Ndebele people are Nguni ethnic groups who are often referred to as amaNdebele. They are divided into three main groups: the Northern Ndebele, the Southern Ndebele, and the Ndebele of Zimbabwe. These groups reside in South Africa and Zimbabwe. They are sub-divided into clans, and these clans are distinguished by names that are different from surnames.
Clan names have more to do with cultural identity as they commemorate ancestors and serve as a link between a person and their identity in the amaNdabele nation. While these family names are highly important, surnames, which are passed down from the father’s side of the family, are equally valued among the amaNdebeles. Additionally, names given to children among the Ndebele people generally have social-cultural relevance.
Ndebele Clan Names
Here are the popular clan names among the amaNdebele that are part of their cultural inheritance and the crux of understanding oneself.
1. Khumalo Clan Names
Mntungwa, Mbulaz’omnyama, Nina bakaBhej’eseNgome, Nin’enadl’umuntu nimyenga ngendaba, Nin’enadl’izimf’ezimbili ikhambi laphuma lilinye, Lobengula kaMzilikazi, Mzilikazi kaMashobana, Shobana noGasa kaZikode, Zikode kaMkhatshwa, Okhatshwe ngezind’izinyawo nangezimfushanyana, UMkhatshwa wawoZimangela, UNyama yentini yawoZimangele Mabaso owabas’entabeni kwadliwa ilanga lishona,
BaNtungw’abancwaba, Zindlovu ezibantu, Zindlovu ezimacocombela, Nin’abakwaMawela owawel’iZambezi ngezikhali, Nin’abakwaNkomo zavul’inqaba, Zavul’inqaba ngezimpondo kwelaseNgome zahamba, Nin’enalukudl’umlenze kwaBulawayo, Mantungwa Aluhlaza, Mantungwa Amahle, Bantwana benkosi! Nin’abakwaNtokela, Inkubele abayihlabe ngamanxeba,
Abakhule ngezinyawo ezimfishanyana nezimaqhukulwana, Inyang’abathe beth’ifil’uZulu kanti isiyetheswe, Yetheswe ngoNyakana kaMpenyana, UBando abalubande balushiy’uZulu, UNtshwintshwinshwi kaNoyanda noNdaba, UNkone evele ngobus’emdibini, Maqhaw’amakhulu!
2. Hadebe Clan Names
Hadebe, Bhungane, Bhungane kaNsele, Zikode, Gob’izembe, Makhulukhulu, Mehlomakhulu, Umkhulu Bhungane, Ziyengane eziyeng’umuntu, zimyenga ngendaba, Mthimkhulu, Mashiya amahle, amade anjengawenyamazane, Mafuz’afulele njengelifu lemvula, S’goloza esimehlo abomvu esibheka umuntu kube sengathi siyamujamela, Ndlubu zamil’ebubini, ngoba zesab’ukwehlela, Ingab’emhlabeni zesabani? Nina enindlebe zikhanya ilanga,
Nina enindlebe zinhle zombili, Nina bosiba olude olungakhothami endlwaneni kodwa kwezinde luyakhothama, Nina bomagawula imithi emincane emikhulu ivele iziwele, Mahlubi amahle, Nina maHlubi anzipho zimnyama ngokuqhwayana, Mashwabadela owashwabadela inkomo kanye nezimpondo zayo, Ngelengele!
3. Sikhosana Clan Names
Sikhosana! uMusi kaMhlanga Novaphi Nolinda, ulinda mkhotho njengeNsele Mphandaphanda Magwace! Gwabiya Hlahl’Ulundi lungenandlela Iwaba nezindlelandlela Zitsha ezinhle njengezokubolekwa Mtungwa! Gxamugxamu sikumba seMpisi asibethelwa ekhaya ngoba izinkomo zizobovuka!
4. Ntuli Clan Names
Godide, Mphemba, Ndlela kaSompisi, Sothole, Gudukazi uyiNcwayo, Khuboni, Sompisi owaphemba ngamakhand’amadoda, Abanye bephemba ngomililo, Nina base Lenge, Enabonakala ngefu lezintuli, Kwabe kunguSompisi kaGuqa, kaMasalela, Mazimuzimu enidla’abantu, Mgwabini wemikhonto, Umahlatshwa ebuhleni njengethole, Umagaju njengengwe, Inhlangu eueqa iphindaphinda,
Umanxeba anagamanxuluma, Kwasa bemhlaba uGwabini, waphika, Lang’elaphum’endlebeni yendlovu, Nyaka wumbe, Lophum’endlebeni yengwenya, Unonjiyelwa, Kulala uhlangothi lubomvu, Ugodo olumka namankayiya, Langa!
5. Masuku Clan Names
Ndwandwe, Zisongo, Mkhatshwa, Zwide kaLanga, Nhlane, Mthondo wethusi uyacwebezela, Thunda bathole abafokazane, Snqamu sobhedu, Maphanjwa! Mgano owamila emini ebusuku wawohloka, Wena owaguda inkomo nethole layo, Sihlahla esingahlalwa zinyoni, Zwide KaLanga.
