“African” surnames span an enormous range of languages, peoples and customs — there is no single system. The names here are grouped for convenience, but each belongs to a specific tradition, from Yoruba and Igbo in Nigeria to Akan in Ghana, Zulu and Shona in the south, Amharic in Ethiopia and Mandinka in the west.

Where the meanings come from

Many carry a full statement in a single word — the circumstances of a birth (Okafor, “born on Afor market day”), a hope or blessing (Tesfaye, “my hope”; Abebe, “bloomed”), royalty (Nkosi, “king”; Adebayo, “the crown meets joy”), or a great clan (Dlamini, Keita). We name the language for each and note where an origin is debated.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one system for African surnames?

No u2014 Africa has hundreds of languages and naming traditions. Names here belong to specific peoples such as the Yoruba, Igbo, Akan, Zulu, Shona, Amharic and Mandinka.

What do African names often mean?

Many express a full idea in one word u2014 the day or circumstances of a birth, a hope or blessing, royalty, or a clan.

What does Nkosi mean?

Nkosi means u201ckingu201d or u201cchiefu201d in Zulu and other Nguni languages.

All last names A–Z