Xhosa baby names
569 verified Xhosa names from South Africa — each with its meaning, how to say it, and its traditional spelling.
A
“They have praised and given thanks”
/ah-BONG-ee-leh/
“He has built and established something lasting”
/ah-KHEE-leh/
“There is someone here; a cherished reminder of a child’s presence in the family”
/ah-KHOH-nah/
“He has grown and flourished.”
/ah-khoo-LEE-leh/
“He has built a home/homestead; a home-builder.”
/ah-KHUM-zee/
“All is well; things are in a good state”
/ah-loo-NGEE-leh/
“Beautiful things or beautiful people”
/ah-MAH-hleh/
“They have welcomed or accepted her.”
/ah-mahm-KEH-leh/
“Strength and power”
/ah-MAHND-lah/
“They are with us—a beautiful celebration of family togetherness”
/ah-NAH-tee/
“They have grown and prospered”
/ahn-DEE-leh/
“She has been increased or blessed with growth”
/ahn-DEE-swah/
“The family feels complete; there is enough joy and blessing.”
/ah-NEH-leh/
“Complete; perfected; whole.”
/ah-PHEH-leh-leh/
“A child received as a precious gift, especially after waiting, prayer or difficulty.”
/ah-PEE-weh/
“They have increased; a sign of growth and abundance”
/ah-SAHN-dah/
“They are beautiful; beauty has come”
/ah-seh-MAH-hleh/
“Let us give.”
/ah-SEE-peh/
“We are a gift.”
/ah-see-SEE-poh/
“Let us listen and understand”
/ah-SEE-veh/
“They are joyful and content.”
/ah-tah-BEE-leh/
“One who has appeared or come forth”
/ah-VEH-lah/
“It is open; it has been opened.”
/ah-voo-LEH-keh-leh/
“One who has willingly agreed or accepted”
/ah-voo-MEE-leh/
“Has rejoiced; is joyful.”
/ah-voo-YEE-leh/
“They give thanks; they are grateful.”
/ah-yah-BONG-ah/
“The family is growing and its blessings are increasing.”
/ah-YAHN-dah/
“One who has been heard; a child whose arrival is received as an answer”
/ah-ZWEE-leh/
B
“Grace”
/bah-BAH-loh/
“Grace and blessing”
/bah-BAHL-wah/
“May this child help bring people together and strengthen the family.”
/bahm-bah-NAH-nee/
“They have increased and prospered”
/bahn-DEE-leh/
“A child who completes the family and brings a feeling of fullness.”
/bah-NEH-leh/
“people”
/BAHN-too/
“all people”
/bahn-too-BON-keh/
“Loved and cherished”
/bah-TAHN-dwah/
“beautiful one; beautified one”
/beh-LEE-swah/
“watch over the nations/people”
/beh-keh-ZEE-zweh/
“look after the home/household”
/beh-keh-MOO-zee/
“Give thanks; be grateful”
/BON-gah/
“Be thankful”
/boh-NGAH-nee/
“be grateful; give thanks”
/bon-GEH-kah/
“has given thanks; is thankful”
/boh-ngeh-KEE-leh/
“has given thanks; is thankful”
/BON-gee-leh/
“Give thanks to the Lord”
/boh-ngin-KOH-see/
“A child who is gratefully received and praised”
/boh-NGEE-weh/
“our praise; our thanksgiving”
/bong-oh-LWEH-too/
“give thanks for kindness/grace”
/bong-goo-MOO-sah/
“Beauty and loveliness”
/BOO-hleh/
“Welcomed and received with joy”
/boo-KEHL-wah/
“Give thanks”
/boo-leh-LAH-nee/
“One for whom thanks are given”
/boo-LEHL-wah/
“Wisdom”
/boo-LOOM-koh/
“A delightful child who makes life sweeter”
/boo-MNAHN-dee/
“Blessed and watched over with love”
/boo-see-SEE-weh/
“gather together; come together”
/boo-ta-NAH-nee/
“sleep”
/boo-TONG-oh/
“return”
/boo-yeh-LAH-nee/
“The one who has returned, bringing joy back home”
/boo-YEE-leh/
“A precious child welcomed after loss, symbolising the return of hope and life to the family.”
/boo-YEE-swah/
C
“wealthy; prosperous”
/keh-BEE-leh/
“One who advises or guides others”
/seh-BEE-sah/
“A counsellor and adviser”
/CHEH-boh/
“be advised; be counselled”
/click-eh-TYEE-swah/
“Wealth and treasured abundance”
/CHOO-ma/
“May he live with cheerfulness and joy.”
