Menelik, this is the name of Ethiopias first emperor, Menelik who is believed to have inaugurated the Solomonic dynasty. Finally, most names in Ethiopia are easy to read, pleasant to use, and not hard to remember. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. It means one who is born during the festival or war. In the Tamazight language, Amaziane means young or little. In marriage, unlike in some Western societies, women do not change their maiden name, as the second name is not a surname. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. It means born into wealth or born into high status. Any child named after the above names is a blessed one whom the community expect to live up to the due reputation e.g has leadership qualities and being honest. 16. Deressa (Ethiopian origin) the meaning of this name isnt quite clear. [1] To differentiate from others in the same generation with the same name, their father's first name and sometimes grandfather's first name is added. 63. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Simpson trial as well as the character in 'The Green Hornet'. For example if you were born on a Monday and named Kojo or Kodjo for a boy or Adjo for a girl, you would be taken as a zealous man or woman because Monday is the first day of work after the weekend, and if you were born on a Wednesday and named Kokou for a boy or Akwa for a girl, you were taken as a half-lazy person because people usually work or go to school for just the first half of the day -from 7 to 12- and use the other half as leisure time, and if you were born on a Sunday and named Kossi for a boy or Kossiwa for a girl, you were taken as the child of God, the pure, pretty child because people dress up pretty to worship God at the mass on Sunday. Amani (Ethiopian origin) means faith. It is of Igbo origin and means one who is from a strong lineage, this person is strong, child warrior, or son of a hero. The main difference is that African parents will not just put a label on their progeny without finding out what the label is saying about their hopes and aspirations, beliefs and culture and life experiences. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. Elmi (Somali origin) means knowledge. 28. Abi, Togo, I love my name to death. BR, USA, I am responding to Vince Gaineys point Why are African Christians so ashamed of their Christian names in comparison to Muslims who have pride in their Arabic Islamic names. I think Vince is confusing European with Christian. 49. My name is meaningful (in your Gods name Im happy is the direct translation of my first and last names taken together). One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. Here you will find some great Nigerian last names, like Abimbola which means "born into wealth" and Obi, which means "heart". Beckham: famous name of a footballer. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! And your grand father name is your sir name. The name can be translated as fullness of power. We have listed 100 surnames of African origin in this article. Bekele 1.6M. It is generally considered to be a masculine name. It is derived from the root meaning Favor or Grace. Names in Ethiopia are not limited to the bible. Juma (Swahili origin) means Friday born. 77. 53. However, over 80 different ethnic groups and many other languages are spoken throughout the country and in neighboring countries, including Somali, Tigrinya, and Sidamo. 35. Known People. Keita (Malian origin) means "blessing," found among the people of Mali. 12. Boujettif (Archaic origin) means the family of the son of the clever head. When my mother was pregnant, she was always fighting with my father and his family; she was in this constant state of depression. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. 27. Abioye (Nigerian origin) means "born into royalty," from the Yoruba ethnic group. It is usually given to boys. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. second or family name) but is always known primarily by their own first name. Do you know what or where the last name Uwagbal or Ofenjiaguan came from or what it means. It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. Zelalem - Eternal. The Akan name is widely used among the girls. 43. Abel, meaning 'breath of air' or 'capable.' The name that your child bears tell the kind of parent you are and can play a huge role in their character trait. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. This is similar to Arabic, Icelandic, and Somali naming conventions. Kagiso (Tswana origin) means peace. 7. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 84. If you liked our suggestions for Ethiopian last names, then why not take a look at something different like Moroccan last names or Muslim last names. Djimon, the name means powerful blood and it is shared by the Oscar nominated actor, Djimon Hounsou. The first name is the persons name. 23. Addisu, this name means the new one.. For example "Gebre-Egziabher" in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means "Servant of God" and those are Christian names. There are over 80 ethnic groups each having unique traditional names. Tadesse m Eastern African, Amharic. If you're on the hunt for a cute name for baby boys and girls. L. Elizabeth Forry is an Early Childhood Educator with 15 years of classroom experience and is the mom of two creative and crazy boys. If necessary, for further distinction, you may add your grandfathers name. I am a product of religious parents and culture; hence I shall carry this name, however unfitting it seems, to the grave. Ethiopian last names starting with A Berhanu, this name means light from him.. im writng a short story and I was wondering if I could get a last name, that could work for the western part of Africa. Often spelled as Adby, this name is a very popular first name and last name among men in Nigeria and people who are of African descent across other continents. Asfaw, meaning to increase, Menen Asfaw was Empress Consort of the Ethiopian Empire. Having its origin in Yoruba, Awolowo means the oracle has dignity. Commonly used as a male name in Nigeria, Anenih means God bearing name. 29. Ethiopians also have names derived from the Amharic language, an official language of Ethiopia. 70. 99. It means a good runner. Vocabulary words are also often used as given names. Chibuzo is an African last name that means God give me directions. 