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Zulu baby names

499 verified Zulu names from South Africa — each with its meaning, how to say it, and its traditional spelling.

A

B

Bafanaboy

Boys.

/bah-FAH-nah/

Bambananiboy or girl

Strength through unity, solidarity, and mutual support

/bam-bah-NAH-nee/

Bandileboy

They have increased and grown

/bahn-DEE-leh/

Baneleboy or girl

They are enough; they bring a sense of fulfillment

/bah-NEH-leh/

Bawinilegirl

They have won; a joyful name celebrating victory

/bah-wee-NEE-leh/

Bekezelaboy or girl

Be patient and endure; better days will come

/beh-keh-ZEH-lah/

Bhambathaboy

A historic Zulu personal name, associated with courage and resistance

/bham-BAH-tah/

Bhekaboy

Look; watch.

/BEH-kah/

Bhekaniboy

Look, you all; watch, you all.

/beh-KAH-nee/

Bhekiboy

Watch; look.

/BEH-kee/

Bhekimpiloboy

Look after life; watch over life.

/beh-kee-MPEE-loh/

Bhekinkosiboy

Look to the Lord/King.

/beh-kee-NKOH-see/

Bhekisisaboy

Look carefully; examine closely.

/beh-kee-SEE-sah/

Bhekithembaboy

Look to hope; look at hope.

/beh-kee-THEM-bah/

Bhekizizweboy

Care for the nations

/beh-kee-ZEE-zweh/

Bhekokwakheboy

One who looks after and protects his own

/beh-koh-KWAH-kheh/

Bhekumuziboy

Care for and protect the homestead

/beh-kah-MOO-zee/

Bongaboy

Give thanks; praise

/BONG-ah/

Bonganiboy

Be thankful; give thanks

/bon-GAH-nee/

Bonginkosiboy

Give thanks to the Lord

/bon-gin-KOH-see/

Bongiwegirl

She has been thanked; one for whom thanks are given

/bon-GEE-weh/

Bongumusaboy

Give thanks for grace/mercy; praise grace.

/bong-oo-MOO-sah/

Buhleboy or girl

Beauty; goodness and loveliness

/BOO-hleh/

Bulelaniboy or girl

Give thanks and gratitude

/boo-leh-LAH-nee/

Buselaphigirl

Where did you come from?

/boo-seh-LAH-pee/

Busigirl

Blessed; one who has been blessed.

/BOO-see/

Busisaboy or girl

To bless; a blessing

/boo-SEE-sah/

Busisiwegirl

Blessed; she has been blessed

/boo-see-SI-weh/

Buthoboy

Regiment; army; age-regiment.

/BOO-taw/

Buyelaphiboy

Where are you returning from?

/boo-yeh-LAH-pee/

Buyisileboy or girl

A child who has brought someone or something back to the family

/boo-yee-SEE-leh/

Buyisiwegirl

The one who has been brought back, a cherished return to the family

/boo-yee-SEE-weh/

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

Langaboy or girl

Sun; warmth, brightness, and life

/LAH-ngah/

Langalibaleleboy

The sun is shining.

/lah-ngah-lee-bah-LEH-leh/

Libusisoboy or girl

Blessing.

/lee-boo-SEE-soh/

Lihleboy or girl

Beautiful; lovely

/LEE-hleh/

Lindaboy

Wait patiently; also, protect and watch over

/LEEN-dah/

Lindaniboy

A hopeful child who waits for good things

/lin-DAH-nee/

Lindelaniboy or girl

Wait for us; a child whose arrival was lovingly awaited

/lin-deh-LAH-nee/

Lindelwagirl

Awaited, expected, or hoped for.

/lin-DEHL-wah/

Lindiwegirl

The long-awaited one, joyfully welcomed home

/lin-DEE-weh/

Lindokuhleboy or girl

Expecting something beautiful and good ahead

/lin-doh-KOOH-leh/

Lisakhanyaboy or girl

Still shining brightly

/lee-sah-KHAN-yah/

Liyandaboy or girl

Growing and flourishing

/lee-YAN-dah/

Londekagirl

A child surrounded by safety and protection

/lon-DEH-kah/

Londiwegirl

The long-awaited one

/lon-DEE-weh/

Londolozaboy or girl

A strong guardian who protects what matters

/lon-doh-LOH-zah/

Lulamaboy or girl

Be well; recover; be healed.

