60 Modern Xhosa Names and Their Meanings

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

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

Meaning: Nations leaders.
Significance: Denotes the parent’s expectations towards the child.
Qualities: Diplomatic, discreet, down-to-earth, and intelligent.
Pronunciation: Me-li-sizwe.

2. Vuyokazi

Meaning: Happiness.
Significance: Signifies the way the family feels about the child.
Qualities: Good organizers, managers. They have a systematic and methodical approach to life.
Pronunciation: Vuh-uh-yuh-kah-zh-ee.

3. Thembeka

Meaning: Be reliable/trustworthy.
Significance: Denotes the family’s expectations towards the child.
Qualities: Sensitive, acceptable, cooperative, diplomatic, and eventful.
Pronunciation: Th(e)-mbe-ka.

4. Sisipho

Meaning: The one who is your gift.
Significance: Signifies how the family feels about the child.
Qualities: Audacious, non-traditional, and help others adapt to life.
Pronunciation: Si-si-ph-o.

5. Simthandile

Meaning: We have loved her.
Significance: Depicts the parents feeling about the child.
Qualities: They have seductive and magnetic power and are willing to help others.
Pronunciation: Sim-than-di-le.

6. Qaqamba

Meaning: One who shines bright.
Significance: Denotes the family’s expectations towards the child.
Qualities: They are idealists who over-analyze and may seem hesitant or distant.
Pronunciation: Kwuh-ah-kwuh-uh-muh-buh-ah.

7. Olwethu

Meaning: Our own.
Significance: Signifies the way the parent feels about their child.
Qualities: They have a free spirit and love adventure, freedom, and change.
Pronunciation: Ol-we-thu.

8. Ntombentsha

Meaning: Newly born or new girl.
Significance: Denotes the way the family feels about their child.
Qualities: Easily adapt to change, good at approaching people and presenting ideas.
Pronunciation: Ntom-bent-sha.

9. Nomble

Meaning: Graced with beauty.
Significance: Denotes the way the parent feels about the child.
Qualities: They are optimistic, inspiring, outgoing, expressive, and cheerful.
Pronunciation: Nom-ble.

10. Nkosazana

Meaning: Princess.
Significance: Signifies the family’s feelings about the child.
Qualities: They are a perfectionist who strives towards a lofty goal.
Pronunciation: Nko-sa-za-na.

11. Nontasasa

Meaning: Born in the early morning.
Significance: Denotes the time or season when the child was born.
Qualities: They have a broad view of life and an inspirational approach to it.
Pronunciation: Non-ta-sa-sa.

12. Nofoto

Meaning: Someone who is like her grandmother.
Significance: Denotes the way the family feels about the child.
Qualities: Down to earth, willing to take those stressful jobs and artistic.
Pronunciation: No-fo-to.

13. Thozoma

Meaning: Calmness.
Significance: Signifies the family expectations towards the child.
Qualities: They love making their family members happy and are always in a competition to attract those around them.
Pronunciation: Tho-zo-mah.

14. Notumato

Meaning: Beautiful at birth.
Significance: Denotes the way the parent feels about their child.
Qualities: Idealistic and crave attention.
Pronunciation: No-tu-ma-to.

15. Lulama

Meaning: Mild and Soft Spoken.
Significance: Signifies the family’s expectations.
Qualities: Responsible, truth worthy and have the tendency to put the needs of others before theirs.
Pronunciation: Lu-la-mah.

16. Lindelwa

Meaning: One who was awaited.
Significance: Denotes the situation surrounding the child’s birth.
Qualities: Have the potential of achieving great things, warm, soft, and love having dominion.
Pronunciation: Lin-del-wah.

17. Mthobeli

Meaning: Obedient one.
Significance: Signifies the parent’s expectations.
Qualities: Friendly loving, social and creative.
Pronunciation: Mtho-be-li.

18. Nceba

Meaning: Mercy.
Significance: Xhosa Christian name.
Qualities: Analytical, love helping others, and value courage.
Pronunciation: N-ce-bah.

19. Nandipha

Meaning: Good taste.
Significance: This signifies the way the family feels about their child.
Qualities: Problem solvers, have a systemic and methodological approach to life.
Pronunciation: Nan-di-pha.

20. Kuhle

Meaning: Wellness.
Significance: Denotes the family’s expectations.
Qualities: Expressive, positive, cheerful and have a charming personality.
Pronunciation: Ku-hle.

