South African baby names are rich with meaning and culture. Bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the tip of the African continent, South Africa has been inhabited by modern human beings for more than 100,000 years. Before becoming a melting pot of Europeans – specifically Dutch, Flemish, German and French settlers – the original Xhosa and Zulu tribes were the dominant peoples of South Africa. This comprehensive list of baby names pays tribute to the first inhabitants of this unique country.

Check out our list of the top traditional South African baby names. Baby boy names are highlighted in blue, baby girl names are highlighed in pink and unisex baby names are highlighted in green.

Want more baby name ideas? Check out our database of African Boy Names and African Girl Names here.

South African Baby Names

Babalo – boy or girl, blessing

Baruti – boy, educator

Demarco – boy, warlike

Dikeledi – girl, tears

Dingane – boy, the little exile

Fenyang – boy, conqueror

Goitsemedime – girl, The Lord Knows

Janet – girl, God’s gracious gift

Kagiso – girl, peace

Kago – boy, building

Kaya – girl, restful place

Kefentse – boy, conqueror

Kefilwe – girl, I’m given

Kehmuile – girl, I am wealthy

Kopano – boy, the unified

Lefu – boy or girl, sickness

Lenka – boy, taker

Lerato – girl, love

Lesidi – boy, the light

Letsego – boy, armament

Limpho – girl, gifts

Luyanda – boy, it gets more

Mamello – boy, patience

Mandisa – girl, sweet

Masego – boy, fortunate

Montsho – boy or girl, black

Mosa – girl, graceful

Mosegi – boy, tailor

Moswen – boy, light in color

Mothudi – boy, blacksmith

Mpho – boy or girl, gift

Naledi – girl, star

Nkosazana – girl, princess

Nku – boy, sheep

Nobanzi – girl, width

Nolizwe – boy, Xhosa

Nomalanga – girl, cheerful

Nombeko – girl, respect

Nomble – girl, beauty

Nomuula – girl, rain

Nonyameko – girl, patience

Onalenna – girl, she is with me

Oyama – boy or girl, lean on me

Paki – boy, witness

Puleng – girl, out in the rain

Renang – girl, rule

Saden – girl, dark hearted

Shaka – boy, tribal leader

Siboniso – girl, symbol

Siphiwe – girl, we were given

Sipliwo – boy, Xhosa

Sonwabile – boy, we are joyous

Tale – girl, green

Tandie – boy, fire 

Tau – boy, lion

Tebogo – boy, we are thankful

Thaba – boy, mountain

Thandiwe – boy or girl, loved one

Themba – boy or girl, trusted

Tumelo – boy or girl, faith

Uuka – boy, arise

Warona – boy or girl, he/she is ours

Xhosa – girl, sweet 

Zulu -- girl, tribal

For More Baby Name Ideas:

 

Exotic Baby Names and Meanings

African American Baby Boy and Girl Names

Can’t narrow down your list? Let our Baby Name Guide help!

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