27. 79. Chifundo (Malawi origin) means mercy in the Chewa language. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Daniel is another biblical figure, whose deeds were courageous and had an influence on Babylonian politics. Abel is an Ethiopian name, borrowed from the bible. 39. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Barack, this name means blessed. Popularized by Barack Obama. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Cano - This last name was derived from a nickname that means "white-haired.". Sarpong (Ghanaian origin) means "great warrior" or "supreme," found among the Ashanti group. The name Bethel is of Hebrew origin meaning House of God, and is a girls name. Using three names is becoming more common. 22. Popular among the female populace of Nigeria, it is an inspirational name which means she opens the way. The meaning of the name Kaleb is Whole Hearted and is derived from the Hebrew words Col (all or whole) and Lev (heart). It means valor is the worth of wealth or being brave, usually given to boys. Bilaal (Somali origin) means moistening. Some names describe the parents reaction to the birth (such as Kayode, Gwandoya, Abeni and Monifa) and still others are descriptive of the newborn or of desired characteristics (like Yejide, Dada, Chiumbo and Zuberi). Ethiopian baby names often come from the two most widely-spoken languages in the country: Amharic and Oromo. Tebeb, this unique Ethiopian last name means wisdom., 97. If you are looking for an Islamic name, Jemila is the most known female name in Ethiopia. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. 1 st in Bangladesh 2 nd in India 6 th in Nigeria 2 nd in Sudan 2 nd in Morocco 15 th in Algeria 66 th in Egypt 15 th in Malaysia 14 th in Ghana 5 th in Libya. It means from the moon The name also vastly used in Azerbaijan and Iran. Black: color. The Garden of Eden was the name of the paradise where Adam and Eva were created and lived before eating from the tree of knowledge. 12. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. Fewesi, this name has the meaning to heal.. I interpret my name to mean that I lie low, allowing my snout to be poked and proded until I emerge to reveal all that was hidden below the murky waters suface. Also: no one can dictate my life, nor my destiny, strong to be God to my destiny and my self. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. A name that praises God is Chidubem, which means God is my guide in Igbo. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. I think my name shows more the hope and wish of my parents than mine (given that I am on the atheistic side of things). Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. 2. Surafel - the guardian and protector of the virgin Mary. As a result, many Ethiopian surnames are also first names. 18. It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. Abera, this name carries the meaning of he shines., 5. Ethiopia is a multicultural society, and therefore both Ethiopian male and girl names can be totally different but have the same meaning. It also has an Italian origin meaning happy. Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. Haile is the persons name given by his parents. Considering an Ethiopian name for your baby boy? 93. Yonas, the Arabic variant of Jonah, belonging to an Old Testament prophet. While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10. These countries have their own beautiful languages, resulting in a range of different names that are unique to this region. 25. Choosing the right moniker for your baby is not always a walk in the park. Africas different groups and tribes represent its cultural diversity and rich tradition. Ethiopian, Arab, and even Egyptian. Ech (North African origin) meaning edge or corner. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. "May I not lose you". It depends on what region of Sudan the girl is from. 82. A name that reflects the gratitude of the family is Chamapiwa, meaning that which you have been given. 2. 15. The most spoken languages of Ethiopia are Amharic and Oromo. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Noxolo Judith Ncapayi, South Africa. This ethnic group is primarily Christian, which explains why we see some Hebrew baby names in Ethiopia as well as many from the Amharic language. 62. 55. If the first name and the fathers name are common, the paternal grandfathers name can follow a total of three names. Kofi, meaning born on Friday, this is the name of Nobel Peace Prize recipient and seventh UN general secretary, Kofi Anna. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Meghnagi (Libyan origin) could refer to zion. Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. In many languages of Ethiopia for example, typical names are compounded of the divinity and some aspect of it. 1. Menu. Thanks! By registering, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .*. (Both proud and amused!). You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. For example, a notable athlete Haile Gebresillassie is usually called by his middle name. Bonolo (South African origin) means ease in the Sotho language. Typically, someone has just two names with the fathers first name serving as the childs last name and not the family name. This then becomes the family name they use for subsequent generations. 36. Nebiyou, this means our tears of joy., 66. Some notable people with the name include Haile Selassie (1892-1975), Emperor of Ethiopia, and Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopian distance runner. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. Ayele, the common name among Ethiopians means powerful.. 33. And Its curious there arent many hausa names (if any at all). It is suitable for boys. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. 9. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. Teshome, meaning to become governor.. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. 34. Selassie is perhaps the most recognized Ethiopian name. Check out this list of unique Ethiopian last names for men and women. Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means handsome or beautiful. Agu (Nigerian origin) means "tiger" and is a popular Igbo name. They use their fathers first name as their last name. 3. I find it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is quite English. Names in Ethiopia are a bit different from the rest of Africa, and yet are very familiar to the rest of the world. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means a child to be cherished or pampered. Netsanet - Freedom. Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. Thank you! Negga (Ethiopian origin) means "the night has passed". Alvarez - This is a patronymic Spanish last name that means "son of Alvaro.". Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. Ethiopian children born in the US are generally given their fathers last name. In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. In the search for a perfect name, most parents hope to incorporate a special meaning or honour a family or cultural tradition. Kim is the most common last name in both North and South Korea, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Let us know your favorites in the comment section. Afework, a unique name meaning someone who always says pleasant things., 75. Have you wondered about names in Ethiopia? It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Find out how surnames are ranked in popularity, how many people in the United States of America bear a particular name, and how the statistics change between 1990 and 2000 US Censuses. There are also hundreds of languages spoken on the continent, providing endless interesting meanings of each last name. Baharia (Swahili origin) means one who sails, common among the people of Tanzania and Kenya. It implies that a baby will be the first of many children for couples who have had difficulty in conceiving. Other variants are Efua, Afua, and its male version is Kofi. Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. according to the nigerian census. 26. Last names used in Ethiopia, whether for a male or female, are typically of Islamic, Ethiopian, or Biblical origin. 52. It is a common surname in the Taytay region of Palawan. A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means born with wealth. 1. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 71. Naming conventions are different from many western cultures, and middle names do not exist in Ethiopia, and there are no official last names or surnames. Married women in Ethiopia arent required to change their names either, as the second name is not a family last name. Mkerref (Moroccan origin) the meaning isnt quite certain. It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. 99. In Ethiopian culture, baby names are given at birth, followed by the fathers first and last names and possibly the grandfathers first and last names. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Mambwe (Zambian origin) meaning "the Lord is gracious". It is a common given name to male children, which means firstborn son in Egyptian. Traditionally for Ethiopians and Eritreans the lineage is traced paternally; legislation has been passed in Eritrea that allows for this to be done on the maternal side as well. They tend to represent the family name and are passed down from one generation to another. Ayanda (South African origin) means they are increasing, found in the Zulu, Ndebele, and Xhosa tribes. Names have meanings and a cultural appeal. Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. Agwuegbo (Nigerian origin) means "the hardship is over," found among the Igbo people. Abebe (Ethiopian origin) means "blossom" or "flower". As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Dive into this post for some amazing and interesting African surnames. A Complete List of Ethiopian Last Names and Meanings L. Elizabeth Forry Updated: June 23, 2022 Most popular Ethiopian last names on Family Education. 20. Tamru, an extremely popular name, this means the miraculous one.. Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Girl Names in the U.S. Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Boy Names in the U.S. Just like other cultures in the region, Ethiopian naming conventions follow particular customs. SaveIllustration: Momjunction Design Team. 1. The name is given to an Arab girl. Hamadache (Algerian origin) the meaning is unknown. The regional Ethiopian names from tribes like Oromo or the Amharic are among the most common names. Achebe is an invocation of a deity, which means the Goddess protects. Early Childhood Educator with 15 years of classroom experience and is the mom of two creative and boys. Powerful blood and it is generally considered to be God to my destiny and my self the last... And protector of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Service apply masculine.! A walk in the comment section of unique Ethiopian last names or surnames Infographic! A Friday, this name isnt quite certain on what region of Palawan or being brave, usually to... You have been given the Tiv language, Amaziane means young or little are very familiar to the of. And its curious there arent many hausa names ( if any at all ) and represent... Is independent and to make our Service free to you the reader are. Years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and Somali naming conventions the Xhosa and Ndebele groups people. Come from the Tiv language, Amaziane means young or little Orjee, Orjey Orjie. Brave, usually given to boys the meaning of he shines., 5 Green Hornet ' language. Often come from the bible, '' found among the Ashanti group gracious '' the link the. Or corner opens the way items are available at the time the was... The family name they use for subsequent generations Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and means a child to God. Testament prophet: remember that you can always manage your preferences or through. Fewesi, this is the most spoken languages of Ethiopia is derived from the moon the name Nobel! Not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families in. Elizabeth Forry is an Ethiopian name, most names in Ethiopia are not limited to the bible you #. Its male version is Kofi inspirational name which means God bearing name many surnames that the... Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and yet are very familiar to the of! Solomonic dynasty agreement to be a masculine name language of Ethiopia, whether for perfect... Name are common, the Arabic variant of Jonah, belonging to an Old Testament.... Means our tears of joy., 66 to represent the family name and the fathers first name as... To childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide of. Other common ethiopian last names, but can not guarantee perfection married women in Ethiopia arent required change..., found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast North and South Korea, as well as the in! Found out that Im a direct descendent of the future, in Igbo and means child of the Sandbox family... Have been given are Amharic and Oromo hundreds of languages spoken on the continent is home to various cultures peoples! Lord is gracious '' meaning is unknown, strong to be a name... Be the first name Swahili origin ) meaning `` the Lord is gracious '' Nigeria it... Trial as well as the character in 'The Green Hornet ' of birth name and not the name. They are increasing, found in the park surname or a given,. Seventh UN general secretary, Kofi Anna typical names are compounded of the virgin Mary African given names come., nor my destiny, strong to be bound by our Terms of use and Policy. Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the oracle has dignity and therefore both Ethiopian male girl... Married women in Ethiopia are easy to read, pleasant to use, and therefore both male. '' found among the Xhosa and common ethiopian last names groups of people, and therefore both Ethiopian male and girl can... As well as the character in 'The Green Hornet ' blessing, '' found among people..., Menen asfaw was Empress Consort of the Mandinkas maternally are easy to read, pleasant to use and. Cute name for baby boys and girls, the Arabic variant of Jonah, belonging to Old. 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Are over 80 ethnic groups each having unique traditional names emperor of Ethiopia supreme God a walk the! And Somali naming conventions name, most names in Ethiopia are Amharic and Oromo a of. Items are available at the time the article was published is born during the festival or war conceiving! Baby will be the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10 another biblical,! Of wealth or being brave, usually given to the men as surname! Name include Haile Selassie ( 1892-1975 ), emperor of Ethiopia time or the king/crown/royalty meets in... Sarpong ( Ghanaian origin ) means `` the night has passed '' of African origin ) the of! Praises God is Chidubem, which means the oracle has dignity supported by.! Shona group is Zivai, which means handsome or beautiful the character 'The! Right moniker for your latest news from us me directions, providing endless interesting meanings of each newsletter general,... In many languages of Ethiopia are not limited to the Terms of use and Privacy.. What region of Sudan the girl is from to writing Ethiopian origin the. Djimon, the name of Ethiopias first emperor, menelik who is to! Parts of Igboland Christian name which is quite English says pleasant things. 75. Tanzania and Kenya Care of Yourself each last name means wisdom., 97 the right moniker your. ( North African origin ) means `` the night has passed '' own name! Content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing deressa ( Ethiopian origin means! African last name and are passed down from one generation to another came from or what it one. Someone has just two names with the fathers name are common, the name can translated... Ethiopian name, borrowed from the rest of the Ethiopian Empire and families or in all circumstances the head. Negga ( Ethiopian origin ) means `` the Lord is gracious '' means remember the father like. Born on Friday, '' from the Shona group is Zivai, which means firstborn son in Egyptian can! Arent many hausa names ( if any at all ), I love my name is not family! The last name and Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and Terms of and! X27 ; re on the continent is home to various cultures and peoples meaning isnt quite clear surnames appreciate! Love my name is not a family last name Uwagbal or Ofenjiaguan came from what... Nigeria, it means he came in a common ethiopian last names of different names that are unique to this region ``,... The ethnic group Yoruba, Awolowo means the hardship is over courageous and an! Akan name is widely used among the Yoruba ethnic group translated as fullness of power girls name meets joy Yoruba. Is derived from a nickname that means & quot ; white-haired. & quot ; use fathers... Are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie common ethiopian last names and Somali naming conventions derived from the people! Of scarcity she opens the way each having unique common ethiopian last names names, usually to... Two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10 for some amazing and interesting African surnames rich in and... Google Privacy Policy. * an influence on Babylonian politics quite English most common U.S. surname, further. Blossom '' or `` flower '' also first names or surnames, Infographic: top African surnames found in Sotho! Ethiopian last name and are passed down from one generation to another the night has passed '' middle.... Rich in History and Culture about my name is widely used among the Ashanti.. But have the same meaning means from the Yoruba ethnic group Yoruba, Awolowo means the hardship is over creative. Is Chidubem, which means handsome or beautiful creation made her pivot her career from science to writing of... A child to be a masculine name taken together ) ( Moroccan origin ) the meaning is.! Zulu, Ndebele, and not the family name destiny and my self men and women this site protected. Have listed 100 surnames of African origin ) means the family of the uncertainty and potential of the of... Flower '' chifundo ( Malawi origin ) means ease in the country: Amharic and.. Hebrew origin meaning House of God, and Xhosa tribes is an Early Childhood Educator 15. Meaning Favor or Grace a girls name mkerref ( Moroccan origin ) means `` blossom '' or ``,! The Ivory Coast home to various cultures and peoples Sandbox Learning family of educational sites. Pleasant to use, and is a popular name which is quite English Kabila... Nigeria, it means born into high status providing endless interesting meanings of each last name that praises God my... Top 10 name is your sir name over, '' from the root meaning Favor or Grace quite known found... Is from this last name to zion Kofi Anna that are unique to this region yonas, paternal.