Xhosa names.
569 verified names from South Africa — each with its meaning, its sound, and its traditional spelling.
A
Abongile“They have praised and given thanks”/ah-BONG-ee-leh/anyAkhile“He has built and established something lasting”/ah-KHEE-leh/maleAkhona“There is someone here; a cherished reminder of a child’s presence in the family”/ah-KHOH-nah/anyAkhulile“He has grown and flourished.”/ah-khoo-LEE-leh/maleAkhumzi“He has built a home/homestead; a home-builder.”/ah-KHUM-zee/maleAlungile“All is well; things are in a good state”/ah-loo-NGEE-leh/anyAmahle“Beautiful things or beautiful people”/ah-MAH-hleh/anyAmamkele“They have welcomed or accepted her.”/ah-mahm-KEH-leh/femaleAmandla“Strength and power”/ah-MAHND-lah/anyAnathi“They are with us—a beautiful celebration of family togetherness”/ah-NAH-tee/anyAndile“They have grown and prospered”/ahn-DEE-leh/anyAndiswa“She has been increased or blessed with growth”/ahn-DEE-swah/femaleAnele“The family feels complete; there is enough joy and blessing.”/ah-NEH-leh/anyAphelele“Complete; perfected; whole.”/ah-PHEH-leh-leh/anyAphiwe“A child received as a precious gift, especially after waiting, prayer or difficulty.”/ah-PEE-weh/anyAsanda“They have increased; a sign of growth and abundance”/ah-SAHN-dah/anyAsemahle“They are beautiful; beauty has come”/ah-seh-MAH-hleh/femaleAsiphe“Let us give.”/ah-SEE-peh/anyAsisipho“We are a gift.”/ah-see-SEE-poh/femaleAsive“Let us listen and understand”/ah-SEE-veh/anyAthabile“They are joyful and content.”/ah-tah-BEE-leh/anyAvela“One who has appeared or come forth”/ah-VEH-lah/femaleAvulekile“It is open; it has been opened.”/ah-voo-LEH-keh-leh/anyAvumile“One who has willingly agreed or accepted”/ah-voo-MEE-leh/femaleAvuyile“Has rejoiced; is joyful.”/ah-voo-YEE-leh/anyAyabonga“They give thanks; they are grateful.”/ah-yah-BONG-ah/maleAyanda“The family is growing and its blessings are increasing.”/ah-YAHN-dah/anyAzwile“One who has been heard; a child whose arrival is received as an answer”/ah-ZWEE-leh/any
B
Babalo“Grace”/bah-BAH-loh/maleBabalwa“Grace and blessing”/bah-BAHL-wah/femaleBambanani“May this child help bring people together and strengthen the family.”/bahm-bah-NAH-nee/anyBandile“They have increased and prospered”/bahn-DEE-leh/anyBanele“A child who completes the family and brings a feeling of fullness.”/bah-NEH-leh/anyBantu“people”/BAHN-too/maleBantubonke“all people”/bahn-too-BON-keh/maleBathandwa“Loved and cherished”/bah-TAHN-dwah/anyBeliswa“beautiful one; beautified one”/beh-LEE-swah/femaleBhekizizwe“watch over the nations/people”/beh-keh-ZEE-zweh/maleBhekumuzi“look after the home/household”/beh-keh-MOO-zee/maleBonga“Give thanks; be grateful”/BON-gah/maleBongani“Be thankful”/boh-NGAH-nee/maleBongeka“be grateful; give thanks”/bon-GEH-kah/femaleBongekile“has given thanks; is thankful”/boh-ngeh-KEE-leh/femaleBongile“has given thanks; is thankful”/BON-gee-leh/anyBonginkosi“Give thanks to the Lord”/boh-ngin-KOH-see/maleBongiwe“A child who is gratefully received and praised”/boh-NGEE-weh/femaleBongolwethu“our praise; our thanksgiving”/bong-oh-LWEH-too/maleBongumusa“give thanks for kindness/grace”/bong-goo-MOO-sah/maleBuhle“Beauty and loveliness”/BOO-hleh/anyBukelwa“Welcomed and received with joy”/boo-KEHL-wah/femaleBulelani“Give thanks”/boo-leh-LAH-nee/maleBulelwa“One for whom thanks are given”/boo-LEHL-wah/femaleBulumko“Wisdom”/boo-LOOM-koh/maleBumnandi“A delightful child who makes life sweeter”/boo-MNAHN-dee/anyBusisiwe“Blessed and watched over with love”/boo-see-SEE-weh/femaleButhanani“gather together; come together”/boo-ta-NAH-nee/maleButhongo“sleep”/boo-TONG-oh/maleBuyelani“return”/boo-yeh-LAH-nee/maleBuyile“The one who has returned, bringing joy back home”/boo-YEE-leh/anyBuyiswa“A precious child welcomed after loss, symbolising the return of hope and life to the family.”/boo-YEE-swah/female
C
Cebile“wealthy; prosperous”/keh-BEE-leh/femaleCebisa“One who advises or guides others”/seh-BEE-sah/femaleCebo“A counsellor and adviser”/CHEH-boh/maleCetyiswa“be advised; be counselled”/click-eh-TYEE-swah/femaleChuma“Wealth and treasured abundance”/CHOO-ma/anyChumani“May he live with cheerfulness and joy.”/choo-MAH-nee/maleChumile“She has prospered and flourished”/choo-MEE-leh/femaleChwayita“be cheerful; smile; be bright”/chwah-YEE-tah/femaleCikizwa“A cherished little girl”/chee-KEEZ-wah/femaleCingani“think”/tsee-NGAH-nee/maleCingeka“be considered; be thought of”/tsing-EH-kah/femaleCwenga“purify; refine”/KWEH-ngah/male
