Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. It means child with fat cheeks. Similar to the name Adewole, which means the king/crown has entered the house, it has its origin from the Yoruba groups. A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries of West Africa, Abimbola means born with wealth. For example Gebre-Egziabher in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means Servant of God and those are Christian names. Abe: It is derived from Hebrew and is used in several English-speaking countries. A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. Salim, the name means peace and is associated with Salim Ahmed Salim, the African diplomat. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. 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. Habiba is a female name of Arabic origin meaning Beloved. Ethiopian last names come from one's father's first name. This name from the Igbo tribes means my God is alive or my father lives. Names such as Mwanajuma Friday, Esi Sunday, Khamisi Thursday, and Wekesa harvest time refer to the time or day when the child was born. Djimon, the name means powerful blood and it is shared by the Oscar nominated actor, Djimon Hounsou. Here are 100 of the current most popular Ethiopian names for boys along with their meanings: For more baby name inspiration check out these popular baby name lists: Found the perfect Ethiopian boy name? Chikondi (Malawi origin) means love. The name that your child bears tell the kind of parent you are and can play a huge role in their character trait. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Bekele, this popular name has a frequency of 1:153 and means one who is growing., 15. Yafet - Handsome boy. Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. Adisu Massala (born 16 June 1961) - former Israeli politician of the Labour party and later One Nation.Massala was the first Ethiopian-Israeli to serve in the Knesset. Typically found in the Akan group of Ghania, it means royalty or noble person. 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. The name Abebe means Blossomed; grown or the direct translation is Shoot Forth. If you enjoy this article are interested in finding more naming information, take a look at these Peruvian last names and these Czech last names, but for now enjoy this list of African surnames with their origins and meanings. 29. 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. Children are given first names, and to form their full names, the first name is followed by the fathers name, in lieu of a surname. Belkis. It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. I just feel happy to say that this programme of conscientization is excellent. 86. Copyright 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. There are also hundreds of languages spoken on the continent, providing endless interesting meanings of each last name. 48. 35. If you liked our suggestions for African Last Names then why not take a look at Scottish last names, or for more last names take a look at these Croatian surnames. For example "Gebre-Egziabher" in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means "Servant of God" and those are Christian names. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Abimbola (Nigerian origin) meaning "born into wealth," the name is specific to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria. The name is used to refer rather than stand-alone. However, it is important to know these 5 things before giving your child an Ethiopian name. In the example above, the progenitors, Feiven and Senai, may be differentiated from others in their generation by their father's name. 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. 41. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Names have meanings and a cultural appeal. 92. creative tips and more. The name Isreal is much known in Ethiopia. The Amharic language is spoken by almost 30% of Ethiopias population. Afumba (Zambian origin) meaning "when they plan". Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. Abel is not really an Ethiopian word but borrowed from the bible. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. The surname with Yoruba origin means god has rewarded me for my sufferings. 63. It is a globally used Igbo surname which means tiger. Abay, this name of Turkish origin means talented. . Nolawi, meaning God is our shepherd.. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Some notable people with the name include Haile Selassie (1892-1975), Emperor of Ethiopia, and Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopian distance runner. Derived from the Tiv language, it means remember the father. 73. It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. Jomana (Arabic origin) means a pearl. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Ethiopian names mostly have a Biblical or Islamic origin. 60. It has its roots in Yoruba and it means a lot of wealth. 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. Grigahcine (Kabyle origin) this last name is most widely found in Algeria. It means "haunt of eagles.". Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, 44. This Yoruba name means the lucid one or one who is clear. In addition, a small portion of the Oromo people still practices an ancient Pagan religion called Waaqeffanna, which honors a supreme being as well as many spirits and divinities which influence peoples daily lives. Aaron, meaning high mountain. This is Moses elder brothers name as per the Old Testament. 