200+ Common & Unique African Last Names (with Meanings)

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African mythology experts Adeche Atelier explain the most common African surnames across the continent

Co-authored by Adeche Atelier and Jennifer Vasquez, BA, MA

Last Updated: April 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Unique
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African surnames reflect the diversity of the continent. Africa is made up of fifty-four countries and more than 3,000 ethnic groups. Plus, over 2,100 languages are spoken throughout the various regions. As a result, African last names have different origins and meanings. We’ve put together the ultimate guide of African surnames, sharing their significance and where they come from, with exclusive insights from African mythology experts. Discover popular last names, traditional last names, unique last names, and more!

Most Popular African Surnames

African mythology experts Adeche Atelier say African naming traditions are incredibly diverse, so meanings can vary slightly depending on the language, region, and family context. With that in mind, here are some of the more common surnames:

• Mensah: “Third-born son” (Ghana/Akan)
• Adebayo: “The crown meets joy” (Yoruba/Nigeria)
• Adeyemi: “The crown suits me” (Yoruba/Nigeria)
• Okafor: “Boy born on Afor day” (Igbo/Nigeria)
• Nkosi: “Chief,” “lord,” or “master” (Southern African/Nguni)
• Ndlovi: “Elephant” (Southern African)
• Adobe: “He blossomed” (Ethiopia/Amharic)

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Section 1 of 7:

Common African Last Names

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1. 
   Common African last names carry deep cultural significance. “A useful pattern across many African names is that they often preserve something meaningful about a person’s origins, whether that is the circumstances of birth, family lineage, status, or a parent’s hopes for the child,” highlights Adeche Atelier. The following surnames are some of the most popular throughout the continent:

   • Ababio (West African/Ghanaian): “Child that keeps coming” or “reincarnation”
   • Abara (West African): “Spirit”
   • Abimbola (West African/Yoruba): “Born with wealth”
   • Abiodun (West African/Yoruba): “One who’s born during the festival or war”
   • Abioye (West African/Yoruba): “Born into royalty” or “son of royalty”
   • Acheampong (Ghanaian/Ashanti): “Destined for greatness”
   • Adebayo (Nigerian/Yoruba): “The crown meets joy”
     • The “Ade” element is strongly associated with crown or royalty in Yoruba names, so the name carries a sense of honour and status, says Adeche Atelier.
   • Adebisi (West African/Yoruba): “The king/crown/royalty produced more”
   • Adébọ̀wálé (West African/Yoruba): “Return of the crown”
   • Adélékè (West African/Yoruba): “The king/crown/royalty triumphed”
   • Adegoke (West African/Yoruba): “The crown gained advancement”
   • Adékúnlé (West African/Yoruba): “The king/crown/royalty filled the house
   • Adelakun (West African/Nigerian): “The king/crown/royalty opens the belly/womb”
   • Ademola (West African/Yoruba): “”The king/crown/royalty” or “wealth”
   • Adesina (Nigerian): “She opens the way”
   • Adesiyan (West African/Yoruba): “The crown is good”
   • Adisa (West African/Nigerian): “One who speaks clearly”
   • Afia (Nigerian): “Royalty befits me” or “worthy of the crown”
   • Afo̩lábí (West African/Yoruba): “Born into wealth” or “born into high status”
   • Afọláyan (West African/Yoruba): “One who walks with confidence”
   • Agrinya (Nigerian): “Warrior”
   • Agu (Nigerian): “Tiger”
   • Aguta (Kenyan): “To have plenty”
   • Agwuegbo (Kenyan): “The hardship is over”
   • Akinjide (Nigerian): “The strong one has returned”
   • Akíntọ́lá (Nigerian): “Valor is the worth of wealth” or being brave”
   • Akpabio (Nigerian): “Leader,” “noble,” or “prime”
   • Aku (West African/Yoruba): “Wealth”
   • Alaneme (Nigerian): “Land doing something” or “the land is active”
   • Alasa (Ghanaian): “Shield”
   • Alioune (West African): “Lofty” or “sublime”
   • Amaechi (Nigerian): “Who knows tomorrow”
   • Amaike (Nigerian): “The compound remains strong”
   • Ameziane (North African): “Young” or “little”
   • Anenih (Nigerian): “God bearing name”
   • Aniefuna (West African): “My land is not lost”
   • Anotidaishe (Zimbabwe): “The Lord loves us”
   • Apara (Nigerian): “One who comes and goes”
   • Asaju (Nigerian): “Leader of warriors”
   • Awolowo (West African/Yoruba): “The oracle has dignity”
   • Babangida (Nigerian): “The master of the house”
   • Banda (South African/Malawi/Zambia/Zimbabwe): “Clan,” “large group,” or “strong”
   • Bankole (West African/Yoruba): “Help build our house”
   • Banmeke (Nigerian): “Hold or sustain the rafter of the house with me”
   • Biobaku (West African): “If he or she does not die”
   • Chamapiwa (Zimbabwe): “That which you have been given”
   • Chidozie (Nigerian): “The Lord perfects all”
   • Chidubem (Nigerian): “God is my guide”
   • Chuke (West African): “God’s power”
   • Chukwunyelu (Nigerian): “God gives”
   • Dlamini (South African/Eswatini): “Royalty” or “leadership”
   • Dogo (West African/Nigerian): “Little”
   • Eesuola (West African): “A lot of wealth”
   • Egebe (West African): “Kite”
   • Eke (Nigerian): “Superstructure of the roof”
   • Ele (African): “Good runner”
   • Emem (Nigerian): “Peace”
   • Etienam (Nigerian): “Doer of good” or “benevolent”
   • Falade (West African): “God of divination has intermingled with royalty”
   • Folorunsho (West African): “Under God’s protection”
   • Furaha (Swahili): “Delight” or “happiness”
   • Gcobani (South African): “Be joyful”
   • Gowon (Nigerian): “The rainmaker”
   • Igbinedion (Nigerian): “Seeking refuge in the elder’s protection”
   • Igwe (West African): “Heaven”
   • Ihejirika (Nigerian): “The one that I have is greater”
   • Jelani (Swahili): “Mighty” or “full of strength”
   • Kanye (West African/East African): “Let’s give” or “to give honor or tribute”
   • Keita (West African/Malian): “Worshipper”
   • Kenyatta (Kenyan): “Musician”
   • Kikelomo (Nigerian): “A child to be cherished or pampered”
   • Lapido (Nigerian): “Wealth and prosperity”
   • Mensah (Ghanaian/Akan): “Third-born son” or “third-born boy”
   • Mohamed/Mohammed (North and East Africa): “Praised” or “commendable”
     • “This comes from Arabic and is widespread across many African countries, especially in Muslim communities,” notes Adeche Atelier.
   • Mmeremikwu (Nigerian): “To be higher” or “to be better”
   • Mawanajuma (Swahili): “Born on a Friday”
   • Mugabe (South African/Zimbabwe): “Leader” or “chief”
   • Ndiaye (Senegalese): “Descendant of the lion clan”
   • Negga (East African/Ethiopian): “The night has passed”
   • Nenge (Nigerian): “See”
   • Nkosi (South African/Nguni): “Chief,” “lord,” or “master”
     • According to Adeche Atelier, this is both a title and a surname, which is why it carries strong associations with leadership, respect, and authority.
   • Nnadi (Nigerian): “My god is alive” or “my father lives”
   • Nnamani (Nigerian): “My father’s land” or “my ancestral home”
   • Nwachukwu (Nigerian): “Child of the supreme God”
   • Nwadike (Nigerian): “One who’s from a strong lineage”
   • Obama (Kenyan): “To lean or bend”
   • Obi (Nigerian): “Heart”
   • Okafor (Igbo/Nigerian): “Boy born on Afor day,” referring to one of the traditional Igbo market days
   • Okiro (Nigerian): “May I not lack a family or a home”
   • Okonkwo (West African/Nigerian/Igbo): “Born on Nkwo day”
   • Okoro (Nigerian): “Child of the freeborn man”
   • Okoye (African): “One who’s born on orie market day”
   • Okpara (Nigerian): “Firstborn son”
   • Okusanya (Nigerian): “God has rewarded me for my sufferings”
   • Olatunji (Nigerian): "Wealth awakens again”
   • Olowe (Nigerian): “One who has many people to call for help”
   • Oluwusi (Nigerian): “Kingship has increased”
   • Omenma (Nigerian): “One who does good to others”
   • Omenuko (Nigerian): “One who acts at the time of scarcity”
   • Onai (Zimbabwe): “A call to observe”
   • Onyeneme (Nigerian): “One who does well”
   • Onyilogwu (Nigerian): “One who’s invulnerable to dark magic”
   • Opeyemi (Nigerian): “I should give praise”
   • Orji (Nigerian): “Sturdy or mighty tree”
   • Osei (Ghanaian): “Royalty” or “noble person”
   • Owusu (Ghanaian): "Strong willed and determined”
   • Oyekan (Zimbabwe): “We have increased or multiplied”
   • Popoola (Nigerian): “Intelligent people love god”
   • Quansah (West African/Ghanaian): “God is watching you”
   • Sarpong (Ghanaian): “Supreme” or “a great warrior”
   • Temitope (Nigerian): “Mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude”
   • Tersoo (Nigerian): “Father’s love”
   • Tetteh (Ghanaian/Ga): “Mother’s second male child,” or in some explanations, “the second of the male twins”
   • Touré (West African): "Elephant"
   • Uduike (Nigerian): “Fullness of power”
   • Umburter (South African): "Remember the father”
   • Zadzisai (Zimbabwe): “Fulfillment of a pledge or promise”
   • Zivai (Zimbabwe): “You must know”
   • Note: “In some naming traditions, such as those of Ethiopia and Eritrea, names used as surnames in English-language contexts may originally have been personal names rather than hereditary family surnames in the European sense,” says Adeche Atelier.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Adeche Atelier, also known as Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi, are fine artists, storytellers, and content creators inspired by African mythology, folklore, and spirituality based in London, UK.
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Section 2 of 7:

Traditional African Last Names

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1. 
   Traditional African surnames are rooted in culture. In many African cultures, names can reflect birth order, the day a child was born, royalty, family hopes, or social status, notes Adeche Atelier. The following list offers some examples.

   • Abbas (Algerian): “Lion”
   • Abdallah (Sudanese): “Servant of God”
   • Adedeji (West African): “One has become two”
   • Adomako (Ghanaian): “By grace”
   • Afumba (Zambian): “When they plan”
   • Akpan (Nigerian): “Firstborn male child”
   • Albaz (North African): “Falconer”
   • Amani (Ethiopian): “Faith”
   • Badu (Ghanaian): “Tenth-born child”
   • Boujettif (North African): “One who possesses a clever head”
   • Chedjou (Cameroonian): Connected to the Bamiléké community in Cameroon
   • Chizimu (Zambian): Linked to spirits or ancestors
   • Gbeho (Ghanian): Linked to Ghanian cultural heritage
   • Hassan (Moroccan): “Handsome,” “manly,” or “strong”
   • Kanumba (Tanzanian): “A small house”
   • Kasongo (Congolese): “Bushback”
   • Mambwe (Zambian): “The Lord is gracious”
   • Mostafa (North African/Egyptian): “The chosen one”
   • Musa (Nigerian): “Mercy”
   • Teklehaimanot (Ethiopian): Comes from the name Tekle Haymanot, who was an Ethiopian monk and saint

Section 3 of 7:

Powerful African Last Names

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1. 
   Powerful African last names evoke strength and perseverance. They can represent pride in one’s lineage and legacy, and they’re carried with honor. The surnames on the following list have strong ties to power.

   • Adewale (Nigerian): “The crown has returned home”
   • Adeyemi (Nigerian/Yoruba): “The crown befits me” or “the crown suits me”
     • “Like many Yoruba names, it carries royal connotations and suggests dignity, worthiness, or belonging to a distinguished lineage,” highlights Adeche Atelier.
   • Amari (African): “Strength” or “builder”
   • Azikiwe (Nigerian): “The past is my strength”
   • Cele (South African): One of the oldest Nguni clans
   • Diallo (West African): “Brave”
   • Eze (Nigerian): “King”
   • Fofana (West African): “Destined to thrive”
   • Ilunga (Central African): “One who forgives again and again”
   • Kagame (Central African): Connected to Rwandan leadership
   • Kamau (Kenyan): “Quiet warrior”
   • Koné (Central African): “Warriors,” “bravery,” or “fearlessness”
   • Mandela (African): “Warden” or “watchman”
   • Mobutu (Congolese): “Invincible warrior”
   • Mokgosi (South African): “The ruler”
   • Mthembu (South African): “Trust” or “believe”
   • Mutombo (Central African): “Fierce”
   • Ndlovu (Southern African): “Elephant”
     • In many Southern African naming traditions, animal names signal strength, prestige, or clan identity, notes Adeche Atelier.
   • Nzinga (Central African): Name of Queen Nzinga
   • Obasi (Nigerian): “In the presence of the king”
   • Phukuntsi (South African): “One who attracts flies”
   • Sundiata (West African): “Hungry lion”
   • Tlali (South African): “Thunder”
   • Tshabalala (South African): “Shooting star” or “surprise/amazement”
   • Yeboah (West African): “Helper”
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Section 4 of 7:

Unique African Last Names

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1. 
   Unique African last names are more rare to come across. However, that doesn’t diminish their significance in African culture. The following names are linked to nature, religious beliefs, and kinship.

