Last names provide a great bridge to our family’s past, and those from Africa are no exception. Africa, which is home to 54 countries, is the second-largest continent. It has many different naming systems. Each factor plays a role: colonial and tribal influences, linguistic influences, as well as linguistic. Many African countries also went without native last names until their colonizers imposed them. Because given names were not adopted in native languages, they were used as surnames. And while African last names are popular around the globe, these names are particularly common throughout the United States and Europe due to a dark history of slave trade forced upon African colonies.
In West African culture, words have power, and certain names generate significant energy. This is why names should be carefully chosen. Baby naming ceremonies don’t happen until ten days after the mother gives birth, which gives new parents a lot of time to think about the perfect name. In West African culture, names tell a story, and last names are the base of the narrative. They are used to identify the origin of a family member, as in many cultures. Africa has many countries and if you’re versed in the different cultures, you can pinpoint the country or nation a person belongs to just by knowing their last name. Sometimes, you can use this information to determine their religious affiliation. For example, there is a large Muslim presence in Africa, so if the last name is Arabic, it’s usually a good indication of what they practice.
We’ve compiled a list of the most common and popular African last names, along with their meaning and country of origin. You can check them out to see whether your name is on the list.
If you’re interested in the last names and meanings of other countries, check out our package on last names from around the world. You’ll be surprised at how many of these you can recognize.
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- Adébáyọ̀ Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba) Meaning: “He came in a joyful time’” or “the king/crown/royalty meets joy.”
- Abebe Origin: Ethiopian Meaning: “Flower” or “blossom.”
- Ababio Origin: Ghanaian Meaning: “Child that keeps coming or reincarnation.”
- Kanumba Origin: Tanzanian Meaning: Unknown.
- Keita Origin: Malian Meaning: “Worshipper.”
- Kimathi Origin: Kenyan Meaning: “Earnest provider.”
- Bankole Origin: West African (Yoruba) Meaning: “Build my house for me.”
- Gbeho Origin: Ghanaian Meaning: Unknown.
- Afumba Origin: Zambian (Lozi) Meaning: “When they plan.”
- Negga/Nega Origin: Ethiopian Meaning: “The night has passed.”
- Chidubem Origin: Nigerian (Igbo) Meaning: “Guided by God.”
- Abbas Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Algeria Meaning: “Lion.”
Walt Disney Studios - Quansah Origin: Ghanaian Meaning: “God is watching.”
- Mambwe Origin: Zambian Meaning: “The Lord is gracious.”
- Adomako Origin: Ghanaian Meaning: Unknown.
- Hassan Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Morocco Meaning: “Handsome,” “manly,” or “strong.”
- Mostafa Origin: An Arabic name found throughout Egypt Meaning: “The chosen one.”
- Kasongo Origin: Congolese Meaning: “Bushbuck.”
- Chizimu Origin: Malawian (Lambya) Meaning: Unknown.
- Abdallah Origin: An Arabic name found through Sudan Meaning: “Servant of God.”
- Badu Origin: Ghanaian Meaning: 10th-born child.
- Teklehaimanot Origin: Ethiopian Meaning: Derives from the name Tekle Haymanot; the name of an Ethiopian monk and saint.
- Okoro Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo) Meaning: “Child of the freeborn man.”
- Chedjou Origin: Cameroonian Meaning: Unknown.
- Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba) Meaning: “Born with wealth.”
- Abara Origin: West African (Igbo) Meaning: “Spirit.”
- Jelani Origin: Swahili Meaning: “Full of strength.”
- Abiodun Origin: Yoruba Meaning: “Born during the festival or war.”
- Acheampong Origin: Ghanaian (Ashanti) Meaning: “Destined for greatness.”
- Abioye Origin: Nigerian Meaning: “The son of royalty.”
- Adebisi Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba) Meaning: “We added to the crown.”
- Boujettif Origin: Northern African (Archaic) Meaning: “One who possesses a clever head.”
- Nwadike Origin: Nigerian (Igbo) Meaning: “Son of the brave” or “son of a hero.”
- Selassie Origin: Ethiopian Meaning: “Trinity.”
- Musa Origin: Nigerian Meaning: “Mercy.”
- Akpan Origin: Nigerian Meaning: Title given to firstborn male children of the Ibibio/Efik people.
- Adedeji Origin: Yoruba Meaning: “One has become two.”
- Agrinya Origin: Nigerian Meaning: “Warrior.”
- Albaz Origin: Ashkenazic Jewish, North African Meaning: “Falconer.”
- Amani Origin: Tigrinya Meaning: “Faith.”
- Afia Origin: Ghana (Akan) Meaning: “The king gave birth to me.”
- Agwuegbo Origin: Nigerian Meaning: “The hardship is over.”
African Proverbs
Africa is filled with countries brimming with beautiful and meaningful names. It’s also has a wealth of knowledge, which includes ancient proverbs and sayings you can apply to your everyday life. We’ve compiled a list that will help you see things differently and manage your troubles.
- The ground is not affected by a bird that flies above the earth and lands on an Anthill.
- Teeth cannot see poverty.
- Water is the boss, and the land must comply.
- Only fools can test the depth of a river using both feet.
- The milk tastes sweet when the shepherd returns home in peace.
- You don’t need to look back at the place you fell. Instead, focus on where you went wrong.
- Cut an elephant into small pieces to eat him.
- The one who doesn’t know one thing is the same as the other.
- Rain beats the leopard’s skin, but it does not wash out the spots.
- It will not cook yams, no matter how angry you are.
- A roaring lion is not good for any game.
- Rain doesn’t fall on just one roof.
- The head will be cut off if it has ears that are not open to hearing advice.
- It was not everyone who chased after the zebra, but it was he who did.
- It is important to focus on what is being said, and not who is saying it.
- Look at the beginning if you want to find the ending.
- Even a lion can defend himself from flies.
- The dawn will rise no matter how dark the night.
- Do not be surprised if someone runs away after you have healed their leg.
- Once you carry your own water, you’ll remember every drop.
- Don’t set sail on someone else’s star.
- Nobody is born smart.
- One man who is afraid to use force is not a wise person.