/loo-LAH-mah/

Lungeloboy or girl

Privilege, rightful place, and what is just

/loon-GEH-loh/

Lungileboy or girl

Good, right, and virtuous

/loon-GEE-leh/

Lungiswagirl

Prepared, restored, and set right

/loon-GEE-swah/

Lusandagirl

New; it is new.

/loo-SUN-dah/

Lusizoboy or girl

Help, assistance, or support.

/loo-SEE-zoh/

Luthandoboy or girl

Love and affection

/loo-TAHN-doh/

Luyandaboy or girl

Growth is increasing

/loo-YAHN-dah/

Lwandileboy or girl

The family has grown and flourished

/lwan-DEE-leh/

Lwandleboy or girl

Ocean or sea; vastness and strength

/LWAHN-dleh/

Lwaziboy or girl

Knowledge and understanding

/LWAH-zee/

M

Mabuthoboy

Regiments, warriors, or fighting units.

/mah-BOO-taw/

Magebaboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/mah-GEH-bah/

Makhanyaboy

One who shines and brings light to others

/mah-KHAHN-yah/

Makhosazanagirl

Princesses; a feminine name associated with princesshood.

/mah-khoh-sah-ZAH-nah/

Makhosiboy or girl

Chiefs, kings, or rulers.

/mah-KHOH-see/

Malandelaboy

Follower; historically, Malandela was an early ancestor in the Zulu royal lineage.

/mah-lahn-DEH-lah/

Malusiboy

Shepherd; one who tends or guides.

/mah-LOO-see/

Mandisagirl

Sweetness; a sweet one.

/mahn-DEE-sah/

Mandlaboy

Strength, power, and inner authority

/MAHN-dlah/

Mandlakaziboy or girl

Great strength and power

/man-dlah-KAH-zee/

Mandlenkosiboy

Strength that comes from God

/man-dleh-NKOH-see/

Mangalisogirl

A miracle and a wonderful surprise

/mahn-gah-LEE-soh/

Manqobaboy

Conqueror; one who overcomes.

/mahn-KOH-bah/

Maphithaboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/mah-PEE-tah/

Mariagirl

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/ma-REE-a/

Mavumengwanaboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/mah-voo-men-GWAH-nah/

Mawandeboy or girl

May the family continue to grow and flourish

/mah-WAHN-deh/

Mayibongwegirl

“May it be praised” or “let it be praised.”

/my-ee-BONG-weh/

Mbalenhlegirl

Beautiful flower

/m-bah-lehn-HLEH/

Mbaligirl

Flower; beauty as it blooms

/M-bah-lee/

Mbongeniboy or girl

Give thanks

/m-boh-NGEH-nee/

Mbongiseniboy

“Praise him.”

/m-bong-ih-SEH-nee/

Mbusiboy

King; ruler.

/m-BOO-see/

Mbusoboy

Rule, leadership, and authority

/MBOO-soh/

Mbuyaziboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/mboo-YAH-zee/

Mbuyiseloboy

Restoration; something precious has been brought back

/mboo-yee-SEH-loh/

Mbuyiseniboy

Bring back to us; a name expressing restoration and family reunion

/m-boo-yee-SEH-nee/

Mcebisiboy

Adviser; one who gives counsel.

/m-tseh-BEE-see/

Mceboboy

Wealth and prosperity

/m-eh-BOH/

Mduduziboy

One who comforts and brings reassurance

/mdoo-DOO-zee/

Mfanafuthiboy

A child again; another child.

/m-fah-nah-FOO-tee/

Mfundisiboy

Teacher; instructor; also minister or preacher in a church context.

/m-foo-NDEE-see/

Mfundoboy or girl

Education; learning.

/m-FOON-doh/

Mhlanganaboy

A historical Zulu royal name, notably Mhlangana kaSenzangakhona; the root relates to meeting or coming together.

/mhlahn-GAH-nah/

Mhlengiboy

Saviour; one who rescues and protects

/m-HLEN-gee/

Minenhlegirl

Beautiful day.

