130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (2025)

In African cultures, a newborn's name is officially announced at the traditional naming ceremony. Most parents name their kids after their traditional gods/deities, relatives, traditional historical legends, historical events, and the circumstances a child is born in. If you want to know the most popular Black and White South African female names and surnames, check out the collections of names listed below.

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • South African female names and meanings
    • Unique South African girl names starting with A, B, and C
    • Beautiful South African female names starting with D, E, F, G, and H
    • Sweet South African female names starting with I, J, K, and L
    • Cute South African female names starting with M, N, O, and P
    • Charming South African female names starting with Q, R, S, and T
    • Lovely South African female names starting with T, U, V, and W
    • Adorable South African female names starting with X, Y, and Z
  • What is the most popular female name in South Africa?
  • What is the most used South African name?
  • What are popular female Afrikaans names?
  • What is the best Zulu name for a girl?
  • What is a beautiful African girl's name?
  • What is the African name for Queen?

A recent shift in the South African naming culture has brought about a wave of interestingly unique South African baby names. People in modern society name children after people's beliefs, favorite celebrities, cities, countries, etc.

South African female names and meanings

A name is someone's identity, giving a person a sense of belonging. Names carry deep personal, cultural, family, and historical connections. This article lists more than 100 female names in South Africa and their meanings.

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Unique South African girl names starting with A, B, and C

The ideal name for a girl is a unique name that feels personal and meaningful to you, the parent. While some South African female names are lengthy, others are simple and easy to pronounce and spell. Below are baby names starting with the letters A, B, and C:

  • Abebi – We asked and got her
  • Adowa – Noble
  • Afeziwe – Fulfilled, done
  • Agetha – Good woman
  • Aia – Eternal's mother
  • Aitan – A possessive woman
  • Ajani – She who always wins the struggle
  • Akpena – Thanks to God
  • Aletta – Truth
  • Alizea – Joyful
  • Amahle – The ancestors are here
  • Andile – They have extended, the family is growing
  • Anele – The last born
  • Aneke – Grace
  • Anika – Sweet-faced
  • Anja – Grace
  • Arabella – Yielding to prayer
  • Aseza – Still coming
  • Athenkosi – Thankful
  • Ayanda – They augment (the family)
  • Ayize – Let it happen or come
  • Azelle – Reserved
  • Aziza – Precious
  • Bandile – The girls have increased in number
  • Behati – She who brings happiness
  • Berhane – My light
  • Betje – Devoted to God
  • Bathathu – They are three
  • Bibi – Lady or grandmother
  • Bonga – Give thanks
  • Bonolo – Ease
  • Brunelda – Armor or protection
  • Bulumko – Wisdom
  • Busisiwe – Blessed
  • Cebokazi – Great plan
  • Cezanne – Big flower
  • Chulumanco – Joy
  • Chuma – Grow
  • Collien – Girl
  • Cwenga – Be still
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Beautiful South African female names starting with D, E, F, G, and H

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (4)

Consider your family heritage and the cultural significance of the name you choose for your child. This can help you understand your cultural identity and connect with your ancestors. Below are some short and cute South African baby names starting with the letters D, E, F, G, and H:

  • Dambisa – Relieve/soothe
  • Dian – Divine
  • Dikeledi – Tears
  • Dolinde – Beautiful God
  • Dorette – Gift from God
  • Duduzile – Consoled
  • Dumo – Praise/honor
  • Eduardina – A wealthy guard
  • Endinako – What I have
  • Elandri – Idealistic and generous
  • Elethu – Our hope/pride
  • Elrien – Silver
  • Elze – Someone from the towns of Elze, Eltz, or Elz.
  • Elzette – God is my oath
  • Enzokuhle – Do beautiful things
  • Emsulwa – Innocent
  • Fabunni – God has given me this
  • Fundiswa – Smart/educated
  • Fundile – Smart/educated
  • Faniswa – One who looks like
  • Fezile – Fulfill
  • Gabisile – She has made people envious
  • Gazali – Mystic
  • Gcina – Keep
  • Gcobanisa – Be glad
  • Gugulethu – Our treasure
  • Gugulethu – Pride
  • Hlalumi – Keep standing firm
  • Hlengiwe – Redeemed
  • Hlonela – Obey/abide
  • Hlumelo – Growth
  • Hlumisa – Make it grow
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Sweet South African female names starting with I, J, K, and L

