · Here are some common black last names and their origins: Jackson: English origin, derived from the personal name “Jack” meaning “God is gracious. Aaron, meaning ‘high mountain. There’s a great deal to learn while trying to keep organized. Bafundi Central African. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Adanga African. Basie South African. . Surnames Index. Even so, Smith ranked third in the last census and between 2000 and 2010, there was a 6. Dutch origin, meaning ‘booth’ or ‘cottage’. It’s worth noting that this is just a small selection of the many African last names that exist, and that the meanings and origins of these names Mensah is an African surname that originates in Ghana among the Akan people. This surname is borne by Belgian soccer player Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli (1993-), more commonly known as Romelu Lukaku. Baloyi. Jan 7, 2024 · Adeoye – a noble Nigerian last name meaning “the crown of honor. Jan 9, 2024 · African-American Muslim Girl Names. 4 million African-American and Caribbean people with that last name. The prefix “Van” is often followed by a preposition, such as “der” or “den,” which further specifies the person’s origin. Akerele - Small but tough. Find. . Explore the most common surnames in Ghana. Origin: English. Is one of the most beautiful Ghanaian baby names. Johannes. Surnames of African origin. Zulu language. The table below shows the most common last names with statistics on the heritage and ancestry of those with the surname. Census was taken, the top-ranking surnames were largely of English, Irish, and Scottish origin. Are Most Common Last Names In Namibia. 42. Juano Hernández. Forebears knows about 21,111 unique surnames in Mozambique and there are 1,289 people per name. Mensah can also mean “power” in Ghana. S Black Cherokees. Aguta - Countless, to have many. Mukamal – Signifying “complete” or “perfect” in Arabic. Means "spiritual leader" in Swahili, ultimately from Arabic إمام ( imam). Nov 11, 2023 · Osei (Akan): “Noble”. Kelly: Warrior and bright-headed. Variations: Edward. Lubanzi m & f Xhosa, Zulu. 5, 2023 5:15 pm EST. Black Seminoles. population was 27,167,529, with about 1 in 70 being a slaveholder. Origin – Afrikaans, Frisian. Abebe. It means “peace. Nov 26, 2023 · The African continent is one of the most diverse places on earth. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". Taiwo - This Yoruba last name means “the first twin to taste the world. Bouhouche Berber, Northern African. Emem: One of the unique unisex African last names, this surname means "peace". Material placed on these surname pages may not be copied, transmitted, sold, published or shared in any way without permission in writing. There are over 2. LEWIS – Son or family of Lewis. 14. Gichuru: “one who is feared”. 15. Meaning: Son of Edward. It refers to the “son of Edward” from Eadweard, meaning “prosperity guard. Falade means "God of divination has intermingled with royalty". Location surname from the Netherlands capital city of Amsterdam meaning "dam of the Amstel". Rank. Akinyemi - Fated to be a warrior. Oct 20, 2020 · 41. Today, the most common African American surnames are still Williams, Johnson, Smith, and Jones, according to the 2000 U. Forebears knows about 61,231 unique surnames in Namibia and there are 39 people per name. A. Mar 12, 2024 · 74. (previous page) ( next page) Apr 7, 2024 · For example, the surname “Van der Merwe” means “from the Merwe River. Smith: Means “someone who works with metal”. An understanding of these names can provide insight into the tribe’s social structures and affiliations, as well as the historical events Central African Republic Genealogical Resources Most Popular First Names In Central African Republic Forebears knows about 3,950 unique forenames in Central African Republic and there are 1,143 people per name. Black Creeks. Derived from the given name Maina. From the given name Adebowale. The name of Mohammed’s favorite wife. Used both as a last name and a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means ‘wealth and prosperity’. Jul 6, 2024 · An African American surname list is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about their own family history or the history of African Americans in general. Forebears knows about 84,333 unique surnames in Ethiopia and there are 1,155 people per name. The following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 302 total. Obi. Lemon African American. Currently, the most popular black last name in America is Williams, with a total count of 774,920 people who have the surname. Mensah means different things to different groups. Zuma (Zulu): “Thunder”. The surname Alston occurs roughly 10 times per 100,000 people in the U. The most common surnames in Central African Republic in 2024. Diallo. Census and the 2010 U. British surnames such as Williams, Jackson, Robinson, Harris, Davis, Brown and Jones are also common among people of non-British descent, such as African Americans due to slavery. Abara. Vilakazi – Zulu origin, meaning “one who brings joy. Lewis - English. According to US census records, Williams is the 16th most common last name associated with African Americans. From a rare Luo given name meaning "crooked, bent". Intelligent or logical. Shongwe – Swazi origin, indicating a person of high rank. Adefope Nigerian, Western African, Yoruba. 