6. Masemola Clan Names
re bana ba poo masemola bana ba nong e kgolo tau ya tswako bare nong e gana go fofa phofa dia gana re batswako ba tšwa mphanama, kua seokodibeng se se meriti mebedi, mong, wa maloba. re bana ba mosadi yo moso kgaladi re maifaudu maila go fenya ma gana bohulwana. bare selepe gomela gorema oremile. otla rema mere meila mpa. ka chaba mediti
7. Masilela Clan Names
Masilela, Dlambili, Qondobeza, Majama nge Zakhe Zobelo, Ngidi yomDibane, Ngid’ebovu, Mguni.
8. Mabena Clan Names
Mabena Mbuduma isgwegwe sako Bingweni, ngumasokasokile, Thatha nasi komo ka nqaku, nomzibakhe, mfazomabelemade owamunyisa umndwana ngaphetjheya kwegwa neli gwana, zembe lika.
9. Ndlovu Clan Names
Ndlovu Gatsheni, Boya benyathi, obusonga busombuluka, Mpongo kaZingelwayo, Nina bakwaNdlovuzidl’ekhaya, ngokweswel’abelusi, Zaze zeluswa intombi uDemazane, Nina bakwaKhumbul’amagwala, Nina bakwaDemazane Ntombazana, Nina bakwaS’hlangu sihle, Mthiyane, Ngokuthiy’amadoda emazibukweni, Nina bakwaMdubusi!
10. Moyo Clan Names
Moyo omnyama! Sayi! Dewa! Vumabalanda! Mageza ngochago abanye begeza ngamanzi! Qhawe lasendulo elahlalisa uMzilikazi ebukhosini bakhe! Khumbuza! Mdlahlezi! Nntabenkulu engena mnyango! Isihlahla esithela izithelo ebusika ehlobo siyawohloka. Nduna zihlala entabeni engakhonjwayo! Mthunzini! mMageza amahle athi nxa evela ezintombini ziyazibika!
Sgabade! Gcabayi! Mzingwane omnyama olenhliziyo emhlophe njenge hawu likaMzilikazi! Mambo, butho likaLozi! Sizwe sikaGwayi, isizwe esiMabhokobhoko, esigcwele ezifihlakalweni jikelele umhlaba wonke! Ntabakayingenwa. Ntabenkulu! Bayethe Moyo!
11. Dlamini Clan Names
Nkosi! Hlubi! Ludonga lukaMavuso, Abay’eMbo babuyelela. Abasidwaba weza nonina. Abengomane yaseMavaneni, Abaqed’uBombo ngokuhlehlezela, AbakwaSibhahuza SikaMabhanda eMpondweni. Inkonekaz’evele ngobusw’emgedeni. USamkethe, esinembay’emaLangeni, UMswazi kaSobhuza. Mlangeni! Nina bakwaKusa nelanga, Nina bakwaWawawa. Lokothwayo! Sibalukhulu! Nina beNgwane, Nina besicoco sangenhlana. Kunene!
12. Mthombeni Clan Names
Ntenga, Duma, Magagula, Lwandle kaluwelwa luwelwa zinkonjane kuphela zona ezindiza phezulu, Ngongolozi owaphekwa netshe, Kwavuthwa lona kuqala, Thabisa, Mvenya!
13. Masango Clan Names
Masango, Vezi, Mvalane, Wena owavala ngomkhonto emazibukweni, Ntumbeza, Ntus’emhlophe, Mdluli!
14. Mahlangu Clan Names
Mahlangu, mntungwa, mgwezan’akokosi, rhottjh’elimnyama amanye ayakhanya. Mahlang’ongayingwe sangolonyana. Singhalel’ebesuthwini abanye banghalel’emakhobongweni. Mkhalangana mrhetjha mkhul’wakanzunza, qongo wakanzunza, petha owapetha izindaba, magobhol’i kamrhetjha ozigobho ziyagobholana bhorhol’wakontombi dima, somlembelele, mrhobh’amanghana gembe mathunwa ngezakhe bungela kokosi maridil’akondamase ndimande, mzwezi mrube.
15. Mtsweni Clan Names
Nordrarhana Nondrarhaneliwaia Isihlangu esakhaya’entabeni. Rhadase Mphangandlala abanye baphangu Mnono; Mzila kata abanye bayithwala; Umfazi omnyama wamabele aamade owancelisa umntwana ngaphesheya komlambo Mfene zimabuthio ngokufulathelana ngokuthshinga kwelanga Ndala phirima mhlabe phirima. Ndala!
16. Maphosa Clan Names
jikamkhonto, jikabawukhalale, hlatshwayo, nungu, mamblandi, phuthumane, ndlela, sitsha, gamezulu, londo, nyambi!
17. Nkomo Clan Names
Nkomo, Yengwayo, Mageza, Lajani, Vezi, Phaphe, Mahlabezulu, Nkundlande, Ngubeni, Golela Nina enala ukudla umlenze wakwaBulawayo Nathi ngumlenze wankomoni lo? Ubungekho yini owezinkomo zakithi eNgome! Nkomo ebomvu eyavula inqaba ngezimpndo kwelaseNgome Bantwana benkosi Mantungwa amahle, Isibongo sakwaNkomo sisodwa zwi, akulona iqiniso ukuthi kukhona oNkomo abaqhamuka eLesotho.
