Common african surnames. Zabu French (African) 18 results.

Most Common Last Names In Mozambique. Most Common Last Names In Cameroon. Numerous historical sources confirm that enslaved people had surnames that they used among themselves and in many cases were known by their slaveholder. The most common origin of the Williams surname is patronymic, meaning "son of William," a given name that derives from the elements wil, "desire or will," and helm, "helmet or protection. Alaba f & m Yoruba. Gerald Coetzee (born 2000), South African cricketer. May 2, 2024 · The most common German last names originate from places and professions in Germany. 6. An esteemed first name and surname, Omar originates from Arabic. Here are some of the most popular West African last names and their meanings: Adebayo: “the crown meets joy”. 15. Nov 24, 2020 · Here is a list of popular South African last names. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. Here is the list of the top 15 last names for baby boys, girls, and families in Africa. Obi is a cute African surname of Igbo origin. Population Count (2000): 1,534,042. 16. Means "the pilgrim" in Hausa, a derivative of Arabic حَجّ (hajj) meaning "pilgrimage, hajj". Find out how African names reflect the culture, history and identity of the people. First/given/forename, middle, and last/family/surname with John Fitzgerald Kennedy as example. 2. Dec 6, 2019 · Hence, the Portuguese name Fernandes is the most common surname in Cape Verde. Abeyie; Many South African descendants from the progenitors have gone on to be notable descendents, including rugby players, journalists, actors, and writers. Nov 25, 2023 · Edwards is one of many black boy last names taken from an ancestor’s name. Jul 19, 2022 · With Africa being the second largest continent on the planet with a massive population of over 1 billion people, you can expect to find many interesting African surnames. Addisu - African. The following is a list of the most common surnames for people who self-identified as "Black" in America during the 2000 Census. This was the surname of the first president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta (1897-1978). The name in Arabic is translated to ‘the praised one’. Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. According to the table below, from the 2000 U. Origin: English. Woods residing in Meigs County in Apr 14, 2024 · 1-25 Good Names. Abulafia. S. A list of submitted names in which the usage is French (African). From kinyata, the name of a type of ornamental belt worn by the Maasai. [[lastnames:Joubert Joubert] - This surname is a regional surname with its origin in central France; it is a common Afrikaans surname in South Africa and Namibia. The table below shows the most common last names with statistics on the heritage and ancestry of those with the surname. 17 is Muhammed (1. Odhiambo Eastern African, Luo. Amaechi - This common Nigerian last name means “who knows tomorrow” in Igbo. Obi. Falade: (Yoruba origin) This is one of the unique African surnames which translate to complete sentences. Most Common Last Names In Guinea. (Source: Library of Congress) Common African last names today often have deep meanings, although how Sep 14, 2023 · West Africa is home to a vast array of last names, many of which are common in different countries across the region. Pronunciation: Baan-KOW-lay. The most common surnames in Ghana in 2024. Feb 24, 2022 · Others went with Washington, Williams, Brown or Johnson — surnames typical before enslavement that remain ubiquitous today. Obiakaeze. Furaha – Joy/contented. Originating from the Igala tribe of Africa, this Nigerian last name means “Father of everyone. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". Forenames. Ilunga – A very common surname in the Congo region, where upwards of one and a half million carry this Akuchi f & m Igbo. The surname Booker occurs roughly 12 times per 100,000 people in the U. Lee: Clearing in the woods. Though it was a popular French name in the 19th and early 20th centuries, its usage is mainly confined to various French-speaking African nations today. Form of Al-Hasan used in parts of French-influenced West Africa. Explore the most common surnames in Jamaica. Sankara (Mossi): “One who can’t be conquered”. Penda – admired. Mohammed. Nesanet, this is a very popular Ethiopian last name for a male or female which means ‘freedom. Hamadou. Pronunciation: EHD-Werdz. Abebe. Obiaka. Apr 21, 2023 · Top 10 Most Popular Last Names in Africa. Other cultures use other structures for full names. 