D
Dalibhunga“founder/creator of the council”/dah-lee-BOONG-ah/maleDalisile“She has brought happiness and delight”/da-lee-SEE-leh/femaleDaliwonga“Creator of praise”/dah-lee-WONG-ah/maleDaluxolo“Bringer or creator of peace”/dah-loo-KSOH-loh/maleDaniyeli“God is my judge.”/dah-nee-YEH-lee/maleDavide“Beloved; deeply cherished.”/dah-VEE-deh/maleDuduzile“Has been comforted; comforted.”/doo-doo-ZEE-leh/femaleDumile“Has become famous; is renowned.”/doo-MEE-leh/maleDumisa“Praise and honour”/doo-MEE-sah/anyDumisani“Praise; give praise.”/doo-mee-SAH-nee/maleDumisile“Has praised; has given praise.”/doo-mee-SEE-leh/anyDunyiswa“Be praised; one who is praised.”/doo-nee-SWAH/female
E
F
Faku“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/FAH-koo/maleFalo“A venerable traditional name associated with early Xhosa kingship”/FAH-loh/maleFezeka“Be fulfilled; be complete; succeed.”/feh-ZEH-kah/femaleFezile“Has accomplished; has fulfilled.”/feh-ZEE-leh/maleFeziwe“Accomplished; brought to completion”/feh-ZEE-weh/femaleFikelekile“Has arrived; has reached the destination.”/fee-keh-LEH-kee-leh/maleFikelephi“Where has she arrived?; where did she arrive?”/fee-keh-LEH-pee/femaleFikile“Has arrived.”/fee-KEE-leh/anyFikiswa“Has been brought; has been caused to arrive.”/fee-KEE-swah/femaleFilipu“Lover of horses.”/fee-LEE-poo/maleFumanekile“Has been found.”/foo-mah-neh-KEE-leh/femaleFumile“Prosperous; has become wealthy.”/foo-MEE-leh/femaleFumisa“One who makes prosper; one who brings prosperity.”/foo-MEE-sah/femaleFundile“One who has learned; educated.”/foon-DEE-leh/anyFundiswa“Has been taught; has been educated.”/foon-DEES-wah/femaleFuneka“A much-needed and cherished child”/foo-NEH-kah/femaleFuzile“A child who brings a sense of achievement and fulfilment”/foo-ZEE-leh/any
G
Gabriyeli“God is my strength.”/gah-bree-YEH-lee/maleGcaleka“A heritage name associated with the Gcaleka royal house and Xhosa history”/g-ah-LEH-kah/maleGcinabantu“One who protects and cares for the people”/gtsi-nah-BAHN-too/maleGcinikhaya“One who protects and cares for the home”/gkee-nee-KHAH-yah/maleGcinile“A treasured child carefully kept and protected”/gkee-NEE-leh/femaleGcinisizwe“One who protects and preserves the nation”/gkee-nee-SEE-zweh/maleGciniswa“Has been kept; has been protected or preserved.”/gchee-NEES-wah/femaleGcinumzi“Guardian of the home”/gchee-noom-ZEE/maleGcinwa“Be kept; be protected or preserved.”/gkee-nwah/femaleGcobani“Rejoice; be happy.”/goh-BAH-nee/maleGcobisa“One who brings happiness and joy”/goh-BEE-sah/femaleGugulethu“Our pride and joy”/goo-goo-LEH-too/female
H
Hezekile“God strengthens; God is my strength.”/heh-zeh-KEE-leh/maleHintsa“A distinguished traditional name associated with Xhosa kingship and heritage”/HEENT-sah/maleHlengiwe“Redeemed or saved”/hlehn-GEE-weh/femaleHlonela“One who honors others and is honored in return”/hlo-NEH-lah/anyHlonelwa“A daughter worthy of respect and honor”/hlo-NEL-wah/femaleHloniphile“Respectful, dignified, and honorable”/hlo-nee-PHEE-leh/anyHlumelo“Growth and flourishing”/hloo-MEH-loh/anyHlumisa“One who causes growth and flourishing”/hloo-MEE-sah/female
I
J
Jola“To court, date, or be in a romantic relationship.”/JOH-lah/anyJonga“Look; watch.”/JONG-ah/maleJongikhaya“Watch over/look after the home.”/jong-gee-KHAH-yah/maleJongilanga“Look at the sun.”/jong-ee-LAHN-gah/maleJongile“Has looked; has watched.”/jon-GEE-leh/maleJongintaba“Look at the mountain.”/jong-in-TAH-bah/maleJongumsobomvu“A traditional royal name associated with the early Xhosa kingdom”/jong-oom-soh-BOHM-voo/male
K
Kama“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/KAH-mah/maleKhanya“A radiant person who brings light to others”/KHAHN-yah/anyKhanyisa“Light up; bring light”/kha-nee-SAH/anyKhanyisile“She has brought light”/kha-nee-SEE-leh/femaleKhawuta“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/kha-WOO-tah/maleKhaya“Home—a loving name for a child who makes the family feel complete”/KHAH-yah/maleKhayakazi“Girl/woman of the home.”/kha-ya-KA-zee/femaleKhethiwe“The chosen one.”/kheh-TEE-weh/femaleKholeka“One who is trusted and believed in”/khoh-LEH-kah/femaleKholiswa“Be pleased/satisfied; one who is made happy or satisfied.”/kho-LEE-swah/femaleKhulani“Grow; may you grow.”