/choo-MAH-nee/
“She has prospered and flourished”
/choo-MEE-leh/
“be cheerful; smile; be bright”
/chwah-YEE-tah/
“A cherished little girl”
/chee-KEEZ-wah/
“think”
/tsee-NGAH-nee/
“be considered; be thought of”
/tsing-EH-kah/
“purify; refine”
/KWEH-ngah/
D
“founder/creator of the council”
/dah-lee-BOONG-ah/
“She has brought happiness and delight”
/da-lee-SEE-leh/
“Creator of praise”
/dah-lee-WONG-ah/
“Bringer or creator of peace”
/dah-loo-KSOH-loh/
“God is my judge.”
/dah-nee-YEH-lee/
“Beloved; deeply cherished.”
/dah-VEE-deh/
“Has been comforted; comforted.”
/doo-doo-ZEE-leh/
“Has become famous; is renowned.”
/doo-MEE-leh/
“Praise and honour”
/doo-MEE-sah/
“Praise; give praise.”
/doo-mee-SAH-nee/
“Has praised; has given praise.”
/doo-mee-SEE-leh/
“Be praised; one who is praised.”
/doo-nee-SWAH/
E
F
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/FAH-koo/
“A venerable traditional name associated with early Xhosa kingship”
/FAH-loh/
“Be fulfilled; be complete; succeed.”
/feh-ZEH-kah/
“Has accomplished; has fulfilled.”
/feh-ZEE-leh/
“Accomplished; brought to completion”
/feh-ZEE-weh/
“Has arrived; has reached the destination.”
/fee-keh-LEH-kee-leh/
“Where has she arrived?; where did she arrive?”
/fee-keh-LEH-pee/
“Has arrived.”
/fee-KEE-leh/
“Has been brought; has been caused to arrive.”
/fee-KEE-swah/
“Lover of horses.”
/fee-LEE-poo/
“Has been found.”
/foo-mah-neh-KEE-leh/
“Prosperous; has become wealthy.”
/foo-MEE-leh/
“One who makes prosper; one who brings prosperity.”
/foo-MEE-sah/
“One who has learned; educated.”
/foon-DEE-leh/
“Has been taught; has been educated.”
/foon-DEES-wah/
“A much-needed and cherished child”
/foo-NEH-kah/
“A child who brings a sense of achievement and fulfilment”
/foo-ZEE-leh/
G
“God is my strength.”
/gah-bree-YEH-lee/
“A heritage name associated with the Gcaleka royal house and Xhosa history”
/g-ah-LEH-kah/
“One who protects and cares for the people”
/gtsi-nah-BAHN-too/
“One who protects and cares for the home”
/gkee-nee-KHAH-yah/
“A treasured child carefully kept and protected”
/gkee-NEE-leh/
“One who protects and preserves the nation”
/gkee-nee-SEE-zweh/
“Has been kept; has been protected or preserved.”
/gchee-NEES-wah/
“Guardian of the home”
/gchee-noom-ZEE/
“Be kept; be protected or preserved.”
/gkee-nwah/
“Rejoice; be happy.”
/goh-BAH-nee/
“One who brings happiness and joy”
/goh-BEE-sah/
“Our pride and joy”
/goo-goo-LEH-too/
H
“God strengthens; God is my strength.”
/heh-zeh-KEE-leh/
“A distinguished traditional name associated with Xhosa kingship and heritage”
/HEENT-sah/
“Redeemed or saved”
/hlehn-GEE-weh/
“One who honors others and is honored in return”
/hlo-NEH-lah/
“A daughter worthy of respect and honor”
/hlo-NEL-wah/
“Respectful, dignified, and honorable”
/hlo-nee-PHEE-leh/
“Growth and flourishing”
/hloo-MEH-loh/
“One who causes growth and flourishing”
/hloo-MEE-sah/
I
“He is with us; he stands with us.”
/ee-mee-NAH-tee/
“Success, prosperity, and a life of achievement”
/im-poo-meh-LEH-loh/
“A blessing and a treasured gift to the family”
/in-tsee-keh-LEH-loh/
“Good character and disposition”
/ee-see-MEE-loh/
J
“To court, date, or be in a romantic relationship.”
/JOH-lah/
“Look; watch.”
/JONG-ah/
“Watch over/look after the home.”
/jong-gee-KHAH-yah/
“Look at the sun.”
/jong-ee-LAHN-gah/
“Has looked; has watched.”
/jon-GEE-leh/
“Look at the mountain.”
/jong-in-TAH-bah/
“A traditional royal name associated with the early Xhosa kingdom”
/jong-oom-soh-BOHM-voo/
K
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/KAH-mah/
“A radiant person who brings light to others”
/KHAHN-yah/
“Light up; bring light”
/kha-nee-SAH/
“She has brought light”
/kha-nee-SEE-leh/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/kha-WOO-tah/
“Home—a loving name for a child who makes the family feel complete”
/KHAH-yah/
“Girl/woman of the home.”
/kha-ya-KA-zee/
“The chosen one.”
/kheh-TEE-weh/
“One who is trusted and believed in”
/khoh-LEH-kah/
“Be pleased/satisfied; one who is made happy or satisfied.”
/kho-LEE-swah/
“Grow; may you grow.”