/mee-nen-hleh/

Mkabayigirl

A historic royal name associated with Princess Mkabayi and strong leadership

/m-kah-BYE/

Mkhululiboy

Liberator; one who sets others free

/m-khoo-LOO-lee/

Mkhuseliboy

Protector; defender.

/m-khoo-SEH-lee/

Mlulekiboy

Counsellor; adviser; guide.

/mloo-LEH-kee/

Mlungisiboy

One who puts things right

/m-loon-GEE-see/

Mncedisiboy

Helper; a person who supports and cares for others

/mn-cheh-DEE-see/

Mnothoboy

Wealth and riches

/m-NOH-toh/

Mnqobiboy

Victor; conqueror; one who overcomes.

/m-nkaw-BEE/

Mnyamanaboy

The dark one; one associated with darkness.

/mnyah-MAH-nah/

Mpandeboy

A historic royal name borne by a Zulu king and remembered for royal lineage

/m-PAHN-deh/

Mpenduloboy or girl

Answer or response

/m-pen-DOO-loh/

Mpiloboy or girl

Life.

/m-PEE-law/

Mpumeleloboy or girl

Success, achievement, and prosperity

/mpoo-meh-LEH-loh/

Mshiyeniboy

Leave him; let him be.

/mshih-YEH-nee/

Msindisiboy

Saviour; one who brings help and deliverance

/m-see-NDEE-see/

Msiziboy

Helper and source of support

/m-SEE-zee/

Mthandazoboy

Prayer.

/m-tan-DAH-zoh/

Mthandeniboy

Love him dearly

/m-tan-DEH-nee/

Mthobisiboy

One who humbles; one who causes humility.

/m-toh-BEE-see/

Mthokozisiboy or girl

One who brings joy and thanksgiving

/mt-koh-zee-SEE/

Mthunziboy

Shade or shelter; a comforting presence

/m-TOON-zee/

Muhleboy or girl

Beautiful

/MOO-hleh/

Musaboy

Kindness, grace, and goodness

/MOO-sah/

Muziboy or girl

Home or homestead, a warm symbol of belonging

/MOO-zee/

Muzikayiseboy

His father's homestead/home.

/moo-zee-kah-YEE-seh/

Muziwokholoboy

Home/homestead of faith.

/moo-zee-woh-KHOH-loh/

Muziwokuthulaboy

Home/homestead of peace.

/moo-zee-woh-koo-TOO-lah/

Mveloboy or girl

Nature; the natural world and the essence of life

/MVEH-loh/

Mvikeliboy

A brave protector who stands up for others

/mvee-KEH-lee/

Mvulaboy

Rain; a hopeful sign of renewal and abundance

/MVOO-lah/

Mvuyaneboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/mvoo-YAH-neh/

Mvuyisiboy

One who brings happiness and joy

/m-voo-YEE-see/

Mxolisiboy

One who brings peace or forgiveness

/m-khoh-LEE-see/

Mzilikaziboy

A historic Nguni/Ndebele royal name, commonly glossed as “the great path.”

/mzee-lee-KAH-zee/

Mziwakheboy

His home or homestead; a child who strengthens the family home

/m-zee-WAH-kheh/

Mzwandileboy

The family line has grown

/m-zwan-DEE-leh/

N

Nandigirl

Sweet one; also a celebrated royal name in Zulu history

/NAHN-dee/

Nathiboy

With us.

/NAH-tee/

Ncamisilegirl

She has made things sweet or pleasant; a name of warmth and delight

/nchah-mee-SEE-leh/

Ndababoy

A historic royal name borne by a Zulu king and associated with noble ancestry

/n-DAH-bah/

Ndabezithaboy

A royal form of address, roughly “Your Majesty” or “your royal highness.”

/ndah-beh-ZEE-tah/

Ndabukoboy

Origin; ancestry; that which is traditional/native.

/ndah-BOO-koh/

Ndlelaboy

Path; way; road.

/NDEH-lah/

Ndodanaboy

Son; little boy.

/n-doh-DAH-nah/

Nduduzoboy

Comfort and consolation

/n-doo-DOO-zoh/

Ndumisoboy

Praise; thanksgiving.