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (6)

Some influential people from Mzansi have popularized South African names worldwide. For instance, the late actresses Lindiwe Ndlovu and Zoyi Lindiwe Muendane made the name Lindiwe famous. Here are some cool famous names starting with the letters I, J, K, and L:

  • Ibongwe – To be praised
  • Imange – Stand by the Lord
  • Imibongo – Thankfulness
  • Imihlali – Rejoice
  • Imka – Water
  • Iminathi – The Lord is standing with us
  • Inam – The Lord is with us
  • Indiphile – The Lord has given us
  • Isipho – The gift
  • Ivakele – Prayers have been heard
  • Iviwe – Prayers have been heard
  • Iyana – A rain of blessings
  • Izibele – Grace
  • Jabulile – She is happy girl
  • Jabulisile – She has brought joy
  • Jongikhaya – One who watches over the home
  • Jonga – Look
  • Kai – Goddess of the sea
  • Kaikara – Goddess
  • Kaikura – Ground
  • Kamogelo – Acceptance
  • Kamva – Future
  • Kaya – Restful place
  • Khanyisile – She has brought light
  • Khazimla – Shine bright
  • Khethiwe – The chosen one
  • Kholo – Faith
  • Kholwa – Believe
  • Kian – The beautiful one
  • Kwakhanya – She is bright
  • Khwezi – Morning star
  • Lakhiwe – A home has been built
  • Lerato – Love
  • Lesedi – Enlighted
  • Ligugu – He or she is our pride
  • Lihle – She is beautiful
  • Lindiwe – Waited for
  • Lingomso – Tomorrow/ the future
  • Liqhamile – Bright
  • Lithalethu – Our light
  • Lithetha – The sun is bright
  • Liyakhanya – The sun is shining
  • Liyema – The home is standing
  • Londiwe – Protected
  • Lulibo – First ripe fruits of a tree
  • Lumko – Carefulness/wisdom
  • Lunje – Love is like this
  • Luvuyo – Of joy
  • Luzuko – Glory
  • Lwando – Increment, increasing
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Cute South African female names starting with M, N, O, and P

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (8)

You can consider the potential nicknames of the name you pick for your baby and whether it suits your child's personality. Below is a collection of cute names starting with the letters M, N, O, and P:

  • Malime – Home must stand
  • Manyano – Being united
  • Masande – Let's increase
  • Mava – Wisdom, experience
  • Mbalenhle – Beautiful flower
  • Mieke – Afrikaans for water
  • Milani – Be firm in faith
  • Mpho – Gift, blessing
  • Mpilo – Life
  • Nandi – Sweet
  • Nelisiwe – Satisfied
  • Ndondoloza – Prudence
  • Nkazimulo – Glory
  • Nkosingiphile – The Lord gave me
  • Nobantu – Mother of people
  • Nobuhle – Mother of beauty, goodness
  • Nolwandle – Mother of oceans
  • Nomalanga – Mother of sun, sunshine
  • Nomandla – Mother of strength
  • Nomasonto – Mother of Sundays
  • Nomathalente – Mother of talents
  • Noxolo – Mother of peace
  • Nozibusiso – Mother of blessings
  • Nozipho – Bearer of gifts
  • Nozizwe – Mother of nations
  • Nqobile – She has come up victorious
  • Ntokozo – Happiness
  • Ntombi – Woman or girl
  • Ntombifuthi – A girl again
  • Ntombizanele – Enough girls
  • Ntombizodwa – Only girls
  • Ntombizonke – All girls
  • Olwethu – It's (love is) ours
  • Onako – One who can
  • Oratile – The origin
  • Othalive – One who hears the name of God
  • Owethu – He/she is ours
  • Palesa – Flower
  • Phawu – Symbol of love
  • Phelo – Last born
  • Phelisa – To end
  • Philisiwe – Healed
  • Phumza – Relief
  • Phezisa – An end
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Charming South African female names starting with Q, R, S, and T