/khoo-LAH-nee/
“Has grown and flourished”
/khoo-LEE-leh/
“Be raised/nurtured.”
/khoo-LEE-swah/
“Be free; be liberated.”
/khoo-loo-leh-KAH-nee/
“Freedom, openness and a life unburdened”
/khoo-loo-leh-KEE-leh/
“She has been set free”
/khoo-loo-LEE-weh/
“Be freed; be released.”
/khoo-LOOL-wah/
“Has remembered.”
/khoom-BEE-leh/
“Is remembered; will be remembered.”
/khoon-JOOL-wah/
“Be diligent; work hard.”
/khoo-TAH-lah/
“To kindle or ignite; also, in name use, to spur on or encourage.”
/khweh-ZEH-lah/
“A guiding star and a bright new beginning”
/KWEH-zee/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/KREH-lee/
“Beautiful; good; goodness.”
/KOO-hleh/
“Increase; growth; becoming greater.”
/KWAHN-dah/
L
“She has been increased; she has been enlarged or multiplied.”
/lan-dee-SWAH/
“Sunshine and warmth”
/LAHN-gah/
“Joyful; happy”
/LEE-hleh/
“The long-awaited child”
/lin-DELL-wah/
“The long-awaited one”
/lin-DEE-weh/
“Wait for goodness/the good.”
/leen-doh-KOO-hleh/
“Light that brightens the world”
/LEE-tah/
“It sees; it will see.”
/lee-yah-BOH-nah/
“It is growing; it is increasing.”
/lee-YAHN-dah/
“It is standing; it stands firm.”
/lee-YEH-mah/
“Watchful and discerning”
/LEE-zoh/
“She who has been cared for, guarded, or looked after.”
/lon-DEE-weh/
“A child whose arrival fills the family with happiness.”
/lon-WAH-boh/
“Victory and triumph”
/loh-YEE-soh/
“Grace”
/loo-bah-BAH-loh/
“Light; a bright path into the future”
/loo-KHAHN-yoh/
“Faith and trust; a child who brings confidence and hope”
/loo-KHOH-loh/
“Peaceful, calm and gentle”
/loo-LAH-mah/
“One who has found peace”
/loo-lah-MEE-leh/
“Good, upright, and on the right path”
/LOON-gah/
“What is right; justice”
/loon-GEH-loh/
“Good, well behaved, and upright”
/LOON-gee-leh/
“To put right, repair, fix, or prepare.”
/loon-GEE-sah/
“She has been put right or prepared”
/loon-GEE-swah/
“Growing and flourishing”
/loo-SAHN-dah/
“Family; one who is cherished as part of the family”
/loo-SAH-poh/
“Love and affection”
/loo-TAHN-doh/
“Joy and happiness”
/loo-VOO-yoh/
“Peace and calm”
/luh-CLICK-oh-loh/
“It is growing; it is increasing.”
/loo-YAHN-dah/
“Joy and happiness”
/loo-YOH-loh/
“Glory, honor, and distinction”
/loo-ZOO-koh/
“The family has grown through the arrival of this child.”
/lwan-DEE-leh/
“The freedom, depth, and beauty of the ocean”
/LWAHN-dleh/
“Love and affection; a child welcomed with warmth”
/LWAHN-doh/
“Knowledge and understanding”
/LWAH-zee/
M
“Regiments; troops; warriors.”
/ma-BOO-toh/
“Men.”
/mah-DOH-dah/
“A historic Xhosa personal name, especially that of Makhanda (Nxele), an early nineteenth-century Xhosa spiritual and military leader.”
/mah-KHAN-dah/
“Home; at home; belonging to the home.”
/mah-KHAH-yah/
“Princesses or young women of chiefly dignity”
/mah-kho-sah-ZAH-nah/
“One who receives; a recipient.”
/mam-KEH-lee/
“Pleasant, sweet-natured and kind”
/mahn-DEE-sah/
“Strength, power, and the ability to lead”
/MAHN-dla/
“A miracle child whose arrival brings wonder and renewed hope.”
/man-gah-LEE-soh/
“Victories; conquests; one who conquers.”
/mahn-KOH-bah/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/mah-KOH-mah/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/MAR-koh/
“Let us build together; let us build one another.”
/mah-sah-KHAH-neh/
“Let us increase; let us multiply.”
/mah-SAHN-deh/
“Let us hold onto one another; let us unite/stick together.”
/mah-see-bahm-BAH-neh/
“Let us give thanks; let us be thankful.”
/mah-see-boo-LEH-leh/
“A name celebrating mutual care, cooperation, and community.”
/mah-see-nts eh-DAH-neh/
“Let us forgive.”
/mah-see-KSOH-leh/
“Gift of God; gift of Yahweh.”
/mah-TEH-yoo/
“One who awakens or revives; renewal/restoration.”
/mah-VOO-soh/
“A hopeful blessing that the family, love and prosperity will continue to grow.”
