150+ South African Male Names and Meanings

South African male names are usually important because they stand as figures representing their families in everything they do. Naming a male child is like naming a future generation that marks a family’s identity. Names in South Africa and most other african societies are based on the background, religion, and the occasion surrounding at the time of birth of the child. 

For instance, Bhekizizwe, which means ‘looking after nations’ in Zulu, is a prophetic name that parents give to their child with the hope that he ecomes a leader. Corollary to this, Meluzmi, which means ‘one who will represent your family’ in Xhosa is a name brings hope to a family.

South African Male Names and Meanings in Different languages

Zulu Names, Pronunciation, and Their Meanings 

1. Jabulani 

• Pronunciation: Jah- boo-lah-ni
• Meaning: Rejoice
• Best For: Male
• Also used by: Swahili

2. Bafana 

• Pronunciation: Bah- fah -nah
• Meaning: Boy, young man
• Best For: Males

3. Dingiswayo 

• Pronunciation: Din-gid-wah-yoh
• Meaning: A great Zulu King
• Best For:Males

4. Lwazi 

• Pronunciation: L(u)-a-zi
• Meaning: Knowledge
• Best For: Male

5. Langa

• Pronunciation: Lang-gah
• Meaning: Sun, sunshine
• Best For: Males

6. Shaka 

• Pronunciation: Sha-kah
• Meaning: Zulu tribal ruler
• Best For: Males

7. Andile 

• Pronunciation: Ahn-dee-le
• Meaning: Increased, added, plenty, they have multiplied
• Best For: Males/ Females
• Also used by: Xhosa, Zulu

8. Mandhla (Mandla)

• Pronunciation: Man-dhla
• Meaning: Strength
• Best For: Male

9. Banele 

• Pronunciation: Bah-ne-leh
• Meaning: Enough, the children are enough,
• Best For : Males

10. Melokuhle 

• Pronunciation: Me-lo-ku-shle
• Meaning: Beautiful one
• Best For: Male/ female
• Also used by: Xhosa

11. Bhekithemba

• Pronunciation: Be-ki-tem-bah
• Meaning: Look for hope, behold  the hope
• Best For: Males

12. Meshndi 

• Pronunciation: Meh- shin -dih
• Meaning: Conqueror, winner, victory
• Best For: Males

13. Zithembe 

• Pronunciation: Zee-tem-beh
• Meaning: Trust yourself
• Best For: Male/ female

14. Kagiso 

• Pronunciation: Kah- gi- so
• Meaning: Peace
• Best For: Males

15. Bhekizizwe 

• Pronunciation: Beh -ki-zi-zi-we
• Meaning: Looking after nations
• Best For: Males

16. Funani 

• Pronunciation: Fu- na-ni
• Meaning: Search, want
• Best For: Male

17. Kgabu

• Pronunciation: Kga-bu
• Meaning: To decorate richly
• Best For: Males

18. Linda 

• Pronunciation: Lin-dah
• Meaning: Wait, Patience
• Best For: Males

19. Lwandle

• Pronunciation: Lwa-ndle
• Meaning: Ocean
• Best For: Males

20. Phila 

• Pronunciation: Fi-la
• Meaning: live, Get well
• Best For: Males

21. Thando 

• Pronunciation: Th(a)-ndo
• Meaning: love
• Best For: Males/ females

22. Sanele

• Pronunciation: San-nee-le
• Meaning: We have enough, we are satisfied, and content
• Best For: Males

23. Thulani

• Pronunciation: Tu-lah-ni
• Meaning: Be quiet, be comforted
• Best For: Males

24. Nkanyezi 

• Pronunciation: Nhka-nye-zee
• Meaning: Star
• Best For: Males

25. Mpilo

• Pronunciation: Mh-pi-lo
• Meaning: life
• Best For: Males

26. Bangizwe

• Pronunciation: Ban-gi-zweh
• Meaning: Fighting for land
• Best For: Males

27. Philani 

• Pronunciation: Fi-la-ni
• Meaning: Precious, majestic, truly unforgettable, to be alive
• Best For: Males