17. Jun 14, 2022 · Oni - This name is of Hebrew origin. (Source: Library of Congress) Common African last names today often have deep meanings, although how Catchy Creole Last Names. Adebayo - King or crown or royalty. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. Forebears knows about 1,518,543 unique surnames in Nigeria and there are 116 people per name. By Acacia Deadrick Nov. Van der Walt – Dutch origin, meaning “from the forest. This name suits both boys and girls. Eze: (Igbo origin) This popular African surname is a title of respect which means 'King'. Forebears knows about 821,426 unique surnames in South Africa and there are 66 people per name. Alborough South African. Obiakaeze is a historical family name of Ghana is a West African country with rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Adebowale Yoruba. Namesakes: Frank Edwards, a Nigerian singer who founded Rocktown Records. Bok South African. 76. Smith: A common name of English origin, Smith means someone who works with metal. Ahmed. De. Imamu m Swahili. Surnames; First Names; Search People; Search Families; Search Site; Places; Dates; Top 10 surnames Lists of most common surnames. Aisha - Muslim. These surnames, inherited from generation to generation, are an important part of the identity of Central Africans. Apply this search to the main name collection. Find your African last name from A to Z and learn about its meaning and origins. This is a list of notable Puerto Ricans of significant African ancestry, including visually mixed-race individuals, which represents a significant portion of the Puerto Rican population. Most Common Last Names In Mali. This list may not reflect recent changes . Adewale – a cool Yoruba name meaning “the crown or royalty has come home. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Surnames are taken as the first part of an person's inherited family name, caste, clan name or in some cases patronymic. Obi is a cute African surname of Igbo origin. Uncover the historical roots, meanings, and notable individuals sharing these surnames. Kabyle name possibly derived from Arabic أَبُو (ʾabū) meaning "father" and حَوْش (ḥawš) meaning "courtyard, enclosure, farm" (chiefly Algerian). Mwangi Kikuyu. Given names, therefore, were adopted in local languages as surnames. 2. Botha Afrikaans. Meaning – Afrikaans who are Christians can give their children the name Elize as it means “Consecrated to Feb 19, 2011 · The last name of Washington was listed 138th when the Census Bureau published a list of the 1,000 most common American surnames from the 2000 survey, and while 90 percent of those named Washington Sep 17, 2022 · These are the 10 most common African American surnames according to the 2000 census: Williams: Williams is a patronymic of English origin of someone with a forebear named William. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Swahili last names, reflecting diverse East African heritage, often convey cultural pride. List of most common surnames in Oceania. Listed below are some of the Huguenot names, which have been slightly altered to blend into the local community. Lee: Clearing in the woods. For many years, Williams has remained a common surname for a person of African American descent. Mohamed. Variant of Arends. Sep 20, 2023 · Francis: Means either “Frenchman” or “free man”. Variant of Fulcher. It was possibly originally given to a baby who had an arm or leg Most Common Last Names In Mozambique. Frequency. Forebears knows about 7,106 unique surnames in Central African Republic and there are 635 people per name. This surname is a Middle English personal name Lefman, Old English Leofman, composed of the elements leof ‘dear’, ‘beloved’, and mann ‘man’, person. Samir Hussein/Getty Images. Originally a place name meaning “long stone”, it became a renowned last name. Mohammed. Lisakhanya f & m Xhosa, Zulu. Gate English (African) Happygod English (African, Rare) Possibly from the English words happy and god. Derived from the given name Mwangi. Bekker Afrikaans. Pronunciation – ÊLL-nah. This might come as a surprise to you, as it’s not always a surname that’s stereotyped. Dogbeda (Ghanaian origin) means “pray”. Coetzee Afrikaans. Toure (Mandingo): “Elephant”. King: Monarch or ruler. Bana Central African. 