/khoo-LAH-nee/anyKhulile“Has grown and flourished”/khoo-LEE-leh/anyKhuliswa“Be raised/nurtured.”/khoo-LEE-swah/femaleKhululekani“Be free; be liberated.”/khoo-loo-leh-KAH-nee/anyKhululekile“Freedom, openness and a life unburdened”/khoo-loo-leh-KEE-leh/anyKhululiwe“She has been set free”/khoo-loo-LEE-weh/femaleKhululwa“Be freed; be released.”/khoo-LOOL-wah/femaleKhumbile“Has remembered.”/khoom-BEE-leh/maleKhunjulwa“Is remembered; will be remembered.”/khoon-JOOL-wah/femaleKhuthala“Be diligent; work hard.”/khoo-TAH-lah/anyKhwezela“To kindle or ignite; also, in name use, to spur on or encourage.”/khweh-ZEH-lah/maleKhwezi“A guiding star and a bright new beginning”/KWEH-zee/anyKreli“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/KREH-lee/maleKuhle“Beautiful; good; goodness.”/KOO-hleh/anyKwanda“Increase; growth; becoming greater.”/KWAHN-dah/any
L
Landiswa“She has been increased; she has been enlarged or multiplied.”/lan-dee-SWAH/femaleLanga“Sunshine and warmth”/LAHN-gah/maleLihle“Joyful; happy”/LEE-hleh/anyLindelwa“The long-awaited child”/lin-DELL-wah/femaleLindiwe“The long-awaited one”/lin-DEE-weh/femaleLindokuhle“Wait for goodness/the good.”/leen-doh-KOO-hleh/anyLitha“Light that brightens the world”/LEE-tah/anyLiyabona“It sees; it will see.”/lee-yah-BOH-nah/anyLiyanda“It is growing; it is increasing.”/lee-YAHN-dah/anyLiyema“It is standing; it stands firm.”/lee-YEH-mah/anyLizo“Watchful and discerning”/LEE-zoh/maleLondiwe“She who has been cared for, guarded, or looked after.”/lon-DEE-weh/femaleLonwabo“A child whose arrival fills the family with happiness.”/lon-WAH-boh/anyLoyiso“Victory and triumph”/loh-YEE-soh/anyLubabalo“Grace”/loo-bah-BAH-loh/maleLukhanyo“Light; a bright path into the future”/loo-KHAHN-yoh/anyLukholo“Faith and trust; a child who brings confidence and hope”/loo-KHOH-loh/anyLulama“Peaceful, calm and gentle”/loo-LAH-mah/anyLulamile“One who has found peace”/loo-lah-MEE-leh/anyLunga“Good, upright, and on the right path”/LOON-gah/maleLungelo“What is right; justice”/loon-GEH-loh/anyLungile“Good, well behaved, and upright”/LOON-gee-leh/anyLungisa“To put right, repair, fix, or prepare.”/loon-GEE-sah/maleLungiswa“She has been put right or prepared”/loon-GEE-swah/femaleLusanda“Growing and flourishing”/loo-SAHN-dah/femaleLusapho“Family; one who is cherished as part of the family”/loo-SAH-poh/anyLuthando“Love and affection”/loo-TAHN-doh/anyLuvuyo“Joy and happiness”/loo-VOO-yoh/maleLuxolo“Peace and calm”/luh-CLICK-oh-loh/maleLuyanda“It is growing; it is increasing.”/loo-YAHN-dah/anyLuyolo“Joy and happiness”/loo-YOH-loh/anyLuzuko“Glory, honor, and distinction”/loo-ZOO-koh/maleLwandile“The family has grown through the arrival of this child.”/lwan-DEE-leh/anyLwandle“The freedom, depth, and beauty of the ocean”/LWAHN-dleh/anyLwando“Love and affection; a child welcomed with warmth”/LWAHN-doh/maleLwazi“Knowledge and understanding”/LWAH-zee/male
M
Mabutho“Regiments; troops; warriors.”/ma-BOO-toh/maleMadoda“Men.”/mah-DOH-dah/maleMakhanda“A historic Xhosa personal name, especially that of Makhanda (Nxele), an early nineteenth-century Xhosa spiritual and military leader.”/mah-KHAN-dah/maleMakhaya“Home; at home; belonging to the home.”/mah-KHAH-yah/maleMakhosazana“Princesses or young women of chiefly dignity”/mah-kho-sah-ZAH-nah/femaleMamkeli“One who receives; a recipient.”/mam-KEH-lee/femaleMandisa“Pleasant, sweet-natured and kind”/mahn-DEE-sah/femaleMandla“Strength, power, and the ability to lead”/MAHN-dla/maleMangaliso“A miracle child whose arrival brings wonder and renewed hope.”/man-gah-LEE-soh/anyManqoba“Victories; conquests; one who conquers.”/mahn-KOH-bah/maleMaqoma“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/mah-KOH-mah/maleMarko“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/MAR-koh/maleMasakhane“Let us build together; let us build one another.”/mah-sah-KHAH-neh/anyMasande“Let us increase; let us multiply.”/mah-SAHN-deh/anyMasibambane“Let us hold onto one another; let us unite/stick together.”/mah-see-bahm-BAH-neh/anyMasibulele“Let us give thanks; let us be thankful.”/mah-see-boo-LEH-leh/maleMasincedane“A name celebrating mutual care, cooperation, and community.”/mah-see-nts eh-DAH-neh/anyMasixole“Let us forgive.”/mah-see-KSOH-leh/anyMateyu“Gift of God; gift of Yahweh.”/mah-TEH-yoo/maleMavuso“One who awakens or revives; renewal/restoration.”/mah-VOO-soh/maleMawande“A hopeful blessing that the family, love and prosperity will continue to grow.”