/n-doo-MEE-soh/

Ngenzeniboy

What have I done? A name expressing the difficult circumstances surrounding a birth

/ngen-ZEH-nee/

Nhlakaniphoboy

Intelligence and wisdom

/n-khlah-kah-NEE-poh/

Nhlanhlaboy or girl

Good fortune, luck, and blessing

/n-HLAHN-hlah/

Njabuloboy

Joy and happiness

/n jah-BOO-loh/

Nkanyeziboy

Star.

/n-kahn-YEH-zee/

Nkanyisoboy

Light; illumination.

/n-kah-NEE-soh/

Nkosanaboy

Prince, young chief, or little lord

/n-koh-SAH-nah/

Nkosazanagirl

Princess, young royal, or little lady

/n-koh-sah-ZAH-nah/

Nkosiboy

Chief, lord, or honored leader

/n-KOH-see/

Nkosikhonaboy

The Lord is here; the Lord is present

/nko-see-KHOH-nah/

Nkosinathiboy

The Lord is with us

/nko-see-NAH-tee/

Nkosingiphileboy

“Lord, I am alive/well”; an expression of being kept alive or preserved by the Lord.

/nko-see-gee-PEE-leh/

Nkululekoboy or girl

Freedom and liberty

/n-koo-loo-LEH-koh/

Nobandlagirl

Of the assembly, congregation, or community; conventionally interpreted as “mother of the assembly.”

/noh-BAHN-dlah/

Nobantugirl

Of/with the people; conventionally “mother of the people.”

/noh-BAHN-too/

Nobathulegirl

Associated with silence or quietness; conventionally “mother of the quiet ones/silence.”

/noh-bah-THOO-leh/

Nobuhlegirl

A child associated with beauty and loveliness

/noh-BOO-hleh/

Nobukhosigirl

Of royalty, kingship, or chieftaincy; conventionally “mother of royalty.”

/noh-boo-KHOH-see/

Nobunganigirl

A woman of friendship and fellowship

/noh-boon-GAH-nee/

Nobuntugirl

Mother of humanity, kindness, and good character

/noh-BOON-too/

Nokhulekogirl

A prayerful one; prayer

/noh-khoo-LEH-koh/

Nokubongagirl

A life surrounded by gratitude and thanksgiving

/noh-koo-BON-gah/

Nokuhlegirl

A beautiful one; a child surrounded by beauty

/noh-KOO-hleh/

Nokukhanyagirl

Light; conventionally “mother of light.”

/noh-koo-KHAN-yah/

Nokululekogirl

Freedom and the hope of living unrestrained

/noh-koo-LOO-leh-koh/

Nokulungagirl

Goodness, virtue, and righteousness

/noh-koo-LOON-gah/

Nokuphilagirl

Life; living; conventionally “mother of life.”

/noh-koo-PEE-lah/

Nokuthokozagirl

With joy and happiness

/noh-koo-toh-KOH-zah/

Nokuthulagirl

Peace, calm, and gentleness

/noh-koo-TOO-lah/

Nokuzithobagirl

A child associated with humility and modesty

/noh-koo-zee-TOH-bah/

Nokuzolagirl

Peaceful, gentle, and composed

/noh-koo-ZOH-lah/

Nokwandagirl

Increase; growth; expansion.

/noh-KWAHN-dah/

Nokwazigirl

Mother of knowledge and wisdom

/noh-KWAH-zee/

Noluthandogirl

A child surrounded by love

/noh-loo-TAHN-doh/

Nolwazigirl

Mother of knowledge; wise and well-informed

/noh-LWAH-zee/

Nomagugugirl

A woman of treasures; precious and treasured

/noh-mah-GOO-goo/

Nomalangagirl

Of the day(s), sunlight, or daylight; conventionally “mother of the day(s).”

/noh-mah-LAHN-gah/

Nomandlagirl

Mother of strength; a name wishing courage and inner power

/nom-MUN-dlah/

Nombusogirl

Mother of the kingdom, governance, or authority.

/nom-BOO-soh/

Nomcebogirl

Mother of wealth or abundance.

/nom-TSEH-boh/

Nomfihlogirl

Mother of a secret; associated with secrecy or mystery.

/nohm-FEEH-loh/

Nomfundogirl

Mother of education, learning, or knowledge.