/mah-WAHN-deh/
“Ours; our one.”
/mah-WEH-too/
“Praises; honours.”
/mah-WONG-ah/
“Beautiful flower.”
/m-bah-lehn-HLEH/
“A flower; a beautiful blossom”
/M-BAH-lee/
“Patient one; one who perseveres.”
/mbeh-keh-ZEH-lee/
“A child who brings deep gratitude and honor”
/m-boo-LEH-loh/
“A wise adviser whose counsel is valued”
/m-cheh-BEE-see/
“A respected title-name meaning a teacher, pastor, or spiritual guide”
/m-foon-DEE-see/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/MHAH-lah/
“A historic Xhosa personal name carried by a respected traditional leader”
/m-HLON-tloh/
“Joys; one who brings happiness”
/mee-HLAH-lee/
“Beautiful; lovely.”
/MEE-hleh/
“Who is like God?”
/mee-kah-YEH-lee/
“A deliverer and one who brings freedom”
/m-khoo-LOO-lee/
“A protector and defender”
/m-khoo-SEH-lee/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/m-lahn-YEH-nee/
“One who puts things right; a fixer or restorer.”
/mloo-NGEE-see/
“A helpful, caring and generous person”
/m-ncheh-DEE-see/
“Answer; response.”
/姆-PEHN-doo-loh/
“Success; a child destined to do well”
/m-poo-meh-LEH-loh/
“Success and achievement”
/m-poo-meh-LOH/
“Saviour and deliverer”
/msee-NDEE-see/
“Helper and supporter; one who brings assistance to others”
/m-SEE-zee/
“Prayer.”
/m-tahn-DAH-zoh/
“Beloved one; loved one.”
/m-tahn-DEH-nee/
“Law; rule; order.”
/m-THEH-toh/
“Obedient and respectful”
/m-toh-BEH-lee/
“One who humbles; one who causes humility.”
/m-toh-BEE-see/
“One who brings happiness or joy.”
/m-toh-koh-ZEE-see/
“One who has been sent; sent one.”
/m-thoon-YEH-lwah/
“Messenger, one who brings news or a message”
/m-thoon-YWA/
“A place of shelter, rest, and protection”
/MTOON-zee/
“One who brings comfort”
/m-too-too-ZEH-lee/
“Product; production; yield.”
/mveh-LEE-soh/
“Life-giving rain and blessing”
/MVOO-lah/
“Peacemaker and forgiver”
/m-khoh-LEE-see/
“Home; homestead; household.”
/m-ZEE/
“The home of his father”
/m-zee-kah-YEE-seh/
“Great or large homestead.”
/mzee-MKHOO-loo/
“His own home/homestead.”
/mzee-WAH-kheh/
“The whole homestead/household.”
/m-zee-WON-keh/
“Home of peace—a peaceful and welcoming presence”
/m-zee-woh-KHOH-loh/
“The homestead/household is growing or expanding.”
/m-zee-YAHN-dah/
“One who glorifies, praises, or honours.”
/m-zoo-KEE-see/
“The family and homestead have grown”
/m-zwan-DEE-leh/
N
“Today.”
/NAHM-hlah/
“Sweet one; pleasant one.”
/NAHN-dee/
“A child who gives the family great happiness”
/nan-DEE-pah/
“God has given; gift of God.”
/nah-tah-nee-YEH-lee/
“Mercy; compassion.”
/NKEH-bah/
“The one who has helped us”
/n-tseh-DEE-leh/
“Help; assistance; one who helps.”
/nkeh-DEE-sah/
“Help; assistance.”
/n-KEH-doh/
“Historical personal name of Ndlambe, a prominent Rharhabe Xhosa chief.”
/ndlahm-BEH/
“Historical Xhosa royal personal name, borne by a member of the Gcaleka royal house.”
/n-gahn-geh-LEEZ-weh/
“Historical personal name of Ngqika, a major Rharhabe Xhosa chief.”
/n-GHEE-kah/
“Historical personal name of Ngubengcuka, a Gcaleka Xhosa paramount chief.”
/ngoo-ben-GOO-kah/
“Prince; a child born with royal dignity”
/n-koh-SAH-na/
“Princess and a woman of royal bearing”
/n-koh-sah-ZAH-na/
“The Lord is present”
/nko-see-KHOH-nah/
“The Lord is with us”
/nko-see-NAH-tee/
“Freedom; liberation.”
/nkoo-loo-LEH-koh/
“She has increased; growth or increase.”
/noh-bahn-DEE-leh/
“Mother of the community/people; mother of the assembly.”
/noh-BAHN-dlah/
“Mother of the people”
/noh-BAHN-too/
“Mother of broadness, expansiveness, or abundance.”
/noh-BAHN-zee/
“Mother of the Sotho; associated with Basotho/Sotho identity.”