18. Ncube Clan Names
Mzilankatha, Nhlansi, Gabadeli, Onkatha kayingen’endlini, yangena kubol’izinkaba zabantwana, Zibizendlela, Zikhali zeMkhonto, Mlotshwa, Khambule, Mpangazitha, Nina bakwaNkomo zilal’uwaca, ezamadojeyana zilal’amankengana, Nina bakwaMzila kawulandelwa, ukwulandela ukuzibambezela, Won’ulandelwa izinkonjane, Nin’enalandel’ilanga laze layoshona kunina, Mpangazitha!
19. Nyathi Clan Names
Nyathi, Mgwaba, Bhense, Nyathi emnyama ingaba mhlophe ifuze ekhaya konina Mlaba, Sontokazi, Ciyane Ndela sindangonyezi sbindesimnya njengenyongo yaso Ngwane Jola, Mtholi wena wewombe hlomo olumanangi lunza lunye lungaba lubili Iwakha umuntu.
20. Nkabinde Clan Names
Mcusi, Mphondle kaNdlolothi Mafuya Ngokufuyinkabi Nina bakaMabelemade Oncelisumntwana Engaphesheya komfula. Siyobi! Gama Mboyisa! Abakhokhelabantu behlezi qubeka UMA khona ezinye ozaziyo
21. Ngwenya Clan Names
Ngwenya, Mntimande, Bambolunye, Zingaba mbili, Zifuze konina, Ekhabonina, Mabuya, Bengasabuyi, Baye babuya, Emangwaneni, Nungunde, Wakhothe, Bayosala beziloyanisa
22. Sithole Clan Names
Sithole, Jobe, Mondise, Msongi wensimbi ishisa uyibeke ekhanda wenzele amagwala ukuthi abaleke AbakwaNqika kaMnyanda kaGabela ozitsha zimnyama zingamankankasana, Abakwandebe kayikhisi iyachitha Umbani elawushaya eSandlwana nawukhomba eMankamane Maphitha. Matshana.
23. Mlotshwa Clan Names
Makhombothi, Ntumbeza kaNtuzi, Cabuzela onyawo zincane, ziingaba nkulu zifuz’ekhabonina, Khambule, Mzilankatha, Shezi, Magidla!
24. Shabangu Clan Names
Shabangu! Gama! Mbhele! Dlangamandla kwaboSothole Mbhele oluhlaza njengenxoshana Mdluli ngokudilizizindlovu.
25. Sibayoni Mpangela Clan Names
Sibanyoni. Mbina pangela. Mkhwanazi ohlaza njengenyoni yezulu, anga liltje lelwandle, ngumagaya geenhloko imbokodo zikhona. Makhwentaba, phungutjani ekhamba izililela ithi umuzi kababa ukhawukile kanti akusikukhawuka kuzinyangela. Ngebakwasalukazi esinyiso made, esanyisa ngaphetjheya kwegwa negwana, esingunombode. Siphuthuma sikatjelana esaphuthuma amadoda asabana.
Ngumavula owangena esiphileni somile waphuma ahlaza njengotjani. Ngowakhwela intaba nyovana bathi wenzani abanye bathi ngiyo inyoni yamakhosi le. Inzima lemnyama kwanga ngumhlanga, anga utjhe ngayizolo, ngumatjhwabi. Ngumtjhegwa owatjhegwa, emakundleni amabili amkhulu, owatjhegwa kundzundza, nakuncagu kambuduma. Ngebakwasibalide eliselide, nageepondweni.
Yipangela eyalila igijima, yinyoni eneempondo ehloko njegesilwana, yinyoni engadliwa bafokazana, idliwa makhosi, nange ingadliwa bafokazana, bayayihlawula. Ngusibanyoni wakomyezile, ngumagqamalaza ngokubona abantwana, ngoba wabona usimomo nosibikwaphi. Yeniboleke amathole, ayokwethula ilitje elintente, phezu komadlayi, liyanyuka liyantenteka, namhla lewukako lalintenteka. Mbuyeni weziqoko, owabuyela umagobholi kamrhetjha.
Marhadulela wakoselwana, owarhadulela isilo sijabhile, ngathi ngesokuloyela. Mlayedwa wakokhohliwe mhla abafazi ingabantakazana, mhla amadoda ingabalisana, mhla abokomo balala bangakasengwa, mhla abantwana balala embelekweni.
26. Skosana Clan Names
Skosana, Thlarini, Musi, Yikunzi, yakogwaza eyagwaza izinyikinya yanga ithaph’udaka kandi itaph’imbombo yamanye amadoda. Amanala ayemayekethe ngudlomo ongasayi kumila esiqongolweni, udlomo ongasayikuphalalelwa uyak’phalalewa ngabanamahlela. Kumzukwana abantwana balele embelekweni innkomo zilele zingakasengwa. Kumzukwana abafazi ingamagqakazana amadoda ingamasokanyana.
Yikunza kogwazana eyagwaza ngempondo zombili phasi yanga ithaph’udaka kandi itaph’imbombo yamanye amadoda, yikunzi beyipheka, ngu Skosana sika Musi lijali lakobaleni ngu Thlarini. Skosana
27. Sibanda Clan Names
Jamela! Mdawini! Vodloza! Sokhela samaDawu! Maqhoba! Dawuduna! Omhlathi kawahlulwa thambo. Isilo esaswela amabala sayobika enkosini. Ibhubesi uqobo. Isilo esadla safohloza. Umahamba ebheke phansi bethi ulamahloni kanti uyaziqgaja. Umhlathi ongehlulwa thambo. Ubhonga beswabe. Dawuduna!