/nom-FOON-doh/

Nomkhosigirl

Associated with celebration and ceremony

/nohm-KOH-see/

Nomondegirl

Mother of patience; a patient and steady person

/noh-MOHN-deh/

Nompilogirl

Mother of life; a beautiful affirmation of vitality and blessing

/nom-PEE-loh/

Nompumelelogirl

A life marked by success and prosperity

/nom-poo-meh-LEH-loh/

Nomsagirl

With kindness and grace

/NOHM-sah/

Nomsebenzigirl

Mother of work or labour.

/nohm-BEHN-zee/

Nomthandazogirl

A child welcomed with prayer and spiritual hope

/nom-tahn-DAH-zoh/

Nomusagirl

Kindness and grace

/noh-MOO-sah/

Nomvelogirl

Mother of nature or creation; a name honoring the natural world and origins

/nom-VEH-loh/

Nomvulagirl

Mother of rain; a blessing of life-giving rain

/noh-MVOO-lah/

Nomzamogirl

Mother of effort, striving, or struggle.

/nohm-ZAH-moh/

Nondumisogirl

One who has praise

/non-doo-MEE-soh/

Nongalazaboy

A distinguished historical Zulu name associated with courage and military leadership

/non-gah-LAH-zah/

Nonhlanhlagirl

One who has good fortune

/non-HLAHN-hlah/

Nonhlegirl

Beautiful one; mother of beauty.

/NOHN-hleh/

Nonkululekogirl

Mother of freedom or liberation.

/non-koo-loo-LEH-koh/

Nontandogirl

Mother of love.

/non-TAN-doh/

Nontlegirl

Beautiful one; mother of beauty.

/non-tleh/

Nontobekogirl

Mother of humility, meekness, or obedience.

/non-toh-BEH-koh/

Nontokozogirl

With joy and happiness

/noh-n-toh-KOH-zoh/

Nosiphogirl

One who has a gift

/noh-SEE-poh/

Nosizwegirl

Mother of the nation.

/noh-SEE-zweh/

Nothandogirl

A child born into love

/noh-TAHN-doh/

Nothembekagirl

Mother of trust; trustworthy and dependable

/noh-tem-BEH-kah/

Nothembigirl

Mother of hope.

/noh-THEM-bee/

Nothilegirl

Prosperous or wealthy one.

/noh-TEE-leh/

Nothulagirl

With peace; peaceful one

/noh-TOO-lah/

Noxologirl

Mother of peace; one who brings reconciliation

/noh-KHOH-loh/

Nqobileboy or girl

One who overcomes and is victorious

/n-koh-BEE-leh/

Nqobizithaboy

A courageous conqueror who overcomes every enemy

/n-koh-bee-ZEE-tah/

Nqobizizweboy

A strong and victorious person destined to overcome great challenges

/n-koh-bee-ZEE-zweh/

Nsizwaboy

Young man; a name celebrating youthful strength and promise

/nsee-ZWAH/

Ntandoboy or girl

Will, desire, purpose, or love.

/n-TAHN-doh/

Ntandoyenkosiboy or girl

The will or desire of the Lord/God.

/n-tahn-doh-yen-KOH-see/

Ntandoyesizweboy or girl

The will or desire of the nation.

/n-tahn-doh-yeh-SEE-zweh/

Ntokozoboy or girl

A joyful, happy child

/n-toh-KOH-zoh/

Ntombenhlegirl

Beautiful girl or beautiful daughter.

/ntohm-BEHN-hleh/

Ntombigirl

Girl; daughter; young woman.

/ntohm-BEE/

Ntombifuthigirl

A girl again, warmly welcomed as another daughter in the family

/ntom-bee-FOO-tee/

Ntombikayisegirl

Father’s girl; a beloved daughter with a strong family bond

/ntom-bee-kah-YEE-seh/

Ntombizodwagirl

The only girl in the family

/ntom-bee-ZOH-dwah/

Ntshingwayoboy

Historical Zulu male name, notably borne by Ntshingwayo kaMahole; a secure literal lexical meaning is not established.