/noh-beh-SOO-too/
“Life and renewed hope for the family”
/noh-BOH-mee/
“A daughter associated with beauty and loveliness”
/noh-BOO-hleh/
“Mother of royalty; mother of kingship.”
/noh-boo-KHOH-see/
“Mother of wisdom; wisdom and insight.”
/noh-boo-LOOM-koh/
“A woman of dignity, kindness, and noble character”
/noh-BOON-too/
“She has accomplished; she has fulfilled.”
/noh-feh-ZEE-leh/
“She has arrived.”
/noh-fee-KEE-leh/
“Mother of Foto”
/noh-FOH-toh/
“She has learned; she is educated.”
/noh-foon-DEE-leh/
“Mother of light.”
/no-KHAHN-yah/
“Mother of the morning star.”
/no-KHWEH-zee/
“The mother of thanksgiving; a life received with gratitude”
/noh-koo-BOHN-gah/
“Mother of goodness; goodness and virtue.”
/noh-koo-LOON-gah/
“Mother of peace.”
/noh-koo-TOO-lah/
“A peaceful presence in the home and family”
/noh-koo-ZOH-lah/
“The mother of growth and increase”
/noh-KWAHN-dah/
“Mother of knowledge.”
/no-KWAH-zee/
“Mother of light”
/noh-LEE-tah/
“A life marked by victory”
/noh-loh-YEE-soh/
“Mother of grace”
/noh-loo-FEH-feh/
“Mother of the community; mother of humanity/people”
/noh-LOON-too/
“Mother of the family”
/noh-loo-SAH-poh/
“Mother of salvation”
/noh-loo-seen-DEE-soh/
“A beloved daughter and a source of love”
/noh-loo-TAHN-doh/
“A daughter who fills the family with joy”
/noh-loo-VOO-yoh/
“Mother of the sea”
/noh-LWAHN-dleh/
“A woman of knowledge; one who has wisdom”
/noh-LWAH-zee/
“Mother of the home; mother of homes/homesteads”
/noh-mah-KHAH-yah/
“Mother of chiefs/kings”
/noh-mah-KHOH-see/
“Mother of the stars”
/noh-mah-KWEH-zee/
“Mother of the sun; mother of the day”
/noh-mah-LAHN-gah/
“Mother of completion; one who brings matters to fulfilment”
/noh-mah-LEE-zoh/
“A daughter of strength, power, and authority”
/noh-MAHN-dlah/
“Mother of good fortune and blessings”
/noh-mah-tahm-SAHN-kah/
“Mother of joy; one who brings happiness”
/noh-mah-VOO-yoh/
“Our mother”
/noh-mah-WEH-too/
“Mother of respect”
/noh-MBEH-koh/
“A woman of gratitude and thanksgiving”
/nom-boo-LEH-loh/
“Mother of what is fitting and right”
/nom-fah-NEH-leh/
“Mother of responsibility, duty, or obligation”
/nom-fah-NEH-loh/
“Mother of education/learning”
/noh-m-FOON-doh/
“Mother of beauty”
/NOHM-hleh/
“Patient, calm and gentle”
/noh-MON-deh/
“A daughter who comes with success and achievement”
/noh-mpoo-meh-LEH-loh/
“Kind-hearted, gentle and caring”
/NOM-sah/
“Mother of prayer”
/noh-mtahn-DAH-zoh/
“A gracious, kind-hearted woman”
/noh-MOO-sah/
“Mother of production; mother of productivity”
/noh-mveh-LEE-soh/
“Rain arriving as a welcome blessing”
/noh-MVOO-lah/
“Mother of joy; a daughter who brings happiness to her family”
/nom-VOO-yoh/
“Mother of effort/striving”
/noh-MZAH-moh/
“Mother of mercy/compassion”
/non-CHEH-bah/
“A source of help and strength within the family”
/non-CHEH-doh/
“Mother of praise”
/non-doo-MEE-soh/
“Mother of the night”
/non-DWEH/
“A distinguished traditional Xhosa name borne by the historical prophetess Nongqawuse”
/non-gah-WOO-seh/
“A woman of progress and forward movement”
/non-KKOO-beh-lah/
“A woman associated with freedom and liberation”
/non-koo-loo-LEH-koh/
“A beloved child who embodies love”
/nohn-TAHN-doh/
“One who speaks; associated with speech or speaking.”
/non-TEH-tah/
“Mother of beauty; beautiful one”
/NOHNT-leh/
“A child of humility and gentleness”
/nohn-toh-BEH-koh/
“A joyful one”
/nohn-toh-KOH-zoh/
“Girl; daughter”
/non-TOHM-bee/
“A blessing welcomed into the family”
/non-tsee-keh-LEH-loh/
“Compassion, pity, or mercy.”
/non-TSEE-tsee/
“A source of comfort and reassurance”
/nohn-too-too-ZEH-loh/
“A beautiful and radiant woman”
/non-zwah-KAH-zee/
“An Easter child, associated with renewal and new life”
/noh-pa-SEE-kah/
“She has succeeded; successful.”