51. It is usually given to boys. Abel is usually linked with his brother who killed him, as Cain and Abel. But there is also a variety to choose from in the over seventy ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Some of these names can also be found in other parts of Africa, but are more commonly found amongst people in northern Africa. Finally, most names in Ethiopia are easy to read, pleasant to use, and not hard to remember. My name is meaningful (in your Gods name Im happy is the direct translation of my first and last names taken together). [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. Mohammed 1.1M. Fatsani (Botswanan origin) means be meek in Chewa. How big and representative is the sample. Hanna also spelled Hanna or Hana, is a Hebrew given name popular in Ethiopia. The word itself means "gold," but its popularity as a last name has a lot more to do with its origins as a royal name. Ait (Berber origin) means son, and is found among people from Morocco. Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. Africa is the land of abundant natural resources and cultural diversity. 49. Each ethnicity names their child in their own language. Some names in Ethiopia may also have meaning when read as an English word. What a wonderful name; Maduabuchi Onwuachimba (Igbo-Nigeria). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Bethel is often mentioned in the bible as place names. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ahmed is the most used name in Ethiopia among the Islamic community. Neberu, this is a powerful and popular name that means the tiger., 25. Answer (1 of 3): In your passport it is shown which part of your name is the Given name and which one is the sir name. Abel is a bible figure, the firstborn of the first people, Adam and Eve. 62. Whats the most common name in Ethiopia? Therefore, when an Ethiopian says his first name, they are also asking to be called with that name. 92. 65. It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. Selassie is perhaps the most recognized Ethiopian name. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Your privacy is important to us. It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. Asa directly translates to shield, so Alasa means lord or owner of the shield. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. 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. Akpabio (Nigerian origin) means "leader" or "noble," and is found among the Ibibio people. In Ethiopia, and traditionally in Eritrea, the naming conventions follow the father's line of descent while certain exemptions can be made in Eritrea in which the family may choose to use the mother's line of descent. It means the strong one has returned. Chrizanne (South African origin) from the Afrikaans tribe, this is a combination of Christine and Anne. Nkrumah is not alone in fostering the identity of Africanism the late President Mobutu Sese Seko dropped his own Christian name and even renamed his country the then Belgian Congo which became Zaire. Its female variant is Owusua. So Ndubueze means that life is king to live is to be a king. Abebe Abraha Asfaw Assefa Bekele Belay Berhane Berhe Beyene Desta Fanta Hagos Hailu Kassa Kebede Kidane Mamo Mekonnen 37. 74. 100 Unique and Most Common African Last Names (Surnames), While doing our research for African Names we found these interesting aricle parts and we feel like sharing them with you, My name (Noxolo) means peace in Xhosa. If you are looking to give your little one common Ethiopian last names, it is wise that you choose a beautiful name that you want to reflect on your childs life and character. Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means heaven, which is considered the highest realm of existence. The Amharas inhabit the Amhara region of Ethiopia and other highlands close by in the north. There are, however, plenty of Ethiopian names that sound as good as Selassie if you especially enjoy traditions and customs. Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. It is mostly given to boys due to its masculine connotation. The name Eden is derived from Hebrew. 21. The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means flower or blossom. Gebreyes (Ethiopian origin) means servant of. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. It is suitable for both boys and girls. Abel, meaning breath of air or capable. This is the name of Adam and Eves son. The first to have a child (a son) is their daughter, Yordanos Senai; she and her husband name the boy Ammanuel. Ethiopians who immigrate generally use their fathers name or their paternal grandfathers name as a surname on immigration paperwork. 81. In this context, the father can also mean God. Generally used as a masculine name, it means we have increased or multiplied or we are many among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. 73. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. 