   • Aaron (Ethiopian): “High mountain”
   • Arafa (North African/Egyptian): “To know”
   • Barmasai (Kenyan): “One who has killed or captured a Maasai”
   • Bekele (Ethiopian): “One who is growing”
   • Biko (South African): “A person of the people”
   • Chibale (North African/Egyptian): “A kinsman”
   • Elsharkawy (North African/Egyptian): “The one from the East”
   • Freyhiwot (Ethiopian): “A life-giving seed”
   • Gacoki (Kenyan): “One who returns”
   • Gumede (South African): “To end what you have started”
   • Hamadi (North African/Egyptian): “Praised”
   • Ibrahim (North African/Egyptian): “The father of all”
   • Kipkorir (Kenyan): Born shortly before dawn”
   • Magero (Kenyan): “One who is causing fearfulness”
   • Masondo (South African): “Wheels”
   • Mideksa (Ethiopian): “Independent”
   • Mubarak (North African/Egyptian): “Lucky” or “blessed”
   • Omari (Ethiopian): “God is exalted”
   • Otueome (African): “He says and does as he said he would do”
   • Tamru (Ethiopian): “The miraculous one”

Section 5 of 7:

Female African Last Names

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1. 
   African last names that are linked to females are connected to beauty and nature. There is a softness and peace that these surnames evoke. Here are some last names that embody female characteristics:

   • Abebe (Ethiopian/Amharic): “He blossomed” and connected to the Amharic word for “flower”
   • Achebe (Nigerian/Igbo): “The goddess protects”
   • Ayotunde (West Africa): “Joy has returned"
   • Hasina (Swahili): “Good”
   • Kimathi (East African/Kenyan): “Earnest provider”
   • Mumbi (East African): “One who creates/molds”
   • Muthoni (East African): “The quiet/shy one”
   • Ọyáwálé (Nigerian): “The river goddess has come home”
   • Oyinlola (Nigerian): “Wealth is sweet”
   • Tesfaye (Ethiopian/Eritrean): “My hope”
   • Wambui (East African): “Singer of songs” or “zebra”
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Section 6 of 7:

Male African Last Names

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1. 
   Male African last names bring to mind strength and mightiness. Names for African boys and men are typically connected to warriors, fighters, and courageous individuals. The following list contains surnames that have powerful meanings.

   • Akinyemi (Nigerian): “Destined to be a warrior”
   • Buhle/Bhule (South African): “Handsome”
   • Buthelezi (South African): A common Zulu last name
   • Khumalo (South African): A well-known Zulu clan name
   • Oladele (Nigerian): “Wealth has come home”
   • Oladoyinbo (Nigerian): “Honor surrounds him”
   • Olanrewaju (Nigerian): “My wealth is moving forward” or “my wealth is the future”
   • Otiendo (East African): “Born at night”
   • Sankara (West African): “Ninth born”
   • Selassie (Ethiopian): “Trinity”

Section 7 of 7:

African American Last Names

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1. 
   African American surnames are typically American in origin. Many freed African Americans chose their last names, but there are certain situations where they took the last name of their former slave owner. Here’s a list of some of the most common African American surnames.

   • Anderson: “Son of Andrew”
   • Brown: “Brown complexion” or “brown hair”
   • Clark: “Scribe” or “cleric”
   • Davis: “Son of David”
   • Evans: “Son of Evan”
   • Harris: “Son of Harry”
   • Jackson: “Son of Jack”
   • James: “Supplanter”
   • Johnson: “Son of John”
   • Jones: “Son of John”
   • Lewis: “Renowned warrior”
   • Martin” “Of Mars” or “warlike”
   • Moore: “Open land” or “dark-skinned”
   • Robinson: “Son of Robin”
   • Smith: “Metal worker”
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