4. Population Count (2010): 1,625,252. Oct 4, 2023 · Some common South African Indian surnames include Patel, Singh, and Desai. com, @jmason Source: UGC. Singh is a common Indian surname that is derived from the word "sir" which means "lion". Bureau of the Census. Below we present a list of some of the most common surnames among Namibians, which reflect the identity and history of this fascinating African country. Alhaji m Hausa. Obiakaeze is a historical family name of The most popular African surnames tend to be. Ahmad. From the given name Kayode. From Latin praetor meaning "leader". A surname, family name, or last name is the mostly hereditary portion of one's personal name that indicates one's Common Surnames in the United States 2000 (top 1000) Currently, the most popular black last name beginning with W in America is Washington, with a total count of 177,386 people who have the surname. It is considered a male name. George Coetzee (born 1986), South African golfer. The royal House of Eswatini are the House of Dlamini. Adewale – a cool Yoruba name meaning “the crown or royalty has come home. Meaning: Son of Edward. Falade means "God of divination has intermingled with royalty". This is a list of surnames in which the origin is South African. Abimbola. Dirk Coetzee (1945–2013), co-founder and commander of a covert South African Police unit in the 1990s. Ali. 8 million) and No. Blooming flower. De Beer is a Dutch and Afrikaans surname, meaning "the bear". 68. Forebears knows about 248,878 unique surnames in Kenya and there are 185 people per name. Sep 12, 2022 · Mohamed. This list presents the most common surnames among the population of Ghana, showing the diversity and history of this fascinating country. Abara. Nkechi – a treasure from God. Sometimes also a given name for boys. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Ait: Jun 7, 2024 · Back when the 1990 U. Malone: A disciple of Saint John. The most common Japanese last names, Sato and Suzuki, are all the way down at numbers 195 and 202. Some formerly enslaved people adopted the name Brown following the Civil War for the obvious reason that it described their appearance, however, there were also many who adopted the surname in honor of the North American 19th-century Black activist John Brown. Currently, the most popular black last name beginning with B in America is Booker, with a total count of 36,840 people who have the surname. Most Common Last Names In Mali. Namesakes: Frank Edwards, a Nigerian singer who founded Rocktown Records. Explore the most common surnames in Zimbabwe. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Traore: Jun 25, 2024 · 66. This shows a structure typical for Anglophonic cultures (and some others). Obama Luo. Diallo. Felix Coetzee (born 1959), South African jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing. 26. However, these are just a few surnames in Africa. Looking Glass/Getty Images. This name has its origin in the Amharic language spoken in Ethiopia. These do not represent any specific country but are carefully chosen as the most common surnames. Davis: Welsh origin, derived from the personal name “David” meaning “beloved. Since those are the countries from which many of America's original settlers came, it's hardly surprising. The Whole black family at the Hermitage, Savannah, Ga. The surname Washington occurs roughly 60 times per 100,000 people in the U. Awolowo is a Nigerian last name with its roots in the African Yoruba tribe. From a rare Luo given name meaning "crooked, bent". Nov 11, 2023 · Osei (Akan): “Noble”. Given names, therefore, were adopted in local languages as surnames. These names link individuals to their roots, embodying traditions and familial ties. Mwangi Kikuyu. Coetzee Afrikaans. Variant of Arends. Forebears knows about 821,426 unique surnames in South Africa and there are 66 people per name. Forebears knows about 84,333 unique surnames in Ethiopia and there are 1,155 people per name. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Otieno: South African Origin Surnames. This list may not reflect recent changes. Adebayo. Danie Coetzee (born 1977), South African rugby union footballer. If a surname has multiple spelling variations, the different spellings are listed as separate names. Apply this search to the main name collection. Bankole is made up of the Yoruba phrase “bá mi kó̩ ‘lé,” meaning “build a house with me. Zabu French (African) 18 results. This Sephardic Jewish surname originated in spain. Swahili last names, reflecting diverse East African heritage, often convey cultural pride. South African Cape Coloured. Dlamini – The most common surname in South Africa and surrounding regions with over 300,000 people alone bearing this name in South Africa. Perhaps you’ve pondered over how common it is in your country or around the world. Ajayi: “born face-down”. Harriet Tubman and some of the slaves she helped free. Forebears knows about 21,111 unique surnames in Mozambique and there are 1,289 people per name. Census. Some examples of common African surnames in Morocco are Diop, Toure and Kamara. In summary, surnames in Morocco are a unique blend of Arab, Berber and African influences, reflecting the diversity and rich history of the country. In Africa, the most common last name is Mohamed, with 7. Even within the European American population, a few very common names were given to babies of that era, with nicknames often used to distinguish among various people with the same name. Famous bearers include half-brothers Jérôme (1988-) and Kevin-Prince Boateng (1987-), both of whom are German soccer players. Means "wealth from God" in Igbo. Omar. However, the common practice by slaveholders was to only use the given names of enslaved people in The articles use several interesting resources to get insights about these last names in African American communities: Renowned and historical figures Censuses from 1870, 1900, and 1940 Brought to South Africa by settlers of French decent some time in the past 300 years. Feb 19, 2011 · Ninety percent of those were African-American, a far higher percentage of Blacks than for any other common name. " 04. Kelly: Warrior and bright-headed. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. 70. Ghanaians have a wide variety of surnames that reflect their tribal and family origins. Zuma (Zulu): “Thunder”. . Adewale: “the crown has come home”. Pages in category "Surnames of Akan origin" The following 55 pages are in this category, out of 55 total. These surnames can refer to African tribes or ethnic groups, as well as geographical locations on the continent. The last name Abulafia is also written as Abolafia or Abū l-ʿāfiya in Arabic and means ‘father of health. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means ‘one who is born on orie market day’. Logan: Hollow. A-Z. Zéphirine f French (African, Rare), French (Rare), French (Belgian, Rare) Variant of Zéphyrine. S Feb 25, 2024 · Bankole. Babangida - This common surname means “master of the house” in Hausa. Bash. Here are some common African last names and surnames that you might consider for your list. Remember, these are just suggestions and might not necessarily be the most popular or widely-used names. 210,228. Balogun - The meaning of this Yoruba surname is “meet at war. This is among the most common surnames in Ghana. Jan 7, 2021 · African American last names A man and woman standing adjacent to a white painted wall. Omari, the name means ‘God is exalted. It is derived from the Arabic word Umar, signifying ‘populous’ or ‘flourishing. Forebears knows about 138,302 unique surnames in KwaZulu-Natal and there are 78 people per name. He adopted the surname in his youth. You can use the links below to view more common surnames. 3. " This was the surname of the first president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta (1897-1978). Maina Kikuyu. Frequency. Lucas: Bringer of light. ’. Brown: English origin, derived from the Old English word “brun” meaning “brown. Jun 14, 2022 · Akinyemi - This Nigerian surname of Yoruba origin means “fated to be a warrior. Forebears knows about 11,848 unique surnames in Mali and there are 1,432 people per name. King: Monarch or ruler. Census and the 2010 U. Angola is an African country with a unique cultural and ethnic diversity, which is reflected in the wide variety of surnames found in the population. Many took the surname of famous or celebrated people; such as ‘Lincoln’, ‘Grant’, and ‘Washington’ was very popular. ”. This unique name belongs to the Igbo group hailing in West Africa and means spirit. In this article, we will explore some of the most common surnames among the inhabitants of this African country, which cover a wide range of origins and meanings. Lopes, also a Portuguese name, is the most common surname in Sao Tome and Principe. 43. [citation needed] Garcia and Martinez represent the rapid growth of several Hispanic communities in the United States. Some newly freed Black folks who could read chose unique names they Derived from the given name Kamau. Jan 31, 2023 · Certain families that have a strong lineage bear this surname. the Census Bureau published a list of the 1,000 most common American surnames Jun 13, 2023 · Below are some of the most popular last names for Black people with African-American roots. Four states, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia share the top surnames Oct 3, 2023 · This is a powerful Nigerian surname. 5. Jackson: Means “God has been gracious”. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Jul 30, 2021 · Many African countries also went without native last names until their colonizers imposed them. Omar Arabic, Somali (Arabized), Filipino, Maguindanao, Maranao, Tausug. Additional ancestry data on related ethnic Mar 12, 2024 · Abd stands for servant, and Allah stands for God. The most common surnames in South Africa in 2024. There are over 2. Ahmed. Forebears knows about 51,416 unique surnames in Botswana and there are 42 people per name. Are Apr 22, 2021 · The following African names have meanings. Jun 11, 2019 · Brown is the second most common surname among African Americans in the United States. Muslims constitute around 30% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa, which likely explains the Islamic root of many African surnames. Even so, Smith ranked third in the last census and between 2000 and 2010, there was a 6. 