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (10)

You should establish whether you and your partner love the name and ensure it feels meaningful to both of you. Below is a list of charming South African female names starting with the letters Q, R, S, and T:

  • Qaifa – The one who estimates things
  • Qameer – Moon
  • Qaval – Delightful to the eye
  • Qhayiya – The future
  • Qhamani – Be bright
  • Qiara – Bright
  • Qilla – Calm
  • Qiqa – Think
  • Qirat – Beautiful
  • Quenie – A queen
  • Rain – The rain
  • Rasha – A young gazelle
  • Rei – Beautiful
  • Reese – Zealous
  • River – A flowing body of water
  • Roxanne – Rose
  • Salizwa – Gift
  • Samukelisiwe – We have received a gift
  • Sesethu – Our gift
  • Sibabalwe – We have been blessed
  • Sibahle – We are beautiful
  • Sibongile – We are grateful
  • Sibulele – We are thankful
  • Sibusisiwe – We're blessed
  • Simamkele – We welcome him/her
  • Simanye – Unite us
  • Simile – We are standing
  • Simthandile – We loved her/him
  • Sinalo – We have hope
  • Sinegugu – We now have a precious treasure
  • Sinenhlanhla – We now have luck
  • Sinethemba – We have hope
  • Sinovuyo – We are glad
  • Siphelo – To conclude
  • Siphosethu – Our gift
  • Sivuyile – We are glad
  • Sixolise – Bring peace to us
  • Siyabulela – We are thankful
  • Sizamkele – We welcome the girls
  • Sizani – You all help
  • Someleze – Encourage us
  • Somila – We'll be firm
  • Sonele – We are enough
  • Sumeya – Never doubt God
  • Thabisa – To bring joy
  • Thabisile – She has brought joy
  • Thalente – Talented
  • Thembalethu – Our hope
  • Thandeka – Lovely, beloved
  • Thandile – Beloved
  • Thandiwe – Beloved
  • Thandazile – We have prayed
  • Thembeka – Trustworthy and dependable
  • Thembekile – Trustworthy and reliable
  • Thembile – Hopeful, trusting
  • Thenjiwe – The trusted one
  • Tholakele – Found
  • Thulile – Quiet, peaceful
  • Thulisile – She who made things quiet
  • Thuthukile – Better person
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Lovely South African female names starting with T, U, V, and W

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (12)

Some South African girl names have European origins. In South Africa, those who identify as White are of European descent and primarily speak Afrikaans. Here are some White female South African names starting with the letters U, V, and W:

  • Ula – Jewel of the sea
  • Una – The only one
  • Unity – Oneness
  • Ursula – A small female bear
  • Vale – A wide river valley
  • Valeria – Strong
  • Vanelope – Vanilla face
  • Vanessa – Butterfly
  • Vania – God is gracious
  • Valkyrie – Chooser of the slain
  • Vayda – A high cliff
  • Veda – Knowledge
  • Venus – A planet
  • Vera – Faith
  • Verna – Spring
  • Varsha – Rain
  • Verity – Truth
  • Veronica – She who brings victory
  • Vicky – Conquer
  • Viana – Lively
  • Vienna – The capital of Austria
  • Viha – The sky
  • Viola – A flowering plant
  • Violett – Violet color
  • Vivienne – Living
  • Vivette – Alive
  • Whisper – Speak softly
  • Whitney – White island
  • Whitley – White meadow
  • Wonder – Remarkable
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Adorable South African female names starting with X, Y, and Z