23,895. 43. Forebears knows about 60,657 unique surnames in Ghana and there are 445 people per name. For example, the surname Couteau is derived from the Choctaw word for knife, and the surname Babin is derived from the Choctaw word for deer. This is Moses’ elder brother’s name as per the Old Testament. Obiaka. Adebiyi – Meaning “one who is born in a joyful time” – Yoruba origin. From Egypt and Kenya to South Africa, African last names are just as varied as their cultures and peoples. Juan Morel Campos. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Traore: Nov 30, 2021 · 2. List of Afro–Puerto Ricans. The most common surnames in Ghana in 2024. Here is an extensive list of African names to select: 1. Botha. Uduike - The meaning of this name is “fullness of power” in Igbo. Of Norman origin from the personal names Lowis and Lodovicus. Maina Kikuyu. Adamu Amharic, Swahili, Hausa. [citation needed] Garcia and Martinez represent the rapid growth of several Hispanic communities in the United States. A Tsonga name, indicating a person from the Baloyi clan. List of most common surnames in North America. Jun 23, 2022 · Some Ethiopian names are regional family names, while others are found throughout the country and regions of Africa and the Middle East. Forebears knows about 35,129 unique surnames in Angola and there are 766 people per name. Most Common Last Names In Ethiopia. Moore: Means “an open land or bog”. Elize. De Beer is a Dutch and Afrikaans surname, meaning "the bear". It is estimated by this transcriber that in 1860, slaveholders of 200 or more slaves, while constituting less than 1 % of the total number of U. Quansah - The meaning of this Akan last name is “God is watching you. Davis: Welsh origin, derived from the personal name “David” meaning “beloved. Having been a dominant clan, the people of Gcina, also known as amaGcina are believed to be kings of Lady Frere. bekker is a regional form of Dutch bakker which means Baker. It means blossom and flower. ”. Name distribution statistics are generated from a global database of over 4 billion people - more information. SANCHEZ – Son of Sancho. Martin: The god of war. Derived from the Old French "mareschal", meaning horse servant, it later denoted a high-ranking officer of the state. Explore surname numerology and learn how surnames have evolved over centuries. Ladipo. Ime 1 m & f Ibibio. Wanjiru (Kikuyu): “Born during the reign of justice”. De Beer Afrikaans. Imani f & m Swahili, African American. One of the most popular African names, Mensah comes from the Akan group, and means ‘third child born to a couple’. Ali. 16. Jackson: Means “God has been gracious”. "Bruyn" is an archaic spelling of "bruin", meaning "brown". It is a variation of the name Aaliyah. ROBINSON – Son of Robin, a nickname for Robert. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Surname List: British 1820 Settlers to South Africa. Falade: (Yoruba origin) This is one of the unique African surnames which translate to complete sentences. Ibrahim. Adebayo – Meaning “he came in a joyful time” – Yoruba origin. Hassan. Jourdan – Little George Most Common Last Names In Somalia. Most common last names: 1-1000 | 1001-2000 | 2001-3000 | 3001-4000 | 4001-5000 Pages in category "Surnames of African origin". Labuschagne – Afrikaans origin, meaning “the bushy area. Jan 7, 2021 · Abiola - One of the Yoruba last names, which means born in honour and wealth. Nov 25, 2023 · Edwards is one of many black boy last names taken from an ancestor’s name. Means "shining" in Lingala. Lists of the most common surnames by continent : List of most common surnames in Asia. Surname. Lucas: Bringer of light. Adeleke – Meaning ‘the crown triumphs’ in Yoruba. Ghanaians have a wide variety of surnames that reflect their tribal and family origins. Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Otieno: Explore the most common surnames in Nigeria. Means "faith" in Swahili, ultimately of Arabic origin. Logan: Hollow. Marshall - Norman French. Abascal – The meaning of this surname is ‘street’s Z. Bassom Central African. Forebears knows about 21,330 unique surnames in Suriname and there are 26 people per name. This name has its origin in the Amharic language spoken in Ethiopia. This list may not reflect recent changes. African American surnames can be traced back to a variety of origins. Malone: A disciple of Saint John. This list presents the most common surnames among the population of Ghana, showing the diversity and history of this fascinating country. Adeyemi - Worth to be a king. Abiola – Meaning “born into honor” – Yoruba origin. CLARK – Occupational surname for a clerk. Explore the most common surnames in Suriname. Kamau: “quiet warrior”. Sometimes also a given name for boys. Apply this