28. Velaphi

• Pronunciation: Ve-lah-fi
• Meaning: Where From
• Best For: Males

29. Vusumuzi

• Pronunciation: Vu-suu-mu-zhi
• Meaning: Raise the household
• Best For: Males

30. Siphiwe 

• Pronunciation: Si- fi-weh
• Meaning: We have been given
• Best For: Males

Xhosa Names and their Meanings 

31. Akhona 

• Pronunciation: Ahk-ho-na
• Meaning: Present
• Best For: Males

32. Bhutana 

• Pronunciation: Buh-taa-na
• Meaning:  Little brother
• Best For: Males

33. Fezile 

• Pronunciation: Feh-zee-leh
• Meaning: One who is accomplished
• Best For: Males

34. Gugulethu 

• Pronunciation: Gu-gu-le-thu
• Meaning: The one you are Proud of
• Best For: Males

35. Khwezi 

• Pronunciation: Kwe-zhi
• Meaning: A little boy that lightens up your life
• Best For: Males

36. Lonwabo

• Pronunciation: Lon-waa-bo
• Meaning: Happiness, Happiness in your life
• Best For: Males

37. Madoda 

• Pronunciation: Ma -do-dah
• Meaning: Men
• Best For: Males

38.  Mpumelelo

• Pronunciation: Mhpu-mee-le-lo
• Meaning: Success
• Best For: Male

39. Silumko

• Pronunciation: Si-lum-koo
• Meaning: A wise man
• Best For: Males

40. Ntando 

• Pronunciation: Nhn-tan-do
• Meaning: Strong will
• Best For: Males

41. Meluzmi

• Pronunciation: Mee-luz-mi
• Meaning: One who will represent your family
• Best For: Males

42. Lubabalo

• Pronunciation: Lu-bah-ba-lo
• Meaning: Full of Grace
• Best For: Males

43. Jongikhaya 

• Pronunciation: Jong-gik-kaya
• Meaning: One who will watch over the home
• Best For: Male/ female

44. Bonginkosi 

• Pronunciation: Bon -gin koo-si
• Meaning: Thanking God
• Best For: Males

45. Anathi 

• Pronunciation: Ah- na-ti
• Meaning: They are with us
• Best For: Male/ Female

46. Nomlanga

• Pronunciation: Nohm-lan-ga
• Meaning: A little boy’s growth
• Best For: Males

47. Daluxolo

• Pronunciation: Dah-lu-solo
• Meaning: A believer of peace, peacemaker
• Best For: Males

48. Uuka

• Pronunciation: Yuh-ka
• Meaning: Someone who is ready to rise up
• Best For: Male

49. Mahlubandile 

• Pronunciation: Mah-lu-ban-dee-leh
• Meaning: The clan has increased, There is a new member of the family
• Best For: Males

50. Malibongwe

• Pronunciation: mah-li-bon gwe
• Meaning: Praise
• Best For: Males

51. Sifso

• Pronunciation: S(u)f-soh
• Meaning: wish
• Best For: Male/ female

52. khayone 

• Pronunciation: Ka-yo-neh
• Meaning: God didn’t make a mistake for blessing me with you
• Best For: Male/ female

53. Tshegofatso

• Pronunciation: T-shego-f-at-so
• Meaning: Blessing, one who brings blessings
• Best For: Male/ Female
• Also used by: Tswana

54. Nkosi

• Pronunciation: Ng-koh-see
• Meaning: Ruler, King, god, or lord
• Best For: Male