28. Ndebele Clan Names
Ndebele, Mahaye kaMvanande Othethela uMantshinga noNtsele Mwelase! Abangaweli ngazibuko, Abawela ngezinsungulu. Wena owakwasihlathi esihamba ngendlela, Wena wakwa funisa umuntu inkonzo. Wena kaMagwaza engugwini, Owagwaza intombi nesoka. Mazankosi! Nina abakwaDindela, Nina abakwaMgolodelwa Ngokuzala uKhondlo Inkosi yaseMantshaleni.
Amashayela phezulu ngokumbindlu. Amabethela isigogo. MaBhele balekani imilenze ibomvu. Ndaba! Nina abakwaBhensa, Nina abakwaMahaye, Niba bakaMakhaphazela, UNtunyelelwa wayeyisifamona. Ivande lathethwa uMantshinga noNtsele. UMekeza KaMshido.AbakwaNdaba ngokugoba amadolo. Imididwa edidwa ngamabala
29. Ndaba Clan Names
Mwelase, Mthiyane, Mhlungu, Madela, Dubazane, Longode, Wena ongaweli ngazibuko, Wela ngezimpambosi zomfula, Masinga asilele, Mdidwa emnyama, OMalobola mbiza zawo tshani Nina enilobola ngezenqele abanye belobola ngezomquba. Wenaowasemhlungwini, Owagaqa wagaqa wathugwazinkomo kanti usegwazumhlana wendoda, a ndabezitha!
30. Mdlolo Clan Names
Mdlolo khathide kubheka nonjolo nina baseqhudeni, mthembu. Nina nadabuka qhudeni. (mazalwa kubuswa ngenxa yobukhozi babekhona kwazulu) mazalwa kulandelwa ngenxa yempi yasibikezelwu u zobakhoma kwazulu. Mahwanqa amahle. Nina nasula ngamahlahla abanye besula ngama duku. Mdlolo khathide nkosi ayiqedwa
31. Hadebe Bhungane Clan Names
Radebe. Bhungane kaNsele! Zikode! Makhulukhulu, Mthimkulu. Mashiya amahle amade anjengawe nyamazane! Mafuza afulele njengelifu lemvula! Sgoloza esimehlo abomvu esibheka muntu kubengathi siyamujamela! Ndlubu ezamila ebubini bamadoda! Ndlubu ezamila emthondweni (KwaSothondose)! AbakaSothondose ngokumimelela kwanda uBhungane, Yena owehla ezulwini ngesilulu! Inkunzi enezindlu ezamila emthondweni!
Bhungane ongumakhulukhulu! Nina enindlebe zihhanya ilanga! Nina enindlebe zinhle zombili! Nina bosiba olude olungakhothami ndlwaneni kodwa kwezinde luyakhothama! Nina oma gawula imithi emncane emikhulu ivele iziwele! MaHlubi amahle! Mangelengele amahle! Nina maHlubi anzipho zimnyama ngokuqhwayana! Mashwabada owashwabadela inkoma kanye nezimpondo zayo yathi mayifika emphinenjeni yadlamalala! Bayede Mbhube
32. Malunga Clan Names
Gatsheni, Boya benyathi, obusonga busombuluka, Mpongo kaZingelwayo, Nina bakwaNdlovuzidl’ekhaya, ngokweswel’abelusi, Zaze zeluswa intombi uDemazane, Nina bakwaKhumbul’amagwala, Nina bakwaDemazane Ntombazana, Nina bakwaS’hlangu sihle, Mthiyane, Ngokuthiy’amadoda emazibukweni, Nina bakwaMadubusi!
33. Shezi Clan Names
Dlaba! Shukulasidludle Mnomiya, Dludle, Dludi’owadl’imihlambi yamadoda, Wadl’izinkomo zamaNdebele, Oyodi’ezikaDlaba uyoceba! Dlab’akadleli phansi, Mavulane owavul’iNkandl’ivaliwe, Mchube, Mlotshwa, Wena kaLumbazo, kaZokufa, Sigananda phum’eNkandla!
34. Mbhele Clan Names
Godide, Sothole, Khuboni, Ntuli, Gudukazi uyiNcwayi, Ndlela kaSompisi, Sompisi owaphemba ngamakhand’amadoda, Abanye bephemba ngomlilo, Nina baseLenge, Enabonakala ngeziNtuli, Kwabe kunguSompisi kaGuda, Mgwabini wemikhonto, Umahlayshwa ebuhleni njengethole, Umagaju njengengwe, inhlangu eyeqa iphindaphinda, Kwasa bemhlaba uGwabini, waphika, Langa liphum’endlebeni yendlovu, Nyaka mumbe, Liphum’endlebeni yengwenya, Unonjiyewa, Kulala uhlangothi lubovu, Ugodo olumuka namankayiya.