search to the user-submitted names. Alemu: “world”. Rank Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Abebe, meaning ‘a flourishing flower’ or ‘one who has grown. WALKER – Occupational surname for a person who walked on damp cloth in order to thicken it. De Bruyn Afrikaans. Mensah. Obiakaeze. Pretorius Afrikaans. Gcina The Gcina clan is originally from Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape. Possibly a variant of Fredieu. Habitual surname for someone who lived in or near a bog or peat soil, from Old Norse flag (ge). Aug 18, 2017 · In total, some 180 Huguenots from France and 18 Walloons from present day Belgium, settled in South Africa. Derived from Adéfọpẹ́, meaning “the crown grants thanksgivings”. Adelaja – Yoruba for ‘the king settles the quarrel. Incidence. Adegoke – Meaning Sep 14, 2023 · East Africa boasts a rich cultural heritage, and its last names reflect this diversity. Nov 24, 2020 · Here is a list of popular South African last names. Boujettif Northern African (Archaic) Meaning, "The family of the son of the Clever Head Simy French (African) Tecky French (African) Toulouse French, French (African) Derived from the name of the city of Toulouse. Meaning – Meaning water, Imka is an Afrikaans moniker of Frisian derivative and it is commonly born by females in South Africa. Means "waited for, awaited" in Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swazi, from linda "to wait". Bambi Italian, Central African. Surnames of South African origin. Each surname holds stories of ancestral legacies and tribal connections that are integral to Cherokee identity. Bachar Central African. Jan 10, 2020 · Williams. Forebears knows about 248,878 unique surnames in Kenya and there are 185 people per name. This was the surname of the first president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta (1897-1978). South African variant of Both. slaveholders, or 1 out of 7,000 free persons, held 20-30% of the total number of slaves in the U. The Whole black family at the Hermitage, Savannah, Ga. Ahead is a list including 100 unique African last names that each tell a fascinating story. Are they just Central African African names are used on the continent of Africa, covering a wide number of languages. Nov 6, 2021 · Caimile (Ghanaian origin) meaning “a family is born”. RAMIREZ – Son of Ramiro. Census. Examples include Russo, Romano, Esposito, and Marino. Stewart J. Imani - Arabic/Swahili. Common surnames include Mwamba (rock), Njoroge (peacemaker), and Nyang’au (cheetah). List of most common surnames in South America. 1. Abel, meaning ‘breath of air’ or ‘capable. Also used as a variant of Flack. Jun 8, 2023 · Mambwe - This surname is used by the people of the Mambwe Tribe in Zambia. Discover your DNA story and unlock the secrets of your ancestry and genealogy with our autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA tests. And while African last names are popular around the globe, these names are particularly common throughout the United States and Europe due to a dark history of slave trade forced Aug 17, 2023 · Here, we explore a list of surnames in South Africa that are not only popular but also signify the nation’s rich tapestry. Forebears knows about 11,848 unique surnames in Mali and there are 1,432 people per name. You can use the links below to view more common surnames. Cherokee surnames carry with them the echoes of a rich cultural heritage and a complex history interwoven with the fabric of the United States. José Celso Barbosa. 75. According to the table below, from the 2000 U. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". Pronunciation: EHD-Werdz. Lane: A path or roadway. This is the name of Adam and Jun 7, 2024 · Back when the 1990 U. Atora Central African. Brown: English origin, derived from the Old English word “brun” meaning “brown. South African Cape Coloured. Some of the awesome black Dutch last names are given in the list below. Adedeji Yoruba. Johnson: This surname is a patronymic of John. Pronunciation – IEM-ka. The prefix “De” is commonly used in Afrikaans surnames and signifies noble or aristocratic heritage. Nov 4, 2020 · Here’s a list of some of the most popular Ethiopian last names to inspire you. Kariuki: “one who is small”. S Footnotes. List of most common surnames in Europe. Bolingoli Central African, Lingala. This unique name belongs to the Igbo group hailing in West Africa and means spirit. Coetzee. Is a unique and special name for girls. Means "one crown has become two" in Yoruba. It includes people born in or living in the When it comes to last names, Smith is the most popular of last names among black people. Nzioki. Forebears knows about 167,342 unique surnames in Western Cape and there are 37 people per name. He adopted the surname in his youth. Black