55. Lephelo

• Pronunciation: Lep-(h)-ee-loh
• Meaning: The end
• Best For: Male

56. Nkululeko

• Pronunciation: Nhn-Ku-lu-lee-ko
• Meaning: Freedom
• Best For: Males

57. Kumkani

• Pronunciation: Kum-kah-ni
• Meaning: King
• Best For: Male

58. Likhakha

• Pronunciation: Lik-hak-kah
• Meaning: Shoulder to cry on
• Best For: Males

59. Loyiso 

• Pronunciation: Lo-yi-soh
• Meaning: Victory
• Best For: Males

60. Paki 

• Pronunciation: Pah-kee
• Meaning: Witness
• Best For: Males

Ndebele Names

61. Dumusani

• Pronunciation: Du-meer-ser-nih
• Meaning:  Praise
• Best For: Male

62. Butho

• Pronunciation: Boo-toh
• Meaning: Soldier
• Best For: Male

63. Kanye

• Pronunciation: Kan-yeh
• Meaning: Togetherness
• Best For: Male

64. Mtulisi

• Pronunciation: M-tu-li-si
• Meaning: One who consoles
• Best For: Males

65. Zibuseni

• Pronunciation: Zi-bu-se-nih
• Meaning: Rule yourself
• Best For: Male

66. Simakahle

• Pronunciation: Si-mah-kah-lee
• Meaning:  We stand well, firm
• Best For: Male

67. Dingani

• Pronunciation: Din-gah-nee
• Meaning: What are you looking for ?
• Best For: Males
• Also used by: Zulu

68. Vusimuzi

• Pronunciation: Vuh-see-mo-zee
• Meaning: Home / clan starter
• Best For:  Male

69. Bukhosi

• Pronunciation: Buh-ko-si
• Meaning: Royalty/ Princehood
• Best For: Male

70. Sabelo

• Pronunciation: Sah-bee-loh
• Meaning: To give
• Best For: Males

71. Dansile

• Pronunciation: Dah-si-leh
• Meaning: You have made us sad
• Best For: Males

72. Sengamo

• Pronunciation: Sen-gah-mo
• Meaning: Source of strength
• Best For: Males

73. Thabani

• Pronunciation: Ta-ba-nee
• Meaning: Rejoice, be happy, glad
• Best For: Male/female
• Also used by: Zulu

74. Nqabenhle

• Pronunciation: Nqa-ben-leh
• Meaning: A good provider, shelter
• Best For: Males

75. Mlungisi

• Pronunciation: Mhm-lun-gee-si
• Meaning: One who puts things right
• Best For: Males

76. Bhekithembe

• Pronunciation: Beh-kit-tem-be
• Meaning: look for or look after hope
• Best For: Males

77. Mazwi

• Pronunciation: Maz-wee
• Meaning: Wisdom words
• Best For: Males

78. Mfundo

• Pronunciation: M-fun-doh
• Meaning: Education
• Best For: Males

Afrikaans

79. Luan 

• Pronunciation:  Lu-han
• Meaning: Male
• Best For: Male

80. Ade

• Pronunciation: Ah-deh
• Meaning: Royal
• Best For: Male

81. Leeto

• Pronunciation: Liy-tow
• Meaning: Journey
• Best For: Males

82. Lodewikus

• Pronunciation:  Loh-deh-wih-kus
• Meaning: War/ battle
• Best For: Male

83. Kamogelo

• Pronunciation: Kah-mo-geh-loh
• Meaning: Acceptance
• Best For: Male

84. Zonja

• Pronunciation: Zon-jah
• Meaning: Wisdom
• Best For: Male/ female

85. Ajanie

• Pronunciation: Ah-jah-nee
• Meaning: He who wins the struggle
• Best For: Males

86. Adiel 

• Pronunciation: Ah-di-el
• Meaning: Goat
• Best For: Male

87. Ajayi

• Pronunciation: Ah-jah-yee
• Meaning: Born Facedown
• Best For: Males

88. Amiri 

• Pronunciation: Ah- mi-ree
• Meaning: Prince
• Best For: Males

89.  Arno

• Pronunciation: Arh-no
• Meaning: Eagle
• Best For: Males

90. Bash 

• Pronunciation: Ba- sh
• Meaning: Forerunner
• Best For: Male

91. Bayode

• Pronunciation: Bah-yor-de
• Meaning: He comes with Joy
• Best For: Male

92. Belay 

• Pronunciation: Bee- lay
• Meaning: Above, Superior
• Best For: Male

93. Jaivyn

• Pronunciation: Je-vin
• Meaning: light-spirit
• Best For: Males /females

94. Johan

• Pronunciation: Yo-han
• Meaning: God is gracious
• Best For:

95. Kai 

• Pronunciation: K-ai
• Meaning: Sea
• Best For: Males

96. Akpena

• Pronunciation: A-(k)pe-nah
• Meaning: Thanks to God
• Best For: Male /female

97. Tyrese

• Pronunciation: Tie- ris
• Meaning: Talented leader of well-being
• Best For: 

98. Wasaki

• Pronunciation: Wah-sah-kee
• Meaning: Enemy
• Best For: Males

99. Yaro

• Pronunciation: Yah-ro
• Meaning: son
• Best For: Males

100. Upendo

• Pronunciation: you-pen-do
• Meaning: Love
• Best For: Male/ female

Read Also: 150+ South African Female Names and Meanings

Tshivenda Names

101. Mulalo

• Pronunciation:  Mu-lah-loh
• Meaning: peace
• Best For: male

102. Alu 

• Pronunciation: Ah-luu
• Meaning: Be prosperous
• Best For: Male

103. Dowe 

• Pronunciation: Doh-wey
• Meaning: Get used to it
• Best For: Males

104. Avhapfani

• Pronunciation: Av-ha-fa-nee
• Meaning: They do not get along
• Best For: Males

105. Zwanga

• Pronunciation: Z-wan-gah
• Meaning: Mine or that which belongs to me
• Best For: Males

106. Humbe 

• Pronunciation: Hum-bee
• Meaning: Ask
• Best For: Males

107. Dakalo

• Pronunciation: Dah-kaa-loh
• Meaning: Happiness
• Best For: Males

108. Maanda

• Pronunciation: Ma-an-dah
• Meaning: Power or strength
• Best For: Males

109. Rabelani 

• Pronunciation: Ra- bee-lah-ni
• Meaning: Prayer, to pray
• Best For: Male/ females

110. Shandukani

• Pronunciation: san-du-ka-nee
• Meaning: To change
• Best For: Males

Tswana Names and Their Meanings 

111. Goitsemang

• Pronunciation: Giot-seh-mang
• Meaning: Who knows, gift of God
• Best For: Males

112. Masogo

• Pronunciation: mah-soh-goh
• Meaning: Blessings
• Best For: Males

113. Ditiro 

• Pronunciation: Dee-ti-roh
• Meaning: Acts
• Best For: Males

114. Agang 

• Pronunciation: Ah -g-ang
• Meaning: Build
• Best For: Males

115. Baboloki

• Pronunciation: Bah-bo-lo-ki
• Meaning: Savior
• Best For: Males

116. Kgalefa 

• Pronunciation: K(g)a-le-fa
• Meaning: Brave
• Best For: Males

117.  Moagi

• Pronunciation: Mo-ah-gi
• Meaning: A builder
• Best For: Male

118. Mooketsi

• Pronunciation: Mo-ra-pe-di
• Meaning: One who prays
• Best For: Males

119.  Obonye 

• Pronunciation: Oh-bo-nye
• Meaning: He has seen
• Best For: Males

120. Olebile

• Pronunciation: Oh-le-bi-le
• Meaning: He is watching
• Best For: Males

121. Tau

• Pronunciation: Tah-au
• Meaning: Lion
• Best For: Males

122. Tshenolo

• Pronunciation: Tsh(e)-no-lo
• Meaning: Revelation
• Best For:  Males

123. Onkemetse

• Pronunciation:  On-ke-me-tse
• Meaning: He is representing me
• Best For:  Males