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (14)

Before you pick a name for your baby to honor your ancestors, family lineage, or cultural roots, research its meaning to see if it resonates with your values. Below are some adorable names starting with the letters X, Y, and Z:

  • Xabiso – Valuable
  • Xami – Flower
  • Xanthe – A golden-haired girl
  • Xhanti – Anchor
  • Xara – Princess
  • Xeni – Hospitable
  • Xia – Helper
  • Xiomara – Famous in battle
  • Xola – Stay in peace
  • Xolisile – We are sorry
  • Xosha – Flee or run away
  • Xyla – Wood
  • Yahva – Flowing water
  • Yana – A new birth
  • Yandisa – Increase us
  • Yariqa – Fair or white
  • Yashi – Famous
  • Yashri – Victorious
  • Yasim – Jasmine flower
  • Yasna - White rose
  • Yasti – Slim
  • Yatri – Traveler
  • Yema – Our joy
  • Yibanathi – Be with us
  • Yiva – Hear
  • Yonita - Dove
  • Yonela – Be content
  • Yosana – Girl
  • Zandile – They have multiplied
  • Zanele – They (girls or children) are enough
  • Zara – Princess
  • Zama – (prefix) She who is from [insert clan or surname]
  • Zamokuhle – Try the good
  • Zenzile – You’re responsible for what you become
  • Zibuyile – The dowry cows have come back
  • Zinathi – God's blessings are with us
  • Zinhle – Beautiful
  • Ziphozonke – All our gifts
  • Zodwa – Abbreviation for Ntombizodwa
  • Zonke – All are gifts
  • Zonkizizwe – All the nations
  • Zukiswa – To be praised
  • Zukhanye – Be bright
  • Zingce – Be proud
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What is the most popular female name in South Africa?

Some popular female names in South Africa include Anele, Andile, Lindiwe, Nandi, Ntando, Oratile, Palesa, and Zinhle.

What is the most used South African name?

Lerato, Lesedi, Thembiwe, Thandile, Zanele, Zandele, and Zodwa are some of the most used South African female names.

What are popular female Afrikaans names?

Some popular female Afrikaans female names include:

  • Dian – Divine
  • Dorette – Gift from God
  • Eduardina – A wealthy guard
  • Elandri – Idealistic and generous
  • Elrien – Silver
  • Elze – Someone from the towns of Elze, Eltz, or Elz
  • Elzette – God is my oath

What is the best Zulu name for a girl?

Some of the best Zulu names for a girl include:

  • Unambitho – To savor/to be enjoyed
  • Uyanda – The house is increasing
  • Vuyiseka – Made to be happy
  • Vuyelwa – The one who we are happy for
  • Vuyo – Happiness
  • Vusumzi – Rebuild the home
  • Wanda – The home has increased
  • Wandile – Increase of home
  • Wandisiwe – The home has increased
  • Wonga – Status
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What is a beautiful African girl's name?

Most South African names are beautiful because they have lovely meanings. For instance, Busisiwe means blessed, Iyana means rain of blessings, Luzuko means glory, Nelisiwe means satisfied, and Siphosethu means our gift.

What is the African name for Queen?

Malkia (Swahili) means Queen. It is one of the most popular African names, as Swahili is one of the continent's most spoken languages.

South African female names are great, and their meanings add to their charm. The nicest part about giving your newborn a South African name is that she might grow to treasure it and even be inspired by its meaning.

Yen.com.gh published intriguing Filipino girl names and their meanings. Filipinos are citizens of the Philippines.

Most Philippine names have religious or Biblical meanings. Discover the cool Filipino names you can recommend to someone expecting a child soon.

Source: YEN.com.gh

130+ most popular South African female names and what they mean (2025)
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