/mah-WAHN-deh/anyMawethu“Ours; our one.”/mah-WEH-too/anyMawonga“Praises; honours.”/mah-WONG-ah/maleMbalenhle“Beautiful flower.”/m-bah-lehn-HLEH/femaleMbali“A flower; a beautiful blossom”/M-BAH-lee/femaleMbekezeli“Patient one; one who perseveres.”/mbeh-keh-ZEH-lee/maleMbulelo“A child who brings deep gratitude and honor”/m-boo-LEH-loh/maleMcebisi“A wise adviser whose counsel is valued”/m-cheh-BEE-see/maleMfundisi“A respected title-name meaning a teacher, pastor, or spiritual guide”/m-foon-DEE-see/maleMhala“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/MHAH-lah/maleMhlontlo“A historic Xhosa personal name carried by a respected traditional leader”/m-HLON-tloh/maleMihlali“Joys; one who brings happiness”/mee-HLAH-lee/femaleMihle“Beautiful; lovely.”/MEE-hleh/anyMikayeli“Who is like God?”/mee-kah-YEH-lee/maleMkhululi“A deliverer and one who brings freedom”/m-khoo-LOO-lee/maleMkhuseli“A protector and defender”/m-khoo-SEH-lee/maleMlanjeni“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/m-lahn-YEH-nee/maleMlungisi“One who puts things right; a fixer or restorer.”/mloo-NGEE-see/maleMncedisi“A helpful, caring and generous person”/m-ncheh-DEE-see/maleMpendulo“Answer; response.”/姆-PEHN-doo-loh/maleMphumelelo“Success; a child destined to do well”/m-poo-meh-LEH-loh/maleMpumelelo“Success and achievement”/m-poo-meh-LOH/maleMsindisi“Saviour and deliverer”/msee-NDEE-see/maleMsizi“Helper and supporter; one who brings assistance to others”/m-SEE-zee/maleMthandazo“Prayer.”/m-tahn-DAH-zoh/maleMthandeni“Beloved one; loved one.”/m-tahn-DEH-nee/maleMthetho“Law; rule; order.”/m-THEH-toh/maleMthobeli“Obedient and respectful”/m-toh-BEH-lee/maleMthobisi“One who humbles; one who causes humility.”/m-toh-BEE-see/maleMthokozisi“One who brings happiness or joy.”/m-toh-koh-ZEE-see/maleMthunyelwa“One who has been sent; sent one.”/m-thoon-YEH-lwah/maleMthunywa“Messenger, one who brings news or a message”/m-thoon-YWA/maleMthunzi“A place of shelter, rest, and protection”/MTOON-zee/maleMthuthuzeli“One who brings comfort”/m-too-too-ZEH-lee/maleMveliso“Product; production; yield.”/mveh-LEE-soh/maleMvula“Life-giving rain and blessing”/MVOO-lah/maleMxolisi“Peacemaker and forgiver”/m-khoh-LEE-see/maleMzi“Home; homestead; household.”/m-ZEE/maleMzikayise“The home of his father”/m-zee-kah-YEE-seh/maleMzimkhulu“Great or large homestead.”/mzee-MKHOO-loo/maleMziwakhe“His own home/homestead.”/mzee-WAH-kheh/maleMziwonke“The whole homestead/household.”/m-zee-WON-keh/maleMziwoxolo“Home of peace—a peaceful and welcoming presence”/m-zee-woh-KHOH-loh/maleMziyanda“The homestead/household is growing or expanding.”/m-zee-YAHN-dah/maleMzukisi“One who glorifies, praises, or honours.”/m-zoo-KEE-see/maleMzwandile“The family and homestead have grown”/m-zwan-DEE-leh/male
N
Namhla“Today.”/NAHM-hlah/anyNandi“Sweet one; pleasant one.”/NAHN-dee/femaleNandipha“A child who gives the family great happiness”/nan-DEE-pah/femaleNataniyeli“God has given; gift of God.”/nah-tah-nee-YEH-lee/maleNceba“Mercy; compassion.”/NKEH-bah/maleNcedile“The one who has helped us”/n-tseh-DEE-leh/anyNcedisa“Help; assistance; one who helps.”/nkeh-DEE-sah/anyNcedo“Help; assistance.”/n-KEH-doh/maleNdlambe“Historical personal name of Ndlambe, a prominent Rharhabe Xhosa chief.”/ndlahm-BEH/maleNgangelizwe“Historical Xhosa royal personal name, borne by a member of the Gcaleka royal house.”/n-gahn-geh-LEEZ-weh/maleNgqika“Historical personal name of Ngqika, a major Rharhabe Xhosa chief.”/n-GHEE-kah/maleNgubengcuka“Historical personal name of Ngubengcuka, a Gcaleka Xhosa paramount chief.”/ngoo-ben-GOO-kah/maleNkosana“Prince; a child born with royal dignity”/n-koh-SAH-na/maleNkosazana“Princess and a woman of royal bearing”/n-koh-sah-ZAH-na/femaleNkosikhona“The Lord is present”/nko-see-KHOH-nah/maleNkosinathi“The Lord is with us”/nko-see-NAH-tee/maleNkululeko“Freedom; liberation.”/nkoo-loo-LEH-koh/maleNobandile“She has increased; growth or increase.”/noh-bahn-DEE-leh/femaleNobandla“Mother of the community/people; mother of the assembly.”/noh-BAHN-dlah/femaleNobantu“Mother of the people”/noh-BAHN-too/femaleNobanzi“Mother of broadness, expansiveness, or abundance.”/noh-BAHN-zee/femaleNobesuthu“Mother of the Sotho; associated with Basotho/Sotho identity.”