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. It refers to the “son of Edward” from Eadweard, meaning “prosperity guard. It is now common in South Africa. Explore the most common surnames in Botswana. Sep 20, 2023 · Francis: Means either “Frenchman” or “free man”. Explore Your Ancestry. Photo: Bernard Williams. Discover your DNA story and unlock the secrets of your ancestry and genealogy with our autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA tests. Meaning: ‘Child of the freeborn man. Fadhili – Favour. Names. Kayode Yoruba. Variations: Edward. Most Common Last Names In Kenya. 69. 1. Derived from the given name Kariuki. Odili - This name is of Nigerian origin and was once common in South Africa. It was possibly originally given to a baby who had an arm or leg Jun 16, 2017 · The only William Wood recorded in Meigs County in 1860 was born around 1849 and was recorded in the household of James Wood. 24. It may be an occupational surname for a builder since it also means “help us build a home” and “house builder. 67. Nyong’o Luo. 42. Jun 23, 2022 · 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. South African variant of Both. Forebears knows about 7,967 unique surnames in Guinea and there are 1,482 people per name. Akande. The name speaks of the dignity found in the oracle. This might come as a surprise to you, as it’s not always a surname that’s stereotyped. These surnames, passed down from generation to generation, are a fundamental part of the identity of South Africans. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Adesina – a gender-neutral Nigerian name meaning “my coming has opened the way. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Diallo: Feb 16, 2021 · Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means ‘heart’. The data, which may include people who identified themselves as African-American, African, or other ethnic or racial groups, is derived from the U. Each surname tells a unique story, enriching the tapestry of Swahili identity. Martin: The god of war. Lulu – beautiful. Best known as the surname of a certain Lupita. Surname. In fact, this list of the 5 most popular surnames in Asia is also a list of the five most common last names in the entire world. Most Common Last Names In Ethiopia. African American surnames have also gained popularity. 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 Nuur Arabic, Somali. Explore the most common surnames in United States. 25. Smith: Means “someone who works with metal”. If the former slave had been befriended or assisted in getting established after the Civil War, they might have taken that person’s name. Mensah means different things to different groups. Devi and Singh, the most common surnames in India, are at numbers 6 and 9, respectively. Awolowo. Forebears knows about 5,095,698 unique surnames in United States and there are 63 people per name. 4 million African-American and Caribbean people with that last name. Means "second child after twins" in Yoruba. It is typically used by people who are from the Gujarat region of India. Mensah is an African surname that originates in Ghana among the Akan people. Upamecano French (African), Manding (Gallicized) A very rare French surname with African roots. Meaning: Build my house for me. Balogun. Abioye (Yoruba origin) meaning "son of royalty". Simy French (African) Tecky French (African) Toulouse French, French (African) Derived from the name of the city of Toulouse. Many African last names reference wealth and the aristocracy. Dec 7, 2023 · There are 54 countries, between 900 and 1,500 languages, and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, according to Britannica. But coming in fifth place is Mohammed (4. Origin: Nigerian, Yoruba. Williams - It is derived from the elements will, "desire or will," and helm, "helmet or protection. The table below shows the most common surnames starting with B with statistics on the heritage and ancestry of those with the surname. Search 30 million given names Forebears knows about 45,470 unique surnames in Jamaica and there are Mar 14, 2017 · The Complexity of Slave Surnames. 27. The names are the same as the top surnames in the United States: Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones. Most Common Surnames in Africa Most Common Forenames in The World Most Common Surnames in The World Most Popular First Names In Africa Forebears knows about 5,298,299 unique forenames in Africa and there are 220 people per name. 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. Okello. These surnames, passed down from generation to generation, are an example of the cultural heritage and ethnic diversity present in Namibian society. It means “peace. Here are some of the most common African American last names. Rank Surname Incidence Frequency; 1: Pages in category "Afrikaans-language surnames" The following 152 pages are in this category, out of 152 total. In Ghana, it means “third-born son” and gets passed down from generation to generation. Boateng Western African, Akan Means "someone who is humble to God" in Akan. Baraka – Swahili for Blessings. Derived from the given name Mwangi. 