/noh-poo-meh-LEH-leh/
“One associated with a request or earnest appeal”
/noh-see-SEH-loh/
“Mother of salvation and deliverance”
/noh-sin-DEE-soh/
“A precious gift”
/noh-SEE-poh/
“Kindness, compassion, mercy, or help.”
/noh-SEE-sah/
“A strong foundation for the family”
/noh-see-SEH-koh/
“We have been heard; heard by us/us being heard.”
/noh-see-VEE-weh/
“Nation; mother of the nation/community.”
/noh-SEE-zweh/
“A loving and dearly cherished child”
/noh-TAHN-doh/
“Mother of hope”
/noh-THEHM-bah/
“Associated with the Thembu people/clan; literally “mother of Thembu.””
/noh-THEHM-boo/
“A peaceful and gentle presence”
/noh-KOH-loh/
“She has conquered; a triumphant woman”
/noh-yee-SEE-leh/
“Joyful; one who brings happiness”
/noh-YOH-loh/
“A child surrounded by honour and glory”
/noh-ZOO-koh/
“Fortress; stronghold.”
/NQAH-bah/
“Stronghold of the homestead—a child who gives the family strength”
/n-kah-bah-yom-ZEE/
“She is protected; sheltered or kept safe.”
/nas-click-ah-bee-SEE-leh/
“Victorious; one who has overcome”
/n-CLICK-oh-BEE-leh/
“Conqueror of enemies”
/n-CLICK-oh-bee-ZEE-tha/
“Strength, steadiness, and enduring presence”
/NTAH-bah/
“Love; will, desire, or intention.”
/ntahn-DOH/
“Beautiful girl; a daughter whose beauty is celebrated”
/ntom-BEH-nhleh/
“Girl again; another daughter.”
/ntoh-mbee-FOO-tee/
“A cherished daughter especially dear to her father”
/ntoh-mbee-kah-YEE-seh/
“The daughter of the home”
/ntohm-bee-KHAH-yah/
“The only girl/daughter.”
/ntoh-mbee-ZOHD-wah/
“Girl of glory; a daughter who brings honour and brightness”
/ntom-bee-ZOO-koh/
“A strong foundation or pillar of the family”
/N-TSEE-kah/
“Little pillar; also the name of the historic Xhosa prophet Ntsikana kaGabha.”
/ntsee-KAH-nah/
“A child welcomed as a blessing and a sign of grace.”
/ntsee-keh-LEH-loh/
“She brings happiness and brightens people's lives”
/nwah-BEE-sah/
“A distinctive traditional name, historically associated with the prophet Nxele”
/click-NKSEH-leh/
“May she be trustworthy and worthy of confidence”
/nyah-MEH-kah/
“Careful, thoughtful attention”
/nyah-MEH-koh/
“Truth and sincerity”
/nyah-NEE-soh/
O
P
“A steadfast rock of faith”
/PEH-tros/
“Rise up and reach higher”
/pah-KAH-mah/
“Risen and lifted up; destined to rise”
/pah-kah-MEE-leh/
“Lift up or raise high”
/pah-kah-MEE-sah/
“May this child live fully, healthily and joyfully”
/PEE-lah/
“A name associated with a child who arrives after a long absence, disappointment or the loss of an earlier child.”
/pin-DEE-leh/
“May you succeed and prosper”
/poo-meh-LEH-lah/
“Rest and peace”
/POOM-lah/
“Rest; be at peace.”
/poom-LAH-nee/
“She has rested; peace has come”
/poom-ZEE-leh/
Q
“Cause to appear, emerge, or become evident; bring out.”
/kah-MEE-sah/
“Shine brightly; bring light and promise”
/kah-KAHM-bah/
“The one who has shone brightly”
/kah-KAHM-bee-leh/
“Be connected or closely related; a connection/association.”
/KHAH-mah/
“Cause people or things to connect; bring together or make closely associated.”
/kah-MEE-sah/
“A brave hero and champion”
/KHAH-weh/
“Pride; boastfulness or glory.”
/click-kha-YEE-yah/
“Strengthen; be strong (a plural/formal imperative).”
/kee-nee-SAH-nee/
“Be steadfast; strengthen for/on behalf of.”
/kee-nee-SEH-lah/
“Steadfast and persevering”
/CLICK-ee-NEE-see-leh/
“One with understanding and integrity”
/KOHN-dah (with a click)/
“One who understands; understood.”
/kohn-DEE-leh/
“Guide; direct.”
/kohn-DEE-sah/
“Guide/direct (addressed to more than one person or respectfully).”
/kohn-dee-SAH-nee/
“One who has been guided.”
/kohnd-EE-swah/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/click-KOON-tah/
R
S
“We have built our future through strength and perseverance”
/sah-KHEE-leh/
“One who builds and strengthens the home”
/sah-khoo-MZEE/
“A child whose birth is celebrated with acceptance, welcome and gratitude.”