35. Malinga Clan Names
Malinga, Mcusi wendlunkulu, lodla acakatsise abeke phansi kwenkhaba, ngedlulisa phansi kwenkhaba wafuta ekhabonyoko. Malinga, nongombili, wena waMhlongamvula ne Thukela, wena wehla kwendlela. Malinga, gumakhulu, lelbo boMlotjwa, nina bombuzi sadia eceleni sidnga belusi, mnyambo loluhlaza lonjengencoshane, kaMalinga akuvalwa ngemivalo kuvalwa ngemakhandza emadvodza
Malinga, zizi zikode kamzamo wena kamhlawendlovu wena wenqaba yenkosi. Wena kaswela Zitha. Umalinga owalinga izintaba zendelanga ngoba kwendelana ihlobana nezungezi. Malnga, Zindela sigudu, Mcokuma Malinga, Mlotshwa kaGumakhulu kaZindela Maling’owaling’ukuyihlomislebusuku nzalo kaMaGidela omnyama ngentamo owazil’inkatha bemthezelile waling’ukubulala waling’isihlalo sobukhosi bakwaMzizi balingeka bakunika nina enabakasiGudu enagud’inkomo ingenankonyane,
Mcokama zinyawo zimhlophe Malinga, Nungunde, Mdladla, Njokweni. Ndlovu ezidla ekhaya ngokuswela umelusi. U-Nomsingilili, u-Mbuzambuza, sandla singobende asinathi nkobe sinatha embilini wezinyamazana. Ndledlana njengomqiwo balizumukile bavimbe ngalo emazibukweni. Ndabambi amaLala inqaba yamakhosi!
36. Sibayoni Malambule Clan Names
Malambule! Matsetsa! Khozakhulu! Mhlumayo! Dada lelabhula emanti ngemaphiko, Nyoni leyakha kabi yabhekisa umlomo esitibeni, Labanye batsi yibambeni labanye batsi yiyekeleni, Yenta ngekwenta kwayo.
37. Mhlanga Clan Names
Mhlanga Khabako Nina bakwaNkhomo lekhabako yaboLanga wa Mkhuhlakhuhla, wasidvwaba silutfuli, lowakhwela Lumbombo ngekuhlehletela, waGabigabi lelingadliwa ngulabasha, lelidliwa ngulabadzala bodvwana, Jokojokwana, Gasela lowadvonsela’emakhosi eNshongweni. Nine baka Gidzagidza lowagidza egumeni lemkhwekati wesive saNconga naNdzinisa naMakhunga Ntekati.
38. Mkhwanazi Clan Names
Spheshu, Madubandlela, Somlomoti, Sodilikazi, Nkwaliyenkosi, Ndonga, Mtubatuba, Veyane, Shamase, Sontuli, Somkhele, Lele, Khowa, Malanda, Mashukumbeya, Mthendeleka, Mpamde yamadoda, Mpande ayiphikiswa oyiphikisayo uyazithwala, Gwagwa lika Gwagwa umbane wezulu, Owaciba ngomkhonto esikhwebesini, Kwaphepha inkosi yabe Ntungwa, Owasingatha ihwahwa kodwa wangalidlulisela emlonyeni, Mgidla, Lomafu, Nkwenkwezi, Sikhumba ka Mthethwa ka Mantewane, Gagisa!
39. Nxumalo Clan Names
Zwide kaLanga, Ndwandwe, Mkhatshwa, Okhabangezinde nezimaqhukubezana, Nkabanhle, Wena wase Gudunkomo, Wena owasezikhotheni, ezingakhothi ngamlomo, ezikhotha ngomkhonto kaZulu, Nkomo ayihlatshwa, uyothi ungayihlaba yophe amasi njengo mbehelebhele, Sandla sivikumkhonto njengehawu, Hlubi, Sandl’esimnene, Somaphunga, Nonkokhel’abantu bahlatshwe njenge zinkomo!
40. Dlodlo Clan Names
Mpangazitha, Mbanjwa, Mdladlana, Mabanga, Mtingi, Bangile, Mthiyane, Mathabela!
41. Bhebhe Clan Names
Makhedama, Soyengwase, Nina bakaBhebhe kaMthendeka! Nina bakaSoqubel’onjengegundwane! Nina baseSiweni, kwaMpuku yakwaMselemusi, kwaNogwence webaya! Dlomo weNdl’ende! Sihlangu samavaka seswe! ababhemu! Wen’owalala nomunw’endunu, wavuka wawucinda wawukhomb’ilanga! Makkhul’emini abafokazana bekhul’ebusuku! Zingwazi zempi yakwaNdunu! Njoman’eyaduk’iminyakanyaka, yatholakal’onyakeni wesine; yabuye yatholakala ngwowesikhombisa! Langeni, owavel’elangeni!
42. Dube Clan Names
Dube elimthemde! Dube kaBayisa, Khushwayo! Mbuyazi kaThekeli, Ongathekeli nakwandodakazi, UZwakele ndoda, Ongathekelemziniemincane, Othekelemzinemikhulu, Ongathekeli kwamakhelwana, Othekelemanxulumeni, Nina bakwaDonda kwaMbangambi, Ndlovu khaliphezinye zilibele, Nina bakwaNzwakele kaKhushu, Nina beshumi lamhla munye, Nina bakwaMagwazebuyelela, Nina beqhawe lakwaLindukudla Shozi!