/noh-beh-SOO-too/femaleNobomi“Life and renewed hope for the family”/noh-BOH-mee/femaleNobuhle“A daughter associated with beauty and loveliness”/noh-BOO-hleh/femaleNobukhosi“Mother of royalty; mother of kingship.”/noh-boo-KHOH-see/femaleNobulumko“Mother of wisdom; wisdom and insight.”/noh-boo-LOOM-koh/femaleNobuntu“A woman of dignity, kindness, and noble character”/noh-BOON-too/femaleNofezile“She has accomplished; she has fulfilled.”/noh-feh-ZEE-leh/femaleNofikile“She has arrived.”/noh-fee-KEE-leh/femaleNofoto“Mother of Foto”/noh-FOH-toh/femaleNofundile“She has learned; she is educated.”/noh-foon-DEE-leh/femaleNokhanya“Mother of light.”/no-KHAHN-yah/femaleNokhwezi“Mother of the morning star.”/no-KHWEH-zee/femaleNokubonga“The mother of thanksgiving; a life received with gratitude”/noh-koo-BOHN-gah/femaleNokulunga“Mother of goodness; goodness and virtue.”/noh-koo-LOON-gah/femaleNokuthula“Mother of peace.”/noh-koo-TOO-lah/femaleNokuzola“A peaceful presence in the home and family”/noh-koo-ZOH-lah/femaleNokwanda“The mother of growth and increase”/noh-KWAHN-dah/femaleNokwazi“Mother of knowledge.”/no-KWAH-zee/femaleNolitha“Mother of light”/noh-LEE-tah/femaleNoloyiso“A life marked by victory”/noh-loh-YEE-soh/femaleNolufefe“Mother of grace”/noh-loo-FEH-feh/femaleNoluntu“Mother of the community; mother of humanity/people”/noh-LOON-too/femaleNolusapho“Mother of the family”/noh-loo-SAH-poh/femaleNolusindiso“Mother of salvation”/noh-loo-seen-DEE-soh/femaleNoluthando“A beloved daughter and a source of love”/noh-loo-TAHN-doh/femaleNoluvuyo“A daughter who fills the family with joy”/noh-loo-VOO-yoh/femaleNolwandle“Mother of the sea”/noh-LWAHN-dleh/femaleNolwazi“A woman of knowledge; one who has wisdom”/noh-LWAH-zee/femaleNomakhaya“Mother of the home; mother of homes/homesteads”/noh-mah-KHAH-yah/femaleNomakhosi“Mother of chiefs/kings”/noh-mah-KHOH-see/femaleNomakhwezi“Mother of the stars”/noh-mah-KWEH-zee/femaleNomalanga“Mother of the sun; mother of the day”/noh-mah-LAHN-gah/femaleNomalizo“Mother of completion; one who brings matters to fulfilment”/noh-mah-LEE-zoh/femaleNomandla“A daughter of strength, power, and authority”/noh-MAHN-dlah/femaleNomathamsanqa“Mother of good fortune and blessings”/noh-mah-tahm-SAHN-kah/femaleNomavuyo“Mother of joy; one who brings happiness”/noh-mah-VOO-yoh/femaleNomawethu“Our mother”/noh-mah-WEH-too/femaleNombeko“Mother of respect”/noh-MBEH-koh/femaleNombulelo“A woman of gratitude and thanksgiving”/nom-boo-LEH-loh/femaleNomfanele“Mother of what is fitting and right”/nom-fah-NEH-leh/femaleNomfanelo“Mother of responsibility, duty, or obligation”/nom-fah-NEH-loh/femaleNomfundo“Mother of education/learning”/noh-m-FOON-doh/femaleNomhle“Mother of beauty”/NOHM-hleh/femaleNomonde“Patient, calm and gentle”/noh-MON-deh/femaleNompumelelo“A daughter who comes with success and achievement”/noh-mpoo-meh-LEH-loh/femaleNomsa“Kind-hearted, gentle and caring”/NOM-sah/femaleNomthandazo“Mother of prayer”/noh-mtahn-DAH-zoh/femaleNomusa“A gracious, kind-hearted woman”/noh-MOO-sah/femaleNomveliso“Mother of production; mother of productivity”/noh-mveh-LEE-soh/femaleNomvula“Rain arriving as a welcome blessing”/noh-MVOO-lah/femaleNomvuyo“Mother of joy; a daughter who brings happiness to her family”/nom-VOO-yoh/femaleNomzamo“Mother of effort/striving”/noh-MZAH-moh/femaleNonceba“Mother of mercy/compassion”/non-CHEH-bah/femaleNoncedo“A source of help and strength within the family”/non-CHEH-doh/femaleNondumiso“Mother of praise”/non-doo-MEE-soh/femaleNondwe“Mother of the night”/non-DWEH/femaleNongqawuse“A distinguished traditional Xhosa name borne by the historical prophetess Nongqawuse”/non-gah-WOO-seh/femaleNonkqubela“A woman of progress and forward movement”/non-KKOO-beh-lah/femaleNonkululeko“A woman associated with freedom and liberation”/non-koo-loo-LEH-koh/femaleNontando“A beloved child who embodies love”/nohn-TAHN-doh/femaleNontetha“One who speaks; associated with speech or speaking.”/non-TEH-tah/femaleNontle“Mother of beauty; beautiful one”/NOHNT-leh/femaleNontobeko“A child of humility and gentleness”/nohn-toh-BEH-koh/femaleNontokozo“A joyful one”/nohn-toh-KOH-zoh/femaleNontombi“Girl; daughter”/non-TOHM-bee/femaleNontsikelelo“A blessing welcomed into the family”/non-tsee-keh-LEH-loh/femaleNontsizi“Compassion, pity, or mercy.”