/sam-KEH-loh/
“God has heard.”
/sah-moo-WEH-lee/
“We have increased and prospered”
/sahn-DEE-leh/
“Our family is complete”
/sah-NEH-leh/
“We have been satisfied and blessed”
/sah-neh-lee-SEE-weh/
“A distinguished historical name rooted in Xhosa royal heritage”
/sah-RHEE-lee/
“Has worked; worked.”
/seh-ben-ZEE-leh/
“We are blessed by this child”
/see-bah-BAHL-weh/
“We are grateful”
/see-bong-GEE-leh/
“We are grateful; we give thanks.”
/see-boo-LEH-leh/
“A blessing”
/see-boo-SEE-soh/
“Praise; renown; fame.”
/see-DOO-moh/
“A child joyfully received and embraced by the family.”
/see-mah-MAH-keh-leh/
“A warmly cherished child regarded as a gift to the family.”
/see-MPEE-weh/
“She has been saved or delivered”
/sin-DEE-swah/
“We have hope”
/see-neh-TEM-bah/
“We have joy because of this child”
/see-noh-VOO-yoh/
“Give us strength”
/see-pah-MAHN-dlah/
“A beautiful gift”
/see-peh-SEE-hleh/
“A gift from God”
/SEE-poh/
“A great and precious gift”
/see-poh-KAH-zee/
“We have overcome and succeeded”
/see-poo-meh-LEH-leh/
“Foundation.”
/see-SEH-koh/
“Our gift from God”
/see-SEE-poh/
“Togetherness, family unity and belonging”
/see-SON-keh/
“We have faith and trust”
/see-tem-BEE-leh/
“Our promise”
/see-tem-BEE-soh/
“We hear; we have heard, depending on context.”
/SEE-veh/
“We have heard.”
/see-VEE-leh/
“We are joyful because this child is here”
/see-voo-YEE-leh/
“We give thanks”
/see-yah-BONG-ah/
“We give thanks”
/see-yah-boo-LEH-lah/
“We are growing.”
/see-yah-KHOO-lah/
“We love this child deeply—a joyful declaration of family affection”
/see-yah-m-TAHN-dah/
“The family is growing, and the child is welcomed as an additional blessing.”
/see-YAHN-dah/
“We embrace.”
/see-yah-SAHN-gah/
“We are happy and celebrating”
/see-yah-VOO-yah/
“We are trying/striving.”
/see-yah-ZAH-mah/
“We are happy/joyful.”
/see-YOH-loh/
“We have built/established ourselves.”
/see-zah-KEH-leh/
“A child who belongs to and strengthens the nation”
/SEE-zweh/
“Peaceful; the isiXhosa/Nguni form of Solomon.”
/soh-loh-MOH-nee/
“One who brings people closer together”
/sohn-DEE-sah/
“We are happy/joyful.”
/sohn-wah-BEE-leh/
T
“Good fortune and a prosperous future”
/tahm-SAHN-kah/
“Has prayed; prayed.”
/than-da-ZEE-leh/
“Lovable, dear and treasured”
/tahn-DEH-kah/
“One who has been loved”
/tahn-DEE-leh/
“Love and tenderness”
/TAHN-doh/
“Our shared love and precious bond”
/tahn-doh-LWEH-too/
“A life filled with love and peace”
/tahn-doo-KOH-loh/
“Hope and trust in God”
/TEM-bah/
“A feminine name built on themba, meaning hope or trust.”
/tem-bah-KAH-zee/
“Faithful and steadfast”
/tem-BEH-kah/
“Faithful and trustworthy”
/tem-beh-KEE-leh/
“Have faith and trust”
/tem-beh-LAH-nee/
“Hope in the Lord”
/tehm-been-KOH-see/
“Promise; to promise, or make hopeful.”
/tehm-BEE-sah/
“Humble and respectful”
/toh-BEH-kah/
“Humble, obedient, and respectful”
/toh-beh-KEE-leh/
“Humble; has become humble/submissive.”
/tho-BEE-leh/
“Has rejoiced; is joyful.”
/tho-ko-ZEE-leh/
“Be humble/gentle; humility.”
/toh-ZAH-mah/
“Associated with being humble, gentle, or calm.”
/toh-zah-MEE-leh/
“Be quiet; be calm.”
/too-LAH-nee/
“Quiet; calm.”
/too-LEE-leh/
“Has become quiet/calm.”
/too-lee-SEE-leh/
“Has been quietened, calmed, or comforted.”
/too-lee-SWAH/
“Honouring God; God-honoured.”
/tee-MOH-tee/
“Twin.”
/toh-MAH-see/
“A traditional royal name in Xhosa history”
/TSHAH-weh/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/TSHEE-woh/
“A traditional Xhosa name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”
/TYAH-lee/
U
V
“Meaning not reliably established; do not publish the supplied welcome-and-remembrance gloss.”