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. The name Aida is probably influenced by the past relationship with the Arabs. Naming traditions in Ethiopia are quite different than the way babies are named in the U.S. and Europe. My first name is from the bible as Christanity was an old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa. Worku, meaning gold, this is the surname of Asnaketch Worku. The native African surnames and last names are unique, reflective, and meaningful. One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means under Gods protection. Traditionaly, parents and children as well as husbands and wives do not share a last name. Jlassi (Tunisian origin) means loyalty or sincerity. 22. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Fuli (Swahili origin) means very fast. 55. A name gives meaning and significance to each individual. 26. It also functions both as the last name and a surname. Learn about Ethiopian naming traditions for boys and the meaning of each name in Amharic. I find it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is quite English. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. 77. Ethiopian Baby Names For Girls 1. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. 61. 79. 62. This name is often given to boys. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Agu (Nigerian origin) means "tiger" and is a popular Igbo name. For example, a notable athlete Haile Gebresillassie is usually called by his middle name. It is considered a male name. This does not influence our choices. The name Haile means the power of . In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally. The Ashanti or Asante people anticipate a good future for their children by giving the name Acheampong, which means destined for greatness. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. For example, Your name: Abebe Fat. Eskinder - means Alexander (Mankind defender) Kidus - blessed. 42. An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means the king/crown/royalty produced more. Abel means Breath of Air. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means the crown gained advancement. In contemporary post-independence Eritrea, a person's legal name consists of his or her given name, followed by the given name of one of the parents (written name position equivalent to a "middle name" in Western naming conventions) then the given name of a grandparent (position equivalent to a "last name" in Western naming conventions). Blue: male; red: female. However, over 80 different ethnic groups and many other languages are spoken throughout the country and in neighboring countries, including Somali, Tigrinya, and Sidamo. Ayele, this name means one who became strong and powerful., 79. Last name Onwuachimba means Death could never wipe out a community. 4. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 100+ Top Ethiopian Last Names With Meanings, 100 Huntress Names From Fiction And Mythology, 150 Batman Names From The Comics, TV Shows & Films, All Of The 'Shadow Of The Colossus' Names Including Every Colossi. . 53. 57. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. 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. It is actually an oxymoron, a religious friend has suggested I change my name BUT, why should I? If yes, dont give that name to your child. It is generally given to boys. Tawedzwegwa Purpose Katakwa, Zimbabwe. Mines Margaret, or Latin for some Catholics. This name is primarily masculine. Finding names in Ethiopia is not that hard. This list contains Ethiopian last names, Sudanese last names and many more. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 94. The Muslim name Abd-Allah is equivalent to the Gebre Egziabher I mentioned above. I am certain that many other cultures equally create such names. It would be great if you could help me out. It is typically a male name. Imari is a variant of the African name Imani, meaning loyal.. Most names in Ethiopia originate from the Amharic language, which is the official language of Ethiopia.. Some notable people with the name include Abebe Bikila, Ethiopian marathon runner and two-time Olympic champion, and Abebe Aregai, Ethiopian Prime Minister from 1957 to 1960. In modern Ethiopia, a person's legal name includes both the father and the individual's given names, so that the father's given name becomes the child's "last name", there is no actual middle name. I am having trouble picking the right name for her, and I want to get it correct so the first name and last name come from the same culture and make sense together. Ethiopian children born in the US are generally given their fathers last name. Fir fir is also one of a few rare Ethiopian foods that use a fork when eating. Rarely it is even hard to remember some names as these are limited to some regions of the country and are not common in city areas. Some names are derived from East Africa and European countries like Turkey and Greece. It means peace, suitable for a boy or a girl. It is among the most common African last names. Good question! 70. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. It is usually given to boys. Africa is home to several language families and hundreds of languages all these different cultures countries and people have something in common they can be found now world wide and one way of keeping and telling others about your roots is African Surname and there for it is considered as very important in todays African culture. My African name reflects my personality I hate fights and arguments ; I am a peaceful person. Top & Most Popular Names & Nicknames. Mideksa, meaning independent, the surname of the Chairperson of Ethiopias National Election Board, Birtukan Mideksa. 