/non-TSEE-tsee/femaleNontuthuzelo“A source of comfort and reassurance”/nohn-too-too-ZEH-loh/femaleNonzwakazi“A beautiful and radiant woman”/non-zwah-KAH-zee/femaleNopasika“An Easter child, associated with renewal and new life”/noh-pa-SEE-kah/femaleNophumelele“She has succeeded; successful.”/noh-poo-meh-LEH-leh/femaleNosicelo“One associated with a request or earnest appeal”/noh-see-SEH-loh/femaleNosindiso“Mother of salvation and deliverance”/noh-sin-DEE-soh/femaleNosipho“A precious gift”/noh-SEE-poh/femaleNosisa“Kindness, compassion, mercy, or help.”/noh-SEE-sah/femaleNosiseko“A strong foundation for the family”/noh-see-SEH-koh/femaleNosiviwe“We have been heard; heard by us/us being heard.”/noh-see-VEE-weh/femaleNosizwe“Nation; mother of the nation/community.”/noh-SEE-zweh/femaleNothando“A loving and dearly cherished child”/noh-TAHN-doh/femaleNothemba“Mother of hope”/noh-THEHM-bah/femaleNothembu“Associated with the Thembu people/clan; literally “mother of Thembu.””/noh-THEHM-boo/femaleNoxolo“A peaceful and gentle presence”/noh-KOH-loh/femaleNoyisile“She has conquered; a triumphant woman”/noh-yee-SEE-leh/femaleNoyolo“Joyful; one who brings happiness”/noh-YOH-loh/femaleNozuko“A child surrounded by honour and glory”/noh-ZOO-koh/femaleNqaba“Fortress; stronghold.”/NQAH-bah/maleNqabayomzi“Stronghold of the homestead—a child who gives the family strength”/n-kah-bah-yom-ZEE/maleNqabisile“She is protected; sheltered or kept safe.”/nas-click-ah-bee-SEE-leh/femaleNqobile“Victorious; one who has overcome”/n-CLICK-oh-BEE-leh/anyNqobizitha“Conqueror of enemies”/n-CLICK-oh-bee-ZEE-tha/maleNtaba“Strength, steadiness, and enduring presence”/NTAH-bah/maleNtando“Love; will, desire, or intention.”/ntahn-DOH/anyNtombenhle“Beautiful girl; a daughter whose beauty is celebrated”/ntom-BEH-nhleh/femaleNtombifuthi“Girl again; another daughter.”/ntoh-mbee-FOO-tee/femaleNtombikayise“A cherished daughter especially dear to her father”/ntoh-mbee-kah-YEE-seh/femaleNtombikhaya“The daughter of the home”/ntohm-bee-KHAH-yah/femaleNtombizodwa“The only girl/daughter.”/ntoh-mbee-ZOHD-wah/femaleNtombizuko“Girl of glory; a daughter who brings honour and brightness”/ntom-bee-ZOO-koh/femaleNtsika“A strong foundation or pillar of the family”/N-TSEE-kah/maleNtsikana“Little pillar; also the name of the historic Xhosa prophet Ntsikana kaGabha.”/ntsee-KAH-nah/maleNtsikelelo“A child welcomed as a blessing and a sign of grace.”/ntsee-keh-LEH-loh/anyNwabisa“She brings happiness and brightens people's lives”/nwah-BEE-sah/femaleNxele“A distinctive traditional name, historically associated with the prophet Nxele”/click-NKSEH-leh/maleNyameka“May she be trustworthy and worthy of confidence”/nyah-MEH-kah/femaleNyameko“Careful, thoughtful attention”/nyah-MEH-koh/maleNyaniso“Truth and sincerity”/nyah-NEE-soh/any
O
P
Petros“A steadfast rock of faith”/PEH-tros/malePhakama“Rise up and reach higher”/pah-KAH-mah/malePhakamile“Risen and lifted up; destined to rise”/pah-kah-MEE-leh/anyPhakamisa“Lift up or raise high”/pah-kah-MEE-sah/femalePhila“May this child live fully, healthily and joyfully”/PEE-lah/anyPhindile“A name associated with a child who arrives after a long absence, disappointment or the loss of an earlier child.”/pin-DEE-leh/femalePhumelela“May you succeed and prosper”/poo-meh-LEH-lah/anyPhumla“Rest and peace”/POOM-lah/femalePhumlani“Rest; be at peace.”/poom-LAH-nee/malePhumzile“She has rested; peace has come”/poom-ZEE-leh/female
Q
Qamisa“Cause to appear, emerge, or become evident; bring out.”/kah-MEE-sah/femaleQaqamba“Shine brightly; bring light and promise”/kah-KAHM-bah/femaleQaqambile“The one who has shone brightly”/kah-KAHM-bee-leh/anyQhama“Be connected or closely related; a connection/association.”/KHAH-mah/anyQhamisa“Cause people or things to connect; bring together or make closely associated.”/kah-MEE-sah/femaleQhawe“A brave hero and champion”/KHAH-weh/maleQhayiya“Pride; boastfulness or glory.”/click-kha-YEE-yah/maleQinisani“Strengthen; be strong (a plural/formal imperative).”/kee-nee-SAH-nee/maleQinisela“Be steadfast; strengthen for/on behalf of.”/kee-nee-SEH-lah/maleQinisile“Steadfast and persevering”/CLICK-ee-NEE-see-leh/anyQonda“One with understanding and integrity”/KOHN-dah (with a click)/anyQondile“One who understands; understood.”/kohn-DEE-leh/maleQondisa“Guide; direct.”/kohn-DEE-sah/maleQondisani“Guide/direct (addressed to more than one person or respectfully).”/kohn-dee-SAH-nee/maleQondiswa“One who has been guided.”/kohnd-EE-swah/femaleQunta“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/click-KOON-tah/male