KaFani kaNomkhwayiba, KaFana fuzamafu, Dlubuladledle! Ntamo ngeyendlondlo, KaSiphabantu ngokubadlubulela, Ngeze ngonyama entanyeni, Ngoba yehle kanzima kanzizimela, KwaMgwezi wamaduna namathokazi, KaNomkhwayiba waseKuene, Silwane kaNjila kaNgothoma, Mqhawe, Ngcobomuhle, Mafukuzela!
43. Sibindi Clan Names
Esibindi, eGodonga eMsundulomunye, Bengwani, Mtungwa weZembe Mbuduma kaMasoka kaManala, Wen’owasok’Amadod’elibele ethi awuyikusoka, Kant’usoke ngokampenyana. Ncagu ncagu ngokomzimba Kant’uDumo Iwakhe lukhulu, Luzwakel’eNyakatho Luzwakel’eNingizimu Luzwakel’eMpumalanga Luzwakel’eNtshonalanga! Wen’owagqagqel’umuzi weNkosi ngotsheko,
Wen’owangen’esizibeni nesikhuni sivutha Waphinde waphuma naso silokhu sivutha Mthunzi waMakhosi, Wen’owacashisa okaMashobana, mzukwana ebalekeluShaka Kant’uzokhel’amalahl’ekhanda Nkunz’emanxeba nxeba Eyagwaza zonk’kodwa ayaze yaphec’intamo Mathunda kuzalw’amaduna Ezinye zithund’kuzalw’ezinsikazi! Ziyane lemvubu elahlonitshwa yiNgwenya Laye layovumbulukuka kwaMthwakazi Kodwa eNdubazi naseMgidla beliphika Bethi laloba, ladliwa yingwenya yakwaMatshobana Kanti lisawadla amadele!
Ndlondlobala Mdlodlom’omnyama wakwaMnyamana Nethezeka nsika yendlu yakwaNdebele Nab’ugabh’amathaf’oGwembe noNgulukudela Godonga, Sibindi, sikaMdali, Msundulomunye, Bengwani, Mntungwa, Manala kaMusi!
Ndebele Names for Boys and Girls
Personal names are usually meaningful in many African cultures, and the amaNdebele are not different from the rest. Name-giving among the Ndebele people is mostly influenced by socio-political and cultural factors. In addition, children’s names are traditionally drawn from circumstances prevailing at the time of their birth or family conditions. Now, let’s have a look at several beautiful Ndebele names for boys and girls with their various meanings.
Ndebele Boy Names
1. Sifiso
- Meaning: Wish
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: It was her wish to have a boy
2. Thapelo
- Meaning: Prayer
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: The mother was very ill during pregnancy, and it was through prayer that the child survived
3. Thembikosi
- Meaning: Trust God
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She trusts God in whatever she does
4. Mongezi
- Meaning: Addition
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: Her husband is the only son among girls, so the child would be his brother and thus, enlarge the family
5. Velaphi
- Meaning: Where does he come from?
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: Her husband was not sure whether the baby was his and was hesitant about accepting the child
6. Simphiwe
- Meaning: We were given him
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: God gave the child to the family as they had begged Him
7. Mzwakhe
- Meaning: His house/homestead
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He is the first among his siblings to give birth to a son
8. Sipho
- Meaning: Gift
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She liked the name
9. Nkosinathi
- Meaning: God is with us
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: God is always with the family
10. Bongani
- Meaning: Thank you
- Name giver: Both parents
- Explanation: The parents liked the name
11. Mpho
- Meaning: Gift
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She was expecting a baby girl, and God gave her a boy
12. Sandile
- Meaning: We have been extended
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: It’s a nice name
13. Nhlanhla
- Meaning: Luck
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: Her daughter is lucky to give birth to a male child who is going to take care of her
14. Mndeni
- Meaning: Family
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: With the arrival of the child, they are now a complete family
15. Mbulelo
- Meaning: Grateful
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He liked the name
16. Musawenkosi
- Meaning: God’s mercy
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: God showed her mercy as she had a miscarriage before the birth of the child
17. Mondli
- Meaning: Saver
- Name giver: Paternal aunt
- Explanation: The child is going to look after his parents
18. Felani
- Meaning: Revive
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: Named the child after his father
19. Bafana
- Meaning: Boys
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: A common name in a family that have only boys
20. Mfundo
- Meaning: Education
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She liked the name
21. Xoli
- Meaning: Forgive
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She liked the name
22. Vusumuzi
- Meaning: Revive the homestead
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: Because he was born among girls
23. Zimkhona
- Meaning: God is alive
- Name giver: Paternal grandmother
- Explanation: The child was very sick but survived through God’s intervention
24. Ntuthuko
- Meaning: Progress
- Name giver: Both parents
- Explanation: The father was chosen as the party’s youth league chairman in their area
25. Khulekani
- Meaning: Lets Pray
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: Praying for the birth of new South Africa on April 27th, 1994
26. Siyabonga
- Meaning: We are grateful
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: It’s a nice name for a boy
27. Botshiwe
- Meaning: Arrested
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: The family was visited by the police two days after the child’s birth, and the police got lost.