21. Funeka

Meaning: One who is needed.
Significance: Denotes the situation surrounding the child’s birth and the family’s feelings towards the child.
Qualities: They are perfectionists, and they make long-term goals.
Pronunciation: Fu-ne-ka.

22. Fezeka

Meaning: Fulfilled.
Significance: Signifies the way the parents feel about the child.
Qualities: Idealistic, peacemakers, and studious.
Pronunciation: Fe-ze-kah.

23. Buhle

Meaning: Beauty.
Significance: Denotes the family’s feelings about the child.
Qualities: Outgoing, expressive, optimistic, and reliable.
Pronunciation: Bu-hle.

24. Babalwa

Meaning: Graced.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that denotes the way the parents feel about the child.
Qualities: Loving, caring, friendly and attractive.
Pronunciation: Ba-bal-wa.

25. Bathandwa

Meaning: Beloved.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that signifies the way the parent feels.
Qualities: They are creative, may procrastinate a lot but they love anything that involves concentration.
Pronunciation: Ba-th-and-wah.

26. Sivuyile

Meaning: We are happy.
Significance: Denotes the family’s feelings towards the child.
Qualities: They love adventures and freedom of expression. They are also good at helping others adapt to change.
Pronunciation: Si-vu-yi-le.

27. Ayanda

Meaning: They are increasing.
Significance: Signifies the way the family feels about the coming of the child.
Qualities: Always want to be in the spotlight and go to the peak of whatever they pick interest in.
Pronunciation: A-yan-da.

28. Zola

Meaning: Calm.
Significance: Signifies the feelings of the parents.
Qualities: Achievers who have a broad vision and love improving any project or situation.
Pronunciation: Zo-lah.

29. Hlengiwe

Meaning: Redeemed.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that signifies the way the family feels about the coming of the child.
Qualities: They have a personality that is a perfect blend between masculine and feminine.
Pronunciation: Hlen-gi-we.

30. Liyema

Meaning: Stability in the family.
Significance: Denotes the situation surrounding the child’s birth.
Qualities: Honest, unreserved and have natural tendencies to work well with others.
Pronunciation: Li-ye-mah.

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

Meaning: Wise man.
Significance: A Xhosa Christian name that signifies the family expectations.
Qualities: Sensual, alluring, and creative.
Pronunciation: Si-lum-ko.

2. Nyaniso

Meaning: Truthfulness.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that denotes the parent expectations.
Qualities: Creative, analytical, and love to study to gain insight.
Pronunciation: Nya-ni-so.

3. Qaqambile

Meaning: Brightness.
Significance: Signifies the family’s feelings towards the child.
Qualities: Resilient, preserving, know how to cope with life situations and challenges.
Pronunciation: Kwuh-ah-kwuh-am-bile.

4. Sibabalwe

Meaning: Blessed.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that signifies the way the family feels about the coming of the child.
Qualities: Consistent, reliable and have a powerful presence.
Pronunciation: Si-ba-bal-we.

5. Ntando

Meaning: Strong will.
Significance: Signifies the situation surrounding the child’s birth.
Qualities: Self-sufficient, intelligent, and naturally attracts respect.
Pronunciation: Nt-an-do.

6. Mpumelelo

Meaning: Success.
Significance: Denotes the family’s expectations.
Qualities: Natural instinct to be a leader, intelligent, optimistic, and have a methodical and systematic approach to life and problems.
Pronunciation: Mpu-me-le-lo.

7. Nkululeko

Meaning: Freedom.
Significance: Denotes the situation surrounding the child’s birth and the family’s expectations.
Qualities: Compassionate, warm ambitious, and love adventure.
Pronunciation: N-(ku)-lu-le-ko.

8. Mthandeni

Meaning: Love him.
Significance: Denotes the parent’s feelings.
Qualities: Intellectual, disciplined and non-materialistic.
Pronunciation: M-than-de-ni.

9. Nkokheli

Meaning: Leader.
Significance: Signifies the family’s expectations.
Qualities: Self-sacrificing, relaxed, and adventurous.
Pronunciation: Nko-khe-li.

10. Mandla

Meaning: One who has power.
Significance: Denotes the parent’s expectations.
Qualities: Sensitive, emotional and want to live in peace and harmony.
Pronunciation: Man-dla.

11. Luthando

Meaning: Love.
Significance: Signifies the way the parent feels about the child.
Qualities: Intelligent, independent, creative, sensitive, and creative.
Pronunciation: Lu-than-do.