9% increase in the last name. Its frequency is 1:90 in Ethiopia. This list of 100 popular German surnames was initially created by searching for the most common last names in German telephone books. East African surname derived from the given name Odhiambo meaning “born in the evening”. No. May 27, 2021 · Here is an extensive list of African names to select: 1. Census was taken, the top-ranking surnames were largely of English, Irish, and Scottish origin. Hassan. 9 million). Unravel the mystery of your family history by learning about the most common surnames in your country. Today, the most common African American surnames are still Williams, Johnson, Smith, and Jones, according to the 2000 U. Apply this search to the user-submitted names. Rank. Search 30 million given names Forebears knows about 251,448 unique surnames in Zimbabwe and there Ghana is a West African country with rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Forebears knows about 629,462 unique surnames in Cameroon and there are 35 people per name. Derived from the given name Maina. When it comes to last names, Smith is the most popular of last names among black people. Nov 4, 2020 · Mohammed, this is the name of Islam’s messenger, Prophet Mohammed. Names from the Bible were another common practice, for given and surnames. Botha Afrikaans. Jan 7, 2024 · Adeoye – a noble Nigerian last name meaning “the crown of honor. Eze: (Igbo origin) This popular African surname is a title of respect which means 'King'. According to US census records, Williams is the 16th most common last name associated with African Americans. Neberu, this is a powerful and popular name that means ‘the tiger. From the given name Nuur. Emem: One of the unique unisex African last names, this surname means "peace". Explore the most common surnames in KwaZulu-Natal. It means blossom and flower. This page is currently showing names ranked from 1 to 1000. Lane: A path or roadway. Nzioki. Rank in 2000: 3. Moore: Means “an open land or bog”. Ibrahim. Otunga. You can use the links below to view more common black last names. Typically used in Luo communities, Okello is a Kenyan last name, meaning ‘born after twins’ or ‘third born of triplets. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. If so, you’ve come to the right place! Our website is your go-to source for information about the most common surnames in every country. 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 May 3, 2019 · WILLIAMS. The Akan people generally reside in Ghana, Togo, and Sierra Leone. Currently, the most popular black last name in America is Williams, with a total count of 774,920 people who have the surname. Quansah - The meaning of this Akan last name is “God is watching you. De Bruyn Afrikaans. New. De Beer Afrikaans. "Bruyn" is an archaic spelling of "bruin", meaning "brown". Most Common Last Names In Morocco. Jun 8, 2023 · Mambwe - This surname is used by the people of the Mambwe Tribe in Zambia. Toure (Mandingo): “Elephant”. Learn about the origins, meanings and examples of African surnames from different ethnic groups and countries. It means ‘heart’. A. Abiy - This short Ethiopian name means father’s joy or the main one or high one. Common surnames in Angola. Okoro – Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo). For many years, Williams has remained a common surname for a person of African American descent. Kenyatta Kikuyu. Attah. We also found 42-year-old Samuel O. The surname refers to the thought that every home is the greatest. Incidence. Mohamed. Kitoko – beauty. Kariuki Kikuyu. Obiaka is a humble Nigerian surname borne by the Igbo people of Africa. Uduike - The meaning of this name is “fullness of power” in Igbo. Adepoju – a unisex Nigerian name meaning “the crown or royalty has become ubiquitous. Patel is a common Indian surname that is derived from the word "pat" which means "land" or "property". 17. Most common last names: 1-1000 | 1001-2000 | 2001-3000 | 3001-4000 | 4001-5000 It is widely held that prior to the 1950s and 1960s, most African-American names closely resembled those used within European-American culture. Mensah can also mean “power” in Ghana. 74 is Mahamat (829,000) so essentially this surname is held by some 15 million folks. Wanjiru (Kikuyu): “Born during the reign of justice”. 5 million people carrying this name. The surname Williams occurs roughly 550 times per 100,000 people in the U. Photo: unsplash. Variations: Bankolé. Are they Oct 20, 2020 · 41. The table below shows the most common surnames starting with W with statistics on the heritage and ancestry of those with Jan 10, 2020 · Williams. Surnames in Angola are often a combination of African, European and Portuguese influences, which have resulted in a mix of unique and meaningful names. Name. Forebears knows about 211,266 unique surnames in Morocco and there are 162 people per name. Pretorius Afrikaans. Common surnames include Mwamba (rock), Njoroge (peacemaker), and Nyang’au (cheetah). Alassane m Western African. ha ty zo zi ug ek je jr yt os