28. Koketso
- Meaning: Addition
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He liked the name
29. Londokhule
- Meaning: Expecting good things
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: The child was born on April 20th, 1994, when everyone expected a positive change in South Africa.
30. Apolo
- Meaning: Streetlights
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: Electricity was introduced in their area at the time of the child’s birth.
31. Thabang
- Meaning: Be happy
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He liked the name
32. Thokozani
- Meaning: Be happy
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She liked the name
33. Ndzundza
- Meaning: Royalty
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: Named after Ndebele king
34. Sithembiso
- Meaning: Promise
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: The child was born during the election campaign, and things were looking promising for the new South Africa.
35. Kelo
- Meaning: Take a vow
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He is committed to his family.
36. Khethokuhle
- Meaning: Choose good things
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: It was her wish to have a male child.
37. Sikhukhuni
- Meaning: Royalty
- Name giver: Paternal aunt
- Explanation: Named after Northern Sotho king
38. Mbangwa
- Meaning: Conflict
- Name giver: Maternal grandfather
- Explanation: The child caused conflict between the parents as the mother had serious issues with the father after his birth.
39. Nqobile
- Meaning: Victory
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: Nelson Mandela finally emerged as the president of South Africa
40. Mduduzi
- Meaning: Comfort
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She experienced severe pains before the child’s birth
41. Kagiso
- Meaning: Build something together
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: Alongside his wife, he is going to build the family, and nothing will stop them
42. Xolani
- Meaning: Forgive
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: The mother is not yet married, and this is the second child
43. Ngabomu
- Meaning: On purpose
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: According to her, there was a family crisis that was brought about purposely.
44. Bakhona
- Meaning: They (boys) are here
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She has four boys, including the child
45. Mkhonzeni
- Meaning: Worship Him
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: Worship God with all your heart, and your questions will be answered
46. Nomathemba
- Meaning: Hope/believe
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: She had not believed that the child would survive as he was born at seven months and was very tiny.
47. Thulani
- Meaning: Keep quiet
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: There is nothing we can say now; the child is here (the child was born out of wedlock)
48. Sabelo
- Meaning: Share
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She wanted a girl but now has four boys, including the child
49. Dumisani
- Meaning: Praise
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: We must praise God for everything we have
50. Ngangayizolo
- Meaning: Still as big as yesterday
- Name giver: Paternal aunt
- Explanation: The child was not growing well
Ndebele Girl Names
1. Bathabile
- Meaning: They are happy
- Name giver: Maternal grandfather
- Explanation: His granddaughter experienced two miscarriages, and they are now happy for her and the child.
2. Anele
- Meaning: Enough
- Name giver: Maternal aunt
- Explanation: A name given after having children of one sex (either boys or girls)
3. Jabulile
- Meaning: Be happy
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: It’s a name common among girls
4. Bawinile
- Meaning: They have won
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: They have won because the family now have a girl
5. Bakholiwe
- Meaning: They believed (in God)
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He is from a Christian family
6. Nomoya
- Meaning: Wind/spirit
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: She was born on a very windy day
7. Mhlanganelwa
- Meaning: Ganging against someone
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: Her husband was beaten up by his brothers
8. Sibongile
- Meaning: We are grateful
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: It’s a common name for girls
9. Thembeni
- Meaning: What are you hoping for?
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: Maternal grandmother was asking the child’s mother what she was hoping for by getting pregnant, knowing that her husband left them and they are struggling
10. Noluthando
- Meaning: Mother of love
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He had many romantic affairs before the birth of the child and then realizes that Noluthando’s mother is the only one he loves
11. Gigida
- Meaning: Very big
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: The child was very big at birth
12. Ngunakhabo
- Meaning: She does not have a home
- Name giver: Maternal grandfather
- Explanation: He disapproved of his son-in-law
13. Siphesihle
- Meaning: Nice gift
- Name giver: Uncle
- Explanation: He liked the name
14. Bangiswani
- Meaning: Why are they fighting them (the family)?
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: Referring to the family’s neighbors that hate them so much
15. Nomthandazo
- Meaning: Mother of prayer
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: God has answered her prayers after years of longing for a child
16. Fikile
- Meaning: Has arrived
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: After the mother went to the hospital and the doctor said it was not yet time to give birth, she arrived home and gave birth
17. Bikwaphi
- Meaning: Where should she be reported?
- Name giver: Paternal aunt
- Explanation: The child’s father died before her delivery
18. Nonkululeko
- Meaning: Mother of freedom
- Name giver: Both parents
- Explanation: She was born on April 27th, 1994, when South Africa entered a democratic rule under Nelson Mandela
19. Lethosi
- Meaning: Sounds of beads when dancing
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: It is just a name
20. Deliwe
- Meaning: Satisfied
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: As the child is the second child, she was asking her daughter’s in-laws whether they are now satisfied, seeing that her daughter is not barren
21. Nontokozo
- Meaning: Mother of joy
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: As she had diverse problems during pregnancy, the child brought joy to her life
22. Thembisile
- Meaning: Promised
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She promised God that she would always believe and worship Him
23. Mandiselwa
- Meaning: Adding
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: People can add something you did not say
24. Phindile
- Meaning: Again
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She gave birth to a girl yet again and now has three girls
25. Benzeni
- Meaning: What have they done?