R
S
Sakhile“We have built our future through strength and perseverance”/sah-KHEE-leh/anySakhumzi“One who builds and strengthens the home”/sah-khoo-MZEE/maleSamkelo“A child whose birth is celebrated with acceptance, welcome and gratitude.”/sam-KEH-loh/anySamuweli“God has heard.”/sah-moo-WEH-lee/maleSandile“We have increased and prospered”/sahn-DEE-leh/anySanele“Our family is complete”/sah-NEH-leh/anySanelisiwe“We have been satisfied and blessed”/sah-neh-lee-SEE-weh/femaleSarhili“A distinguished historical name rooted in Xhosa royal heritage”/sah-RHEE-lee/maleSebenzile“Has worked; worked.”/seh-ben-ZEE-leh/femaleSibabalwe“We are blessed by this child”/see-bah-BAHL-weh/anySibongile“We are grateful”/see-bong-GEE-leh/femaleSibulele“We are grateful; we give thanks.”/see-boo-LEH-leh/anySibusiso“A blessing”/see-boo-SEE-soh/maleSidumo“Praise; renown; fame.”/see-DOO-moh/maleSimamkele“A child joyfully received and embraced by the family.”/see-mah-MAH-keh-leh/anySimphiwe“A warmly cherished child regarded as a gift to the family.”/see-MPEE-weh/anySindiswa“She has been saved or delivered”/sin-DEE-swah/femaleSinethemba“We have hope”/see-neh-TEM-bah/anySinovuyo“We have joy because of this child”/see-noh-VOO-yoh/anySiphamandla“Give us strength”/see-pah-MAHN-dlah/maleSiphesihle“A beautiful gift”/see-peh-SEE-hleh/anySipho“A gift from God”/SEE-poh/maleSiphokazi“A great and precious gift”/see-poh-KAH-zee/anySiphumelele“We have overcome and succeeded”/see-poo-meh-LEH-leh/anySiseko“Foundation.”/see-SEH-koh/maleSisipho“Our gift from God”/see-SEE-poh/anySisonke“Togetherness, family unity and belonging”/see-SON-keh/anySithembile“We have faith and trust”/see-tem-BEE-leh/anySithembiso“Our promise”/see-tem-BEE-soh/maleSive“We hear; we have heard, depending on context.”/SEE-veh/anySivile“We have heard.”/see-VEE-leh/maleSivuyile“We are joyful because this child is here”/see-voo-YEE-leh/anySiyabonga“We give thanks”/see-yah-BONG-ah/maleSiyabulela“We give thanks”/see-yah-boo-LEH-lah/anySiyakhula“We are growing.”/see-yah-KHOO-lah/anySiyamthanda“We love this child deeply—a joyful declaration of family affection”/see-yah-m-TAHN-dah/anySiyanda“The family is growing, and the child is welcomed as an additional blessing.”/see-YAHN-dah/anySiyasanga“We embrace.”/see-yah-SAHN-gah/anySiyavuya“We are happy and celebrating”/see-yah-VOO-yah/anySiyazama“We are trying/striving.”/see-yah-ZAH-mah/anySiyolo“We are happy/joyful.”/see-YOH-loh/maleSizakele“We have built/established ourselves.”/see-zah-KEH-leh/femaleSizwe“A child who belongs to and strengthens the nation”/SEE-zweh/anySolomoni“Peaceful; the isiXhosa/Nguni form of Solomon.”/soh-loh-MOH-nee/maleSondisa“One who brings people closer together”/sohn-DEE-sah/maleSonwabile“We are happy/joyful.”/sohn-wah-BEE-leh/any
T
Thamsanqa“Good fortune and a prosperous future”/tahm-SAHN-kah/maleThandazile“Has prayed; prayed.”/than-da-ZEE-leh/femaleThandeka“Lovable, dear and treasured”/tahn-DEH-kah/femaleThandile“One who has been loved”/tahn-DEE-leh/anyThando“Love and tenderness”/TAHN-doh/anyThandolwethu“Our shared love and precious bond”/tahn-doh-LWEH-too/anyThanduxolo“A life filled with love and peace”/tahn-doo-KOH-loh/maleThemba“Hope and trust in God”/TEM-bah/maleThembakazi“A feminine name built on themba, meaning hope or trust.”/tem-bah-KAH-zee/femaleThembeka“Faithful and steadfast”/tem-BEH-kah/femaleThembekile“Faithful and trustworthy”/tem-beh-KEE-leh/anyThembelani“Have faith and trust”/tem-beh-LAH-nee/maleThembinkosi“Hope in the Lord”/tehm-been-KOH-see/maleThembisa“Promise; to promise, or make hopeful.”/tehm-BEE-sah/femaleThobeka“Humble and respectful”/toh-BEH-kah/femaleThobekile“Humble, obedient, and respectful”/toh-beh-KEE-leh/anyThobile“Humble; has become humble/submissive.”/tho-BEE-leh/anyThokozile“Has rejoiced; is joyful.”/tho-ko-ZEE-leh/femaleThozama“Be humble/gentle; humility.”/toh-ZAH-mah/femaleThozamile“Associated with being humble, gentle, or calm.”/toh-zah-MEE-leh/anyThulani“Be quiet; be calm.”/too-LAH-nee/anyThulile“Quiet; calm.”/too-LEE-leh/femaleThulisile“Has become quiet/calm.”/too-lee-SEE-leh/femaleThuliswa“Has been quietened, calmed, or comforted.”/too-lee-SWAH/femaleTimoti“Honouring God; God-honoured.”/tee-MOH-tee/maleTomasi“Twin.”/toh-MAH-see/maleTshawe“A traditional royal name in Xhosa history”/TSHAH-weh/maleTshiwo“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/TSHEE-woh/maleTyali“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/TYAH-lee/male