12. Lwazi

Meaning: Full of knowledge.
Significance: Denotes the expectations of the family.
Qualities: Highly competitive, studious, confident, and successful.
Pronunciation: L-wa-zi.

13. Mangaliso

Meaning: Wonderful.
Significance: Denotes the family’s feelings about the coming of the child.
Qualities: Visionary, unpretentious, risk-takers, courageous, and ambitious.
Pronunciation: (M)-an-ga-li-so.

14. Luzuko

Meaning: Glory.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that signifies the way the family feels about the child.
Qualities: They love peace, relaxation and are sensitive to nature.
Pronunciation: Lu-zu-ko.

15. Langa

Meaning: The Sun.
Significance: Denotes the time and season the child was born.
Qualities: They have the potential to achieve great things. They are compassionate, understanding, and love peace and harmony.
Pronunciation: L-an-ga.

16. Khuselwa

Meaning: Be protected.
Significance: Signifies the parent’s expectations.
Qualities: They are shy and care about others respecting their views.
Pronunciation: K-hu-sel-wa.

17. Khwezi

Meaning: Star.
Significance: Denotes the family’s feelings about the child.
Qualities: Independent, natural leaders, independent, and love adventures.
Pronunciation: Kh-we-zi.

18. Fezile

Meaning: Accomplished.
Significance: Denotes the parent’s feelings about the child.
Qualities: They have a strong and powerful appearance.
Pronunciation: Fe-zi-le.

19. Fundani

Meaning: To Learn.
Significance: Denotes the family’s expectations.
Qualities: Soft, warm, unpretentious, and friendly.
Pronunciation: F-un-da-ni.

20. Dumisa

Meaning: Praise.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that denotes the parent’s feelings about the child’s birth.
Qualities: They like to have a stable and organized life and hate sudden changes.
Pronunciation: Du-mi-sa.

21. Bonginkosi

Meaning: Thanking God.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that signifies the parent’s feelings.
Qualities: Intelligence, creative, sensitive, friendly, happy, and outgoing.
Pronunciation: Bon-gin-kosi.

22. Ayabonga

Meaning: Grateful.
Significance: A Christian Xhosa name that denotes the parent’s feelings.
Qualities: Optimistic, inspiring, outgoing, and expressive.
Pronunciation: A-ya-bon-ga.

23. Aphiwe

Meaning: Given.
Significance: Denotes the family’s relationship with others.
Qualities: They have the power and potential to be great, and also love helping others.
Pronunciation: A-phi-we.

24. Akhona

Meaning: A present.
Significance: Signifies the parent’s feelings.
Qualities: Compassionate, warm, fair, and ambitious.
Pronunciation: Ak-ho-na.

25. Themba

Meaning: Faith/hope.
Significance: The Xhosa Christian name denotes the parent’s feelings.
Qualities: They love showing love to those they really care about, they are also independent and self-sufficient.
Pronunciation: Them-ba.

26. Nkosi

Meaning: King.
Significance: Denotes how the family feels about the child and their expectations.
Qualities: They have a free spirit and love helping others. They also love adventure and excitement.
Pronunciation: N-ko-si.

27. Mpilo

Meaning: Life.
Significance: Signifies the situation surrounding the child’s birth and the family’s expectations.
Qualities: They esteem their family and have a powerful presence.
Pronunciation: M-pi-lo.

28. Khanyiso

Meaning: Light.
Significance: Denotes how the family feels about the child.
Qualities: Good-natured, friendly and take advantage of their potential.
Pronunciation: Kh-an-yi-so.

29. Rolihlahla

Meaning: Pulling a tree branch (the colloquial of a troublemaker)
Significance: Signifies the situation surrounding the child’s birth and the family’s relationship with others.
Qualities: Responsible, trustworthy, and uphold justice and honesty
Pronunciation: Ro-li-hla-hla

30. Lephelo

Meaning: The end.
Significance: Denotes the family’s feelings about the child and the circumstances surrounding his birth.
Qualities: They are loyal, observant, and hopeful.
Pronunciation: Le-phe-lo.

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

Noxolo – Peace
Lindiwe – Awaited
Thembeka – Be reliable/trustworthy
Sisipho – The one who is your gift
Nocawe – Born on Sunday

Common Xhosa Names For Boys

Sifso – Wish
Anele – Male
Mxolisi – Peacemaker
Themba – Hope/Trust
Mpilo – Life