Chickasaws. S. Below, we present a list of some of the most common surnames among Mozambicans, which are an example of the mix of influences that characterizes this African nation. Lindiwe f Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Swazi. It means ‘heart’. Jul 30, 2021 · Many African countries also went without native last names until their colonizers imposed them. Here is the list of the top and most common African surnames for baby boys, girls, and families in Africa with their meanings. You can use the links below to view more common black last names. These names link individuals to their roots, embodying traditions and familial ties. Tyjani - This is a surname of Hausa origin and it means “gift. Pages in category "Surnames of Akan origin" The following 55 pages are in this category, out of 55 total. Jasmine - Persian/Arabic. Fudge African American. Currently, the most popular black last name beginning with A in America is Alston, with a total count of 30,693 people who have the surname. Here is the list of the top 15 last names for baby boys, girls, and families in Africa. 9% increase in the last name. Sankara (Mossi): “One who can’t be conquered”. The surname Williams occurs roughly 550 times per 100,000 people in the U. We know just about everything there is to know about UK's royal family (or so it seems), but the Windsors aren't the only royals in the world. Explore the most common surnames in Angola. Nov 5, 2023 · Meet The Royal Families Of Africa. Odili - This name is of Nigerian origin and was once common in South Africa. Awesome Black Dutch Last Names. Amsterdam Dutch, Afrikaans, Russian. Human English (African), South African. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Ali: May 27, 2021 · 100 African Last Names or Family Names With Meanings. In addition to French and African influences, Creole last names also reflect Native American influences. Voortrekker surnames who were of French Huguenot ancestry include:[3]-(Original French spelling in brackets) Aucamp (Auchamp) With all of the debate over the years, not much has changed with the last names of African Americans. Traverse through a diverse collection of surnames from different parts of the globe. Forebears knows about 31,358 unique surnames in Somalia and there are 431 people per name. Kabyle surname of unknown meaning. ’. Akilah - Arabic. Faith. Obiaka is a humble Nigerian surname borne by the Igbo people of Africa. Photo: Bernard Williams. Here are some of the most popular East African last names and their meanings: Abdi: “servant of God”. 1001 African Names: First and Last Names from the African Continent. Agwuegbo - Hardship is over. In Ghana, it means “third-born son” and gets passed down from generation to generation. A-Z. Aug 18, 2023 · Shabalala – Derived from the Zulu word “ushabalala,” meaning “to be surprised. The surname refers to the thought that every home is the greatest. Heatmap: Dark red means there is a higher occurrence of the name, transitioning to light yellow Fradieu American (South), African American. Italian Names: Italian immigration to the United States peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in many Italian last names becoming part of the American fabric. Pages in category "Afrikaans-language surnames" The following 152 pages are in this category, out of 152 total. Material may be used for personal and for non-commercial use. Explore the most common surnames in Western Cape. In this article, we present a list of the most common surnames in this country, which show the wealth and history of its inhabitants. Adepoju – a unisex Nigerian name meaning “the crown or royalty has become ubiquitous. Baard Afrikaans. Black Choctaws. See also about African names. The table below shows the most common surnames starting with A with statistics on the heritage and ancestry of those with the surname. YOUNG – Meaning “the younger. Bouchemlal Kabyle, Berber. As of 2023, there are just under 30 monarchies across the world, with most of the seven Means "power of God" in Igbo. Surnames by language. Zabu French (African) 18 results. Here is a list of some catchy Creole Last Names. Means "patience" in Ibibio. Dec 7, 2023 · Most popular African last names on Family Education. Imka. 4. Okeke – Meaning “God creates” in Igbo. Most Common Last Names In Central African Republic. These surnames can have diverse origins, from African to European and Asian, reflecting the country's colonial and migratory history. Adesina – a gender-neutral Nigerian name meaning “my coming has opened the way. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Brought to South Africa by settlers of French decent some time in the past 300 years. All questions regarding material on this site can be obtained Jul 16, 2024 · Langston - English. oc wi em lv cb ew nm bj ki tt