U
V
Vatiswa“Meaning not reliably established; do not publish the supplied welcome-and-remembrance gloss.”/vah-tee-SWAH/femaleVukile“One who rises again and keeps moving forward”/voo-KEE-leh/anyVulindlela“Open the way/path; path-opener.”/voo-lee-NDEH-lah/maleVumile“Has agreed; has accepted or consented.”/voo-MEE-leh/femaleVusile“Has awakened; has risen.”/voo-SEE-leh/maleVusindiso“Salvation; deliverance.”/voo-seen-DEE-soh/maleVusizwe“Awaken or revive the nation.”/voo-SEE-zweh/maleVusumusa“Awaken kindness or mercy.”/voo-soo-MOO-sah/maleVusumzi“A son whose arrival renews the household after hardship or loss.”/voo-SOOM-zee/maleVuyani“Rejoice.”/voo-YAH-nee/maleVuyelwa“One over whom people rejoice”/voo-YEHL-wah/femaleVuyisa“One who brings happiness to others”/voo-YEE-sah/maleVuyisani“Make happy; bring joy.”/voo-yee-SAH-nee/maleVuyiseka“Become happy; be delighted.”/voo-yee-SEH-kah/femaleVuyisile“This child has brought us joy”/voo-yee-SEE-leh/anyVuyiswa“A child over whom the family rejoices”/voo-YEES-wah/femaleVuyo“Joy; a child who brings happiness”/VOO-yoh/anyVuyokazi“A greatly joyful child; precious happiness”/voo-yoh-KAH-zee/femaleVuyolwethu“Our joy; the happiness belonging to all of us”/voo-yoh-LWEH-too/any
W
X
Xhoxho“Traditional Xhosa male personal name; no dependable literal gloss established.”/KHOH-khoh/maleXolani“May he live in peace and bring peace”/click-oh-LAH-nee/maleXolela“Forgive.”/kho-LEH-lah/maleXolile“At peace and reconciled”/KHOH-lee-leh (with a click)/anyXolilizwe“Peace of the nation.”/khoh-lee-LEEZ-weh/maleXolisa“To make peace or reconcile”/click-oh-LEE-sah/anyXolisile“Peaceful and reconciled”/click-oh-LEE-seh-leh/any
Y
Yakobi“Jacob; from Hebrew, traditionally “supplanter” or “one who follows.””/yah-KOH-bee/maleYamkela“Welcome and receive this child with love”/yahm-KEH-lah/anyYandisa“One who increases and makes things grow”/yahn-DEE-sah/anyYanelile“Is satisfied; is content; is sufficient.”/yah-neh-LEE-leh/femaleYanga“Sun; day.”/YAHN-gah/maleYeremiya“Jeremiah; from Hebrew, commonly interpreted as “Yahweh exalts” or “Yahweh appoints.””/yeh-reh-MEE-yah/maleYibanathi“Be with us, as in a prayer of faith”/yee-bah-NAH-tee/anyYohane“John; from Hebrew, “God is gracious.””/yoh-HAH-neh/maleYolisa“She brings happiness to those around her”/yoh-LEE-sah/femaleYoliswa“A child who brings happiness and delight”/yoh-LEES-wah/femaleYonwaba“Be happy; a blessing of happiness for the family”/yon-WAH-bah/anyYosefu“Joseph; from Hebrew, “May God add” or “God will increase.””/yoh-SEH-foo/maleYoshuwa“Joshua; from Hebrew, “Yahweh is salvation.””/yoh-SHOO-wah/male
Z
Zamile“Has tried; has attempted.”/za-MEE-leh/maleZandile“The family has increased with the birth of this much-welcomed child.”/zan-DEE-leh/femaleZandiswa“A daughter whose arrival has enlarged the family’s happiness and blessings.”/zan-DWAH-swah/femaleZanele“They are enough; they are sufficient.”/zah-NEH-leh/femaleZimasa“To stand firm; one who has stood firm.”/zee-MAH-sah/femaleZimile“She has stood firm / has taken a stand.”/zee-MEE-leh/femaleZimisele“Determined and resolute”/zee-mee-SEH-leh/anyZimkhitha“Adorn yourselves; adorned/beautiful.”/zeem-KHEE-tah/femaleZinathi“They are with us.”/zee-NAH-tee/femaleZinikele“Dedicated; devoted.”/zee-nee-KEH-leh/femaleZintle“Beautiful things and a beautiful life”/ZIN-tleh/anyZithulele“Be quiet and calm; a peaceful, composed child”/zee-too-LEH-leh/maleZizipho“Gifts.”/zee-ZEE-poh/femaleZodwa“The only one; alone.”/ZOD-wah/femaleZola“Calm-hearted, peaceful and gentle in spirit”/ZOH-lah/anyZoleka“Be calm; be at peace; settle down.”/zoh-LEH-kah/femaleZolile“Calm-hearted and gentle”/zoh-LEE-leh/anyZondwa“Be hated; hated or despised.”/ZOND-wah/maleZukile“One who has prospered and come into blessing.”/zoo-KEE-leh/maleZukisa“To glorify; to honour or exalt.”/zoo-KEE-sah/maleZukiswa“She has been glorified / honoured.”/zoo-KEE-swah/femaleZuko“Glory and honor”/ZOO-koh/maleZwelakhe“Belonging to one's country”/zweh-LAH-kheh/anyZwelibanzi“A broad and generous world”/zweh-lee-BAHN-zee/anyZwelidumile“The nation/world is famous.”/zweh-lee-doo-MEE-leh/maleZwelinzima“The nation/world is difficult or hard.”/zweh-lin-ZEE-mah/maleZwelonke“The whole nation/world.”/zweh-LON-keh/male