60 Modern Xhosa Names and Their Meanings

Publish date: 2024-03-01

Even before having a child, most people usually keep names that have been carefully picked for the new one. Although picking a nice and unique name can look difficult at times, it is usually worth the effort. Thankfully Xhosa people do not have to worry about finding nice names because there is a long list of modern and unique Xhosa names to choose from. What an expectant parent (or parents) may have to worry about is finding the perfect name for your children from this long list of nice names.

To make the search much easier for you, we have put together a list of modern Xhosa names and their meanings. The names below were carefully picked and will be just perfect for your child.

Xhosa Baby Names When Naming A Child In The Xhosa Culture

The Xhosa language is considered South Africa’s second-most known used language after Zulu with an estimate of 8 million Xhosa people living in the country. Although about 200,000 Xhosa people can be found in Zimbabwe, South Africa has the highest number of Xhosa people. Just like Zulu, Xhosa people do not just give their children names as a mere means of identification. All Xhosa names usually have strong meanings and significance attached to them.

Some parents give their children names depending on the situation surrounding their births. Others may name a child depending on their feelings and beliefs. Also, children are named based on what the parents expect the child to become. In the Xhosa culture, names are usually considered more important than surnames and are used to trace ancestral history. When a woman gets married, she is expected to add her clan name to her new surname.

Based on the name numerology, these names have attributes attached to them, but that does not necessarily mean that your child will automatically have any of the attributes that come with his or her name.

Modern Xhosa Names For Girls

Xhosa Names

Giving your newborn female child a name that shows off her femininity and upholds the Xhosa culture is one of the best choices a Xhosa parent can make. Xhosa names for females are very pleasing to the ears, easy to pronounce and have very interesting and rich meanings. This makes the search for Xhosa names easier because you don’t have to worry about filtering names with bad meanings.

1 . Melisizwe

2. Vuyokazi

3. Thembeka

4. Sisipho

5. Simthandile

6. Qaqamba

7. Olwethu

8. Ntombentsha

9. Nomble

10. Nkosazana

11. Nontasasa

12. Nofoto

13. Thozoma

14. Notumato

15. Lulama

16. Lindelwa

17. Mthobeli

18. Nceba

19. Nandipha

20. Kuhle

21. Funeka

22. Fezeka

23. Buhle

24. Babalwa

25. Bathandwa

26. Sivuyile

27. Ayanda

28. Zola

29. Hlengiwe

30. Liyema

Xhosa Names For Boys

In the Xhosa tradition, boys are usually considered heirs to their father and their birth brings so much joy and happiness to their parents. For a child that gives you so much joy, giving him a modern and befitting name is certainly worth it. Here are 30 Xhosa names for boys that you should absolutely choose from.

1. Silumko

2. Nyaniso

3. Qaqambile

4. Sibabalwe

5. Ntando

6. Mpumelelo

7. Nkululeko

8. Mthandeni

9. Nkokheli

10. Mandla

Xhosa Names

11. Luthando

12. Lwazi

13. Mangaliso

14. Luzuko

15. Langa

16. Khuselwa

17. Khwezi

18. Fezile

19. Fundani

20. Dumisa

21. Bonginkosi

22. Ayabonga

23. Aphiwe

24. Akhona

25. Themba

26. Nkosi

27. Mpilo

28. Khanyiso

29. Rolihlahla

30. Lephelo

5 Most Common Xhosa Names

Although a lot of people like giving their children unique names that not many people bear, some prefer going for names that are already common. If you fall into the second category, here are 5 common Xhosa names you should consider;

Common Xhosa Names For Girls

Common Xhosa Names For Boys

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