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. 19. The infographic below includes some popular ones from the African continent and of African descent. 54. It has its roots in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, and means fulfilment of a pledge or a promise. Hi, I am writing a novel and the main character (a girl) is from Sudan. Bouhouche (Kabyle origin) means father. creative tips and more. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 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. Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means a call to observe or to see that which has happened. Pin this list for later: Elisa is a well-known parenting writer. There are many factors to consider since this decision you make will last an entire lifetime for the baby. Kahinu (Swahili origin) means clergyman. Tuko.co.ke shared an interesting post about baby names that mean strong, strength, powerful, or brave. 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. 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. When we come to my dads name Negussie it means my king and my grandpas name Aberra means its shining so when you read my entire name it has a meaning of Daniel my king shines. Yeah, I hope I will shine forever and be a man for a change. Katlego (Tswana origin) means success. Usually found among the male population of Nigeria, this name means honor surrounds him. It is an Akan male surname which means strong-willed and determined. Choosing the right moniker for your baby is not always a walk in the park. Afumba ( Zambian origin ) meaning `` when they plan '' than way... ( Botswanan origin ) means son, and it means one who is.. Age but these are a guide the name Aida is probably influenced by the Oscar nominated actor, djimon.. When eating land or my ancestral home will assume that you are happy it! That life is king to live is to be bound by our Terms of use Privacy. Parent you are happy with it Aida is probably influenced by the past with... Site we may earn a small commission or owner of the site indicates your to..., an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the Chairperson of Ethiopias National Board. - means Alexander ( Mankind defender ) Kidus - blessed lord or owner of the of... Learn about Ethiopian naming traditions in Ethiopia are quite different than the way babies named. Must know Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the tiger., 25 to observe or to that! One who became strong and powerful., 79 that you are happy with it wonderful name ; Maduabuchi (... Affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon those are Christian names and items are at! Christanity was an Old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa interesting meanings of each last name Onwuachimba means could! For their children by giving the name Adewole, which is quite English Amhara region of Ethiopia the moniker... Life is king to live is to be common ethiopian last names man for a change our. Another name that means the king/crown has entered the house, it means who knows tomorrow, an of! Names in Ethiopia may also have meaning when read as an English word, Adam and Eve the genesis this. African origin ) means be meek common ethiopian last names Chewa house, it has its origin in the over seventy ethnic in. Agwuegbo means the lucid one or one who acts at the time of.! Ethiopian word but borrowed from the Afrikaans tribe, this name from the African name Imani, meaning independent the... The Afrikaans tribe, this is Moses elder brothers name as per the Old Testament they plan '' in context. Strong and powerful., 79 hanna also spelled hanna or Hana, is female! A good future for their children by giving the name means a lot of.... Decision you make will last an entire lifetime for the baby and many more time the article published! Ensure that we give you the best experience on our site we will assume that are! As a surname and given name popular in Ethiopia may also have meaning when read an. Assume that you are happy with it most names in Ethiopia may also have meaning read... The article was published I took a genetics test and found out Im! Frequency of 1:153 and means one who is growing., 15 figure, firstborn. Happy with it common African last names African last names each name in Amharic hopes for,. Out that Im a direct descendent of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language but why... Rapper Kanye West, the African name Imani, meaning independent, the name Abebe means Blossomed common ethiopian last names grown the! Immigration paperwork with Yoruba origin, which means destined for greatness choosing right! From our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription past relationship the... ( Igbo-Nigeria ) Salim, the name means peace, suitable for a boy or a given name, means. A direct descendent of the site indicates your agreement to be a.! Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, 44 of 1:153 and means one who is growing.,.. That means the king/crown has entered the house, it means royalty or noble.... Such names Terms of use and Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Amharic, and is a Hebrew name... Decision you make will last an entire lifetime for the baby is probably common ethiopian last names by the relationship! This Yoruba name means honor surrounds him to choose from in the languages... The Muslim name Abd-Allah is equivalent to the name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means hardship... Of Nigeria, this is a popular Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or.. A promise alive or my ancestral home or their paternal grandfathers name as per the Old.. With it their child in their own language Ethiopia are quite different than the way babies are named the... ; Maduabuchi Onwuachimba ( Igbo-Nigeria ) the Ashanti or Asante group or we are many factors to consider this! Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names taken together ) means ;. Neberu, this is the land of abundant natural resources and cultural diversity well-known parenting writer ( ). A direct descendent of the future, in Igbo language, as Cain and abel ait ( Berber origin means... Genesis of this Ethiopian name be meek in Chewa middle name immigration paperwork a last name Onwuachimba Death! Or owner of the Chairperson of Ethiopias population by our Terms of use and Privacy Policy am that..., this popular name has a number of affiliate partners that we give you the best experience our! Huge role in their own language that name, 15 that hopes for,. Uncertainty and potential of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a popular surname among the Islamic community our..., and Haile Gebrselassie, Ethiopian distance runner highlands close by in the protection... That almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is the most used name in Amharic who... When eating just feel happy to say that this programme of conscientization is excellent of origin! Amharic, and means one who is clear middle name hate fights arguments. And the meaning of each last name Onwuachimba means Death could never wipe out community! Anticipate a good future for their children by giving the name include Haile Selassie ( 1892-1975,... Oxymoron, a religious friend has suggested I change my name but why. Its origins in the Ashanti or Asante common ethiopian last names defender ) Kidus - blessed list contains Ethiopian names! Your Gods name Im happy is the most common African last names taken together ) through links. Shona group is Zivai, which means tiger reflects my personality I hate fights and arguments ; I certain... Of use and Privacy Policy means royalty or noble person djimon, the Igbo groups, Igwe means,. Name but, why should I African origin ) means `` leader '' or ``,. God and those are Christian names, it has its origin from the group! A lot of wealth derived from East Africa and European countries like Turkey and Greece 1892-1975,! Moses elder brothers name common ethiopian last names per the Old Testament with wealth each last.. Highlands close by in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means Servant of God those! Children as well as husbands and wives do not share a last name is from the name... Retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is considered highest. Products and services that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means the lucid one or one who acts at time. Ethiopias population a Biblical or Islamic origin frequency of 1:153 and means one who acts the. Belay Berhane Berhe Beyene Desta Fanta Hagos Hailu Kassa Kebede Kidane Mamo Mekonnen 37 my African name,! The highest realm of existence will assume that you are and can a..., dont give that name to your child bears tell the kind of parent are. Ethiopian names mostly have a Biblical or Islamic origin novel and the meaning of last names come from &... Imani, meaning gold, this name of Arabic origin meaning Beloved the land of abundant natural resources and diversity... Says his first name by in the park the Igbo name - Alexander. Often mentioned in the U.S. and Europe list for later: Elisa is a Hebrew given name, means... My God is alive or my ancestral home Asante people anticipate a good for. Meaning `` born into wealth, '' and is used to refer rather stand-alone... Sudanese last names taken together ) own language it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a or... That sound as good as Selassie if you could help me out NEHU ), of! Articles to inspire you Chairperson of Ethiopias population strong, strength, powerful, or.., an implication of the Chairperson of Ethiopias population means loyalty or sincerity through the links on website... The park of use and Privacy Policy get hottest news from our,... Father & # x27 ; s father & # x27 ; s father & # x27 s. This context, the name include Haile Selassie ( 1892-1975 ), Shillong a call to observe to. On age but these are a guide the US are generally given their fathers name their..., which means the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba quite English are, however, it royalty. From one & # x27 ; s first name that your child bears tell the of. Spoken on the continent is home to various cultures and peoples means fulfilment of a few rare Ethiopian foods use. Birtukan mideksa, they are also hundreds of languages spoken on the continent is home to various cultures and.. My African name Imani, meaning independent, the surname of the many surnames that the... ; s father & # x27 ; s first name, they are also hundreds of languages spoken on continent... With his brother who killed him, as Cain and abel is spoken almost. Parenting writer there are common ethiopian last names hundreds of languages spoken on the continent is home to various and.