124. Motswane 

• Pronunciation: Mo(t)-swa-ne
• Meaning: Good
• Best For: Males

125. Ofetse

• Pronunciation: Oh- fe-tse
• Meaning:  He has conquered
• Best For: Males

126. Oatise

• Pronunciation: Oh-ah-ti-s(e)
• Meaning: He knows
• Best For: Males

127. Kgosieman 

• Pronunciation: K(g)o-s(i)e-man
• Meaning: Who is the chief?
• Best For: Males

128. Boikanyo

• Pronunciation: Bo(i)-kan-yo
• Meaning: A dependence
• Best For: Male

129. Afeloteng

• Pronunciation: Ah-fuh-e-luh
• Meaning: Change it
• Best For: Males

130. Khumo

• Pronunciation: Khu-mo
• Meaning: Wealth
• Best For:  Males

Southern Sotho Names and Their Meaning

131. Tuma 

• Pronunciation: Too-mah
• Meaning: Immortal
• Best For: Males

132. Dino

• Pronunciation: Dee-no
• Meaning: Spearman
• Best For: Males

133. Thapelo

• Pronunciation: Ta-peh-loh
• Meaning: Prayer
• Best For: Males

134. Thato

• Pronunciation: Tah-toh
• Meaning: Love of God, God’s will
• Best For: Males
• Also used by: Tswana

135. Kananelo 

• Pronunciation: Kah-na-ne-lo
• Meaning: Appreciation
• Best For: Males

136. Rapula 

• Pronunciation: Rah-pu-lah
• Meaning: Father of rain
• Best For:  Males

137. Tsotang

• Pronunciation: Tso-tang
• Meaning: Amazement or astonish
• Best For: Males

138. Kweda

• Pronunciation: Kwe-dah
• Meaning: Crocodile
• Best For:  Males

139. Lerumo 

• Pronunciation:  Le-ru-moo
• Meaning: Blade, or the edge of a spear
• Best For:  Males

Tsonga Names and Meanings 

140. Dzunani

• Pronunciation: Zu-nah-nee
• Meaning: Be Proud
• Best For: Male

141. Hanyani

• Pronunciation: Han-ya-nee
• Meaning: live
• Best For: Males

142. Amukelo

• Pronunciation: A-mu-keh-lo
• Meaning: Acceptance
• Best For: Male/ female

143. Drondro

• Pronunciation: Dron -droh
• Meaning: Pool of Knowledge
• Best For: Males

145. Fikani

• Pronunciation: Fee-kah-ni
• Meaning: A higher level
• Best For: Males

146. Kotani 

• Pronunciation: Koh-tah-nee
• Meaning: Accomplish
• Best For: Males

147. Kurhula

• Pronunciation: Kur-huu-la
• Meaning: Peace
• Best For: Males

148. Xaniseka 

• Pronunciation: Sa-ni-se-ka
• Meaning: Suffer
• Best For: Males

149. Rhangani

• Pronunciation: Ran-gah-nee
• Meaning: Be the pioneer
• Best For: Males

150. Mulweri

• Pronunciation: Mul- weh-ree
• Meaning: Defender
• Best For: Males

Other Tsonga Names

Nhelo

• Pronunciation: Nhe-lo
• Meaning: Selection
• Best For: Males

Tintswalo

• Pronunciation: Tin-swa-lo
• Meaning: Mercy
• Best For: Males

Hlaysiseka 

• Pronunciation: H-lay-si-se-ka
• Meaning: Be safe
• Best For: Males

Dyondzani

• Pronunciation: Yon-dzan-nee
• Meaning: Learn
• Best For: Male

Hlanganani

• Pronunciation: H-lan-ga-na-nee
• Meaning: Unite
• Best For: Males

Some Common South African Last Names

• Khumalo: This surname means descendants of the fish tribe in Ndebele
• Bhule: This name is of Xhosa origin. It means handsome.
• Gumede: The name is of Zulu origin. It means to end what you have started
• Tutu: This name comes from one of the minority languages, the Subiya tribe, which means wealth.
• Nkosi: The name comes from the Nguni and Zulu tribe that means King.
• Abara: This surname has an Igbo origin that means spirit.
• Dlamini: This surname means royalty that originated Etswana tribe.
• Ndlovu: This name is a totemic name of the Ndebele tribe that means Elephant.
• Sithole: The name is derived from the Zulu word ” isithole” which means calf.
• Mahlangu: This name is the plural form of Hlangu which means reedbuck.