/ntshing-GWAH-yoh/

Ntuthukoboy

Progress, development, and flourishing

/n-too-TOO-koh/

P

Q

S

Sabeloboy

A share or portion, warmly suggesting a child who has been given a special place in the family

/sah-BEH-loh/

Sakheboy

We build; a hopeful name for a child who helps create a strong future

/SAH-kheh/

Sakhileboy or girl

We have built a strong foundation and come through challenges

/sah-KHEE-leh/

Sakhumuziboy

A child who strengthens the family and helps build a loving home

/sah-khoo-MOO-zee/

Sakhumziboy

Build the home

/sah-khoo-MOO-zee/

Samukelisiwegirl

She has been welcomed and warmly received

/sah-moo-keh-lee-SEE-weh/

Samukeloboy or girl

Welcome or acceptance; a child lovingly received into the family

/sah-moo-KEH-loh/

Sandileboy

The family has grown and become more plentiful

/sahn-DEE-leh/

Sandisoboy

Increase; augmentation; addition.

/sahn-DEE-soh/

Saneleboy or girl

We are satisfied; our family is complete

/sah-NEH-leh/

Sanelisiwegirl

“We have been satisfied/contented,” or “we are content.”

/sah-neh-lee-SEE-weh/

Sboneloboy

Example; model; illustration.

/sboh-NEH-loh/

Sbonisoboy or girl

One who shows or reveals

/s-boh-NEE-soh/

Sebenzilegirl

“She has worked” / “has worked.”

/seh-ben-ZEE-leh/

Senamilegirl

“We have enough” or “we are content/satisfied.”

/seh-na-MEE-leh/

Senzangakhonaboy

A historic royal name borne by King Senzangakhona of the Zulu kingdom

/sen-zahn-gah-KHOH-nah/

Senzoboy or girl

Deed, action, or achievement

/SEHN-zoh/

Shakaboy

A historic royal name associated with Zulu kingship and a powerful legacy

/SHAH-kah/

Shinganaboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/shing-AH-nah/

Sibambeneboy or girl

“We hold each other” / “we are united.”

/see-bam-BEH-neh/

Sibongilegirl

We are thankful; we have given thanks

/see-bon-GEE-leh/

Sibusisiwegirl

Blessed and richly favoured

/see-boo-see-SWEH-leh/

Sibusisoboy

God’s blessing; a blessing

/see-boo-SEE-soh/

Siceloboy

A request or heartfelt wish

/see-CHEH-loh/

Sidumoboy

Fame; renown; reputation.

/see-DOO-moh/

Sifisoboy or girl

Desire or cherished wish

/see-FEE-soh/

Sifundoboy

Lesson; learning; education.

/see-FOON-doh/

Siganandaboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/see-gah-NAHN-dah/

Sigujanaboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/see-goo-YAH-nah/

Sihleboy or girl

Beautiful or good

/SEE-hleh/

Sikhumbuzoboy

A treasured remembrance

/see-khoom-BOO-zoh/

Sikhunyanaboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/see-khoo-NYAH-nah/

Silungileboy or girl

All is well; a child who brings goodness and well-being

/see-loon-GEE-leh/

Simangalisoboy

A precious miracle and source of wonder

/see-mahn-gah-LEE-soh/

Simelisiwegirl

We have been represented.

/see-meh-lee-SEE-weh/

Simelokuhleboy or girl

We stand for what is good.

/see-meh-loh-KOOH-leh/

Simphiweboy or girl

We have been given this child as a precious gift

/seem-PHEE-weh/

Sinakekelwegirl

We have been cared for / looked after.

/see-nah-keh-KEL-weh/

Sindiwegirl

We have waited.

/sin-DEE-weh/

Sinethembaboy or girl

We have hope and confidence in the future

/see-neh-TEM-bah/

Sinikeziwegirl

We have been given.

/see-nee-keh-ZEE-weh/

Sinikiwegirl

We have been given her as a precious gift

/see-nee-KEE-weh/

Sinqobaboy or girl

Together, we overcome every challenge

/see-N-koh-bah/

Sinqobileboy or girl

We have overcome and triumphed

/see-n-koh-BEE-leh/

Siphamandlaboy

We have strength/power.

/see-pah-MAN-dlah/

Siphesihleboy or girl

A beautiful gift and blessing to the family

/see-peh-SEE-hleh/

Siphoboy

A treasured gift and blessing

/SEE-poh/

Siphokazigirl

Female gift; gift daughter.