/vah-tee-SWAH/
“One who rises again and keeps moving forward”
/voo-KEE-leh/
“Open the way/path; path-opener.”
/voo-lee-NDEH-lah/
“Has agreed; has accepted or consented.”
/voo-MEE-leh/
“Has awakened; has risen.”
/voo-SEE-leh/
“Salvation; deliverance.”
/voo-seen-DEE-soh/
“Awaken or revive the nation.”
/voo-SEE-zweh/
“Awaken kindness or mercy.”
/voo-soo-MOO-sah/
“A son whose arrival renews the household after hardship or loss.”
/voo-SOOM-zee/
“Rejoice.”
/voo-YAH-nee/
“One over whom people rejoice”
/voo-YEHL-wah/
“One who brings happiness to others”
/voo-YEE-sah/
“Make happy; bring joy.”
/voo-yee-SAH-nee/
“Become happy; be delighted.”
/voo-yee-SEH-kah/
“This child has brought us joy”
/voo-yee-SEE-leh/
“A child over whom the family rejoices”
/voo-YEES-wah/
“Joy; a child who brings happiness”
/VOO-yoh/
“A greatly joyful child; precious happiness”
/voo-yoh-KAH-zee/
“Our joy; the happiness belonging to all of us”
/voo-yoh-LWEH-too/
W
X
“Traditional Xhosa male personal name; no dependable literal gloss established.”
/KHOH-khoh/
“May he live in peace and bring peace”
/click-oh-LAH-nee/
“Forgive.”
/kho-LEH-lah/
“At peace and reconciled”
/KHOH-lee-leh (with a click)/
“Peace of the nation.”
/khoh-lee-LEEZ-weh/
“To make peace or reconcile”
/click-oh-LEE-sah/
“Peaceful and reconciled”
/click-oh-LEE-seh-leh/
Y
“Jacob; from Hebrew, traditionally “supplanter” or “one who follows.””
/yah-KOH-bee/
“Welcome and receive this child with love”
/yahm-KEH-lah/
“One who increases and makes things grow”
/yahn-DEE-sah/
“Is satisfied; is content; is sufficient.”
/yah-neh-LEE-leh/
“Sun; day.”
/YAHN-gah/
“Jeremiah; from Hebrew, commonly interpreted as “Yahweh exalts” or “Yahweh appoints.””
/yeh-reh-MEE-yah/
“Be with us, as in a prayer of faith”
/yee-bah-NAH-tee/
“John; from Hebrew, “God is gracious.””
/yoh-HAH-neh/
“She brings happiness to those around her”
/yoh-LEE-sah/
“A child who brings happiness and delight”
/yoh-LEES-wah/
“Be happy; a blessing of happiness for the family”
/yon-WAH-bah/
“Joseph; from Hebrew, “May God add” or “God will increase.””
/yoh-SEH-foo/
“Joshua; from Hebrew, “Yahweh is salvation.””
/yoh-SHOO-wah/
Z
“Has tried; has attempted.”
/za-MEE-leh/
“The family has increased with the birth of this much-welcomed child.”
/zan-DEE-leh/
“A daughter whose arrival has enlarged the family’s happiness and blessings.”
/zan-DWAH-swah/
“They are enough; they are sufficient.”
/zah-NEH-leh/
“To stand firm; one who has stood firm.”
/zee-MAH-sah/
“She has stood firm / has taken a stand.”
/zee-MEE-leh/
“Determined and resolute”
/zee-mee-SEH-leh/
“Adorn yourselves; adorned/beautiful.”
/zeem-KHEE-tah/
“They are with us.”
/zee-NAH-tee/
“Dedicated; devoted.”
/zee-nee-KEH-leh/
“Beautiful things and a beautiful life”
/ZIN-tleh/
“Be quiet and calm; a peaceful, composed child”
/zee-too-LEH-leh/
“Gifts.”
/zee-ZEE-poh/
“The only one; alone.”
/ZOD-wah/
“Calm-hearted, peaceful and gentle in spirit”
/ZOH-lah/
“Be calm; be at peace; settle down.”
/zoh-LEH-kah/
“Calm-hearted and gentle”
/zoh-LEE-leh/
“Be hated; hated or despised.”
/ZOND-wah/
“One who has prospered and come into blessing.”
/zoo-KEE-leh/
“To glorify; to honour or exalt.”
/zoo-KEE-sah/
“She has been glorified / honoured.”
/zoo-KEE-swah/
“Glory and honor”
/ZOO-koh/
“Belonging to one's country”
/zweh-LAH-kheh/
“A broad and generous world”
/zweh-lee-BAHN-zee/
“The nation/world is famous.”
/zweh-lee-doo-MEE-leh/
“The nation/world is difficult or hard.”
/zweh-lin-ZEE-mah/
“The whole nation/world.”
/zweh-LON-keh/