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: What have they done to deserve such hatred from the neighbors
26. Nomvuyo
- Meaning: Rejoice
- Name giver: Father
- Explanation: He named the child after his mother
27. Mongi
- Meaning: Saviour
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: The child is the family’s savior as she was born to the family after a long time and thus, would care for them
28. Noxolo
- Meaning: Mother of peace
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: The birth of the child established peace between her family and her husband’s family
29. Boitumelo
- Meaning: Happiness
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: It’s a nice name for girls
30. Thembelihle
- Meaning: Beautiful hope
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: It is a nice name
31. Nontobeko
- Meaning: Mother of humbleness
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She was a humble damsel desiring for her parents to be proud of her; that’s the reason she had children only after her marriage
32. Senzeni
- Meaning: What have we done?
- Name giver: Paternal grandmother
- Explanation: Referring to the neighbors that hate the family so much
33. Nokuthula
- Meaning: Mother of peace
- Name giver: Paternal grandmother
- Explanation: The birth of the child brought peace between her parents
34. Khanyisile
- Meaning: Lightened up
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: This child brought light to her life after having two miscarriages
35. Zodwa
- Meaning: Only (girls)
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: It’s a common name amongst families that have only girls
36. Thandeka
- Meaning: Lovable
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: It’s a nice name for girls
37. Hlophe
- Meaning: White
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: She liked the name
38. Kabonina
- Meaning: At her mother’s place
- Name giver: Paternal grandmother
- Explanation: As this is the son’s second child from the same girl, she was telling her son that he needs to marry now
39. Ncane
- Meaning: Small
- Name giver: Maternal grandmother
- Explanation: The child was tiny at birth
40. Nothando
- Meaning: With love
- Name giver: Mother
- Explanation: God showed His love for the family by giving them the child
Ndebele Unisex Names
1. Zimkhona
Meaning: God is alive
2. Mayihlome
Meaning: Let’s take up arms
3. Qoqanani
Meaning: Organise yourself
4. Esulu
Meaning: Clouds
5. Zwelethu
Meaning: Our nation
6. Sikhululekile
Meaning: We are free
7. Mayibuye
Meaning: Let it come
8. Sithandilizwe
Meaning: We love our country
9. Musawenkosi
Meaning: The grace of God
10. Sibakhule
Meaning: We have liberated them
11. Sidanisile
Meaning: Make sad
12. Sibusiso
Meaning: Blessings
13. Mayibongwe
Meaning: Give thanks
14. Makhosi
Meaning: Royalty
15. Langelihle
Meaning: Beautiful day
16. Ntando
Meaning: Choice
17. Sukoluhle
Meaning: Happy day
18. Nodumo
Meaning: Praise
19. Xolile
Meaning: Make peace
20. Sikhanyile
Meaning: We shined
21. Lungile
Meaning: Okay/right
Ndebele Surnames
With the Ndebele people residing in Southern African countries (mainly South Africa and Zimbabwe), there exist many surnames associated with the Bantu-speaking ethnic groups, and they are listed below:
| Ngwenya | Mathuthu | Khumalo | Nxumalo |
| Mkhwananzi | Dlodlo | Bhebhe | Dube |
| Ndebele | Nkiwane | Khuphe | Sibindi |
| Ncube | Moyo | Sibanda | Ndlovu |
| Nkala | Tshuma | Nkomo | Mvundla |
| Nyathi | Mpofu | Siziba | Hlabangane |
| Xaba | Ndiweni | Masina | Mahlobokazi |
| Magutjwa | Mzizi | Dumane | Mathema |
| Tjabangu | Sigola | Manyathelo | Dladla |
| Matjazi | Magagula | Mahlobo | Danisa |
| Mtupa | Habangana | Mthethwa | Gwebu |
| Mbambo | Mphoko | Hadebe | Tjili |
| Sithole | Cala | Hlongwane | Hlatjwayo |
| Gasela | Mavundla | Dlamini | Thebe |
| Zitha | Dlomo | Thwala | Sitsha |
| Maduma | Tshabalala | Zikhali | Ngxongo |
| Gama | Nzima | Makhwelo | Thabethe |
| Maseko | Siwelu | Dlela | Dlela |
| Mafu | Gumede | Masuku | Fuyane |
| Khanye | Mukoni | Mathe | Mlotshwa |
| Gunene | Mhlophe | Ndimande | Sigcaba |
| Mlangeni | Ngwenya | Hungwe | Shoko |
| Ndou | Maphosa | Mloyi | Nungu |
| Nyoni | Nleya | Khupe | Mthunzi |
| Shumba | Tlou | Mlalazi | Tau |
| Mpala | Malaba | Tjuma | Baloyi |
| Zhowu | Sibata | Gumbo | Mahlangu |
Conclusion
Name-giving is a vital aspect of Ndebele culture as a name serves as an individual’s cultural identity. Hence, names given to children are often drawn from specific historical events, reincarnation, and circumstances that happened at birth. This will help remind the parents, relatives, and even society of that particular event.
While socio-cultural factors usually influence name-giving in the Ndebele nation, the surnames and clan names commemorate ancestral lineage, thus, reflecting the traditions and customs of the Bantu-speaking ethnic group.