/see-poh-KAH-zee/

Siphumeleleboy or girl

We have made it through and succeeded

/see-poo-meh-LEH-leh/

Sisiphoboy or girl

A child welcomed as a precious gift

/see-SEE-poh/

Sithembekileboy or girl

We are faithful and trustworthy

/see-tem-beh-KEE-leh/

Sithembileboy or girl

We have hoped; we have trusted.

/see-tem-BEE-leh/

Sithembisoboy or girl

A promise; one who can be trusted

/see-tem-BEE-soh/

Siyabongaboy or girl

We give thanks

/see-yah-BON-gah/

Siyajabulaboy or girl

We are rejoicing because of this child

/see-yah-jah-BOO-lah/

Siyakhulaboy or girl

We are growing—an expression of hope for a flourishing life

/see-yah-KHOO-lah/

Siyamthandaboy or girl

We love him or her

/see-yah-m-TAN-dah/

Siyamukelaboy or girl

A warmly welcomed child received with joy

/see-yah-moo-KEH-lah/

Siyandaboy or girl

We are growing

/see-yahn-DAH/

Siyasangaboy or girl

We embrace; we hug.

/see-yah-SAHN-gah/

Siyathokozaboy or girl

We are happy and celebrating

/see-yah-toh-KOH-zah/

Siyazamaboy or girl

We are striving and persevering

/see-yah-ZAH-mah/

Sizakeleboy or girl

We have been helped

/see-zah-KEH-leh/

Sizanigirl

Help us; a loving appeal for support and blessing

/see-ZAH-nee/

Sizilegirl

We have come/arrived.

/see-ZEE-leh/

Siziphiwegirl

We have been given; we have been gifted.

/see-zee-PEE-weh/

Sizophilaboy or girl

We will live

/see-zoh-PEE-lah/

Sizweboy

Nation; belonging to the people

/SEE-zweh/

Slindilegirl

We have waited.

/sleen-DEE-leh/

Smangelegirl

We are amazed; astonished.

/smah-NGEH-leh/

Somtsewuboy

A historical Zulu name/title notably associated with John Langalibalele Dube (uSomtseu), often glossed as 'father of the nation.'

/som-TSEH-woo/

Sthabilegirl

We are happy.

/stah-BEE-leh/

T

Thabaniboy

Be happy and joyful

/tah-BAH-nee/

Thabilegirl

She who is joyful and happy

/tah-BEE-leh/

Thabisagirl

One who brings happiness and joy

/tah-BEE-sah/

Thabisilegirl

She has made us happy; has brought happiness.

/tah-bee-SEE-leh/

Thabisoboy

Joy and happiness

/tah-BEE-soh/

Thandazilegirl

She has been prayed for and welcomed with hope

/than-dah-ZEE-leh/

Thandekagirl

Beloved; one who is worthy of love

/tahn-DEH-kah/

Thandekilegirl

Loved one; one who is loved.

/tahn-deh-KEE-leh/

Thandiwegirl

Beloved and cherished

/tahn-DEE-weh/

Thandoboy or girl

Love

/TAHN-doh/

Thandokuhleboy or girl

Beautiful love

/tan-doh-KOO-hleh/

Thandoluhleboy or girl

Love that is beautiful and good

/tan-doh-LOO-hleh/

Thandolwenkosiboy

The love of the Lord.

/than-doh-lwen-KOH-see/

Thandolwethuboy or girl

Our love; a child who unites the family in affection

/than-doh-LWEH-too/

Thanduxoloboy

Love and peace

/than-doo-KHOH-loh/

Thembaboy

Hope and trust in a bright future

/TEM-bah/

Thembaniboy

Keep hope and trust in the journey ahead

/tem-BAH-nee/

Thembekagirl

Trustworthy, faithful, and dependable

/tem-BEH-kah/

Thembekileboy or girl

Faithful, trustworthy, and true-hearted

/tem-beh-KEE-leh/

Thembelaniboy

Have faith; trust and hope

/tem-beh-LAH-nee/

Thembelihleboy or girl

Beautiful hope for a joyful future

/tem-beh-LEE-hleh/

Thembigirl

Hope; trust/faith.

/TEM-bee/

Thembinkosiboy

Trust in the Lord; one who places faith in God

/tem-bin-KOH-see/

Thobekagirl

Be humble; one who embodies humility

/toh-BEH-kah/

Thobilegirl

Humble; one who has become humble.

/toh-BEE-leh/

Thokozaboy or girl

Be happy and celebrate

/toh-KOH-zah/

Thokozaniboy

Rejoice; may this child bring happiness

/toh-koh-ZAH-nee/

Thokozilegirl

She has brought happiness and celebration

/toh-koh-ZEE-leh/

Thulaboy or girl

Quiet, calm, and peaceful

/TOO-lah/

Thulaniboy

Be peaceful and gentle

/too-LAH-nee/

Thuligirl

Quiet one; be quiet.

/TOO-lee/

Thulilegirl

Peaceful, quiet, and gentle

/too-LEE-leh/

Thulisilegirl

She has become calm and peaceful

/too-lee-SEE-leh/

Thuluxoloboy or girl

Peaceful and calm

/too-loo-KHOH-loh/

V

W

X

Y

Z

Zakheleboy or girl

A self-reliant person who builds a strong future

/zah-KHEH-leh/

Zamaboy or girl

Try; make an effort.

/ZAH-mah/

Zamaniboy

Try (plural); make an effort.

/zah-MAH-nee/

Zamantungwagirl

A historic Zulu female personal name, conventionally understood as referring to striving for the Ntungwa/Zulu people.

/zah-mahn-TOONG-wah/

Zamilegirl

She has tried; she has made an effort.

/zah-MEE-leh/

Zamukelisiwegirl

She has been welcomed or received; a name celebrating a warmly embraced child

/zah-moo-keh-lee-SEE-weh/

Zamukeliswagirl

She is being welcomed/received; she has been welcomed.

/zah-moo-keh-LEE-swah/

Zandilegirl

The family has grown; there are more of us now

/zahn-DEE-leh/

Zandisiwegirl

They have been increased.

/zahn-dee-SWEE-weh/

Zanelegirl

The family has enough; this child completes us

/zah-NEH-leh/

Zibhebhuboy

A traditional Zulu name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story

/zee-BHEH-bhoo/

Zibuseboy

Rule yourself; govern yourself.

/zee-BOO-seh/

Zikhonaboy or girl

They are present; they have arrived

/zee-KHOH-nah/

Zimbaliboy or girl

Flowers; flourishing beauty and abundance

/zeem-BAH-lee/

Zimeleniboy

Stand up for yourselves.

/zee-meh-LEH-nee/

Zimiseleboy or girl

Determined, focused, and ready to reach great goals

/zee-mee-SEH-leh/

Zinhlegirl

Beautiful ones; beautiful child

/ZIN-hleh/

Zinikeleboy or girl

Devoted; dedicated; having devoted oneself.

/zee-nee-KEH-leh/

Zithuleleboy

Keep quiet; be silent.

/zee-too-LEH-leh/

Ziyandaboy or girl

They are increasing; they are growing.

/zee-YAHN-dah/

Zodwagirl

Only one or unique

/ZOH-dwah/

Zolileboy or girl

Calm and peaceful

/zoh-LEE-leh/

Zonkegirl

All; everything.

/ZON-keh/

Zukileboy

Has risen; a child who rises to meet life with strength

/zoo-KEE-leh/

Zukisaboy or girl

Bring glory and honour

/zoo-KEE-sah/

Zukoboy

Glory; a bright wish for honour and distinction

/ZOO-koh/

Zwelakheboy

His nation/country; of his land.

/zweh-LAH-kheh/

Zwelethuboy or girl

Our country or homeland

/zweh-LEH-too/

Zweliboy

Nation/country (from izwe).

/ZWEH-lee/

Zwelibanziboy

The nation/country is broad or vast.

/zweh-lee-BAHN-zee/

Zwelithiniboy

What does the nation say?

/zweh-lee-TEE-nee/

Zwelonkeboy

The whole nation; unity and wholeness

/zweh-LON-keh/

Zwideboy

Broad; wide; expansive.

/ZWEE-deh/