west african surnames

Girl Boy Unisex. It means ‘one who is born during the festival or war’. This means that those Irish whose ancestors pre-date English conquest of the island are descendants (in the male line) of people who probably migrated west across Europe, as far as Ireland in the north and Spain in the south. This name from the Igbo tribes means ‘my God is alive’ or ‘my father lives’. The ancestors of the West surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. It is usually given to boys. For instance, you’ll see European surnames along the western coast, Arabic surnames in the north, and indigenous names in the less-accessible interior. It means ‘who knows tomorrow’, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. Abiodun: Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. It is an aspirational surname with Igbo origin, which means ‘to be higher’ or ‘to be better’. [African-Americans in West Virginia History graphic from WV State Museum Education] “African-Americans in West Virginia play a pivotal role in the culture and history of the state. The fact that it is founded along the the northern banks of the Great … Over several hundred years, borders have been made, changed and broken, making family history difficult to trace. If you want your baby’s name to be promising, then, this is the perfect name to choose. Below is a list of some of the 10 African Nations where most of the African Slaves came from during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. 5 Southern white Loyalists who were slaveholders were also allowed to evacuate with their “enslaved property.” Many of them relocated to the slave-based plantation societies in the British West Indies while others sold of their human property throughout that region. Achebe is an invocation of a deity, which means ‘the Goddess protects’. See also about African names. Native American Surnames . 14. Blog. West Africa. West Africa, also called Western Africa and the West of Africa, is the westernmost region of the African continent. Early German Settlers of South Africa. Early Origins of the Daddy family. The birthplace of humanity. History, Male, Surnames. Found inside – Page 29... only period he spent away from West Africa , and his accommodation address was care ... of blood and influencing the form and distribution of surnames . Tel +27-12-991-1772 (H), +27-11-350-5291 (W), +27-11-350-2001 (Fax) Below you will find. Found inside – Page 90This ability to be absorbed into the African community was especially important for mulatto women , who never had work opportunities with the West India ... The clues in surnames. This might come as a surprise to you, as it’s not always a surname that’s stereotyped. In the days when African life was largely rural, few members moved away from their tribal areas. Generate first and middle names from the African origin. Benin (Abomey, Dahomey) History, Male, Female, Surnames. Generally used as a masculine name, it means ‘we have increased or multiplied’ or ‘we are many’ among the Shona group of Zimbabwe. This surname is possibly derived from the Soninkè word tùùrè, which means ‘elephant’. Traditionally dark-featured and visibly different from their white, black and Native American neighbors, they have lived in southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee for centuries. Found inside – Page 133The spread of surnames indicates one important feature of Wangara ... as another surname , a pattern , which was also common elsewhere in West Africa . Africans believe "Until an identifying word is attached to an infant’s body and soul, it doesn’t truly exist, doesn’t truly have a place in the world," according to the research on the Cultures of West Africa . Found inside... it retained extensive trade networks throughout West Africa that supplied ... In switching from his narrowly defined African surname, “Catungue,” to ... It means ‘valor is the worth of wealth’ or ‘being brave’, usually given to boys. Found inside – Page 215... Canada West, African/black Plainly, there were many possible matches for ... records (including pension) Medium Given and surnames reasonably close. Found inside – Page 353... of the Niger Ibo,” in Africa Remembered: Narratives of West Africans from ... For surnames in Africa, see Madubuike, Handbook of African Names, 16–19. This is a genealogy site with information and pictures as well as the history of African Americans in Des Moines Iowa. Found inside – Page 31410; slave, 173-80, 230-32, 241; and Surnames, 225; and West African traditions, 40. See also Adultery; Clan; Family; Polygamy: Remarriage Maryland, ... This is a unisex name that has its origins in the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Enter your birthdate and gender below to read and hear your day name in Ashanti Twi, a dialect … Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means ‘trinity’. It also means ‘once’ or ‘one time’ in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means ‘a child to be cherished or pampered’. Found inside – Page 123The English surname “Lee” for instance sounds familiar to Asians since they share it. ... In Senegal, on the West African coast, the name Lee is also found. The meaning attached to a name will determine much about the present and the future of a child. Dubaku. African Background. It means ‘may I not lack a family or a home’. An optimistic surname and first name that hopes for prosperity, Adebisi means ‘the king/crown/royalty produced more’. Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means ‘my father’s land’ or ‘my ancestral home’. A few African girl names are starting to catch on in the US, including Zola and Zuri, which feature the exciting Z initial. While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the first time, two Hispanic names—Garcia and Rodriguez—made the top 10. The How to Guide for Tracing African-American and West Indian Roots Back to Africaand Going there for Free or on a Shoestring Budget!! Traditional Native American names were quite complex, and given to an individual on the basis of an attribute they held. From Joob, the name of a Wolof clan, derived from a totemic word meaning "black craned swan" or "peacock". Having its roots in Yoruba, the name means ‘my wealth is moving forward’ or ‘my wealth is the future’, and it is mostly given to boys. -- xiii, 501 p. -- (English surnames series ; 4) CS2509.L3 M34 1981 Includes bibliographical references and index. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. Abeba . Their surnames are still common around the country, especially on the East Coast. Found inside – Page 193prices for palm products [and] cutthroat competition from both African and ... by many local elites.12 Those who had adopted European surnames and forms ... A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means ‘musician’. African names for baby girls hail from all around the continent and offer an uncommon yet usable complement of choices. Found inside – Page 341Most Dama in South West Africa ( unlike the Nama themselves ) use such surnames . Though the commonest of the surnames was Basson , with Adam or Adams ... Recipe Corner. This project is devoted to the German Settlers in South Africa. Some surnames are Bueford, Rhone, Wells, Bryson, Fant. It is one of the most widely used Hausa nicknames which means ‘little’. This name is also predominantly given to boys. Surname … He also covers in good detail the work done by the Colony's own integral units 4th Rhodesian anti-tank Bty RA, 17th Rhodesia Field Bty RA, Rhodesian African Rifles, etc. Yorkshire clan linked to Africa. Abimbola (Nigerian origin) meaning "born into wealth," the name is specific to the Yoruba people of western … 101 Common and Popular African Last Names (Surnames) African last names or surnames have deeper meanings than many think. Dogo Western African. One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means ‘be joyful’. It means ‘mine is worthy of thanks or gratitude’, and is suitable for both boys and girls. The West African boy names are known for their strong identity and hence, are chosen by many people. Christian Igbo people use it as a name for the personal Christian god. Found inside – Page 42Al-Ḥājj Salim Suwari is a West African icon “discovered” by Western scholars. ... to his surname “Suware (or Suwari),” i.e., “Master of the piebald horse. The 2000 U.S. Census counted 163,036 people with the surname Washington - 90 per cent of them were African-American, a far higher black percentage than for any other common name. Because there was a strong mixture of all the different races and cultures,( African/American , Spanish, Indian Irish,German etc.) 13. Found inside – Page 27... the names of women are given, those of Eurafricans have no European surnames. ... Also living at Saint-Louis, Goree, and other West African commercial ... All requests for further information should preferably be directed to him directly: Walter V. Volker, PO Box 37672, Faerie Glen, 0043, South Africa. Often spelled as Adébáyọ̀, 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. Found insideThe Africans sold into slavery were given names by their owners. ... the slaves were named after their owner and a lot of them had Scottish surnames. This is because many people from West Africa, India, Madagascar, Indonesia etc. Photo: Bernard Williams. Among the Igbo groups, Igwe means ‘heaven’, which is considered the highest realm of existence. Ayanna is an obvious gem because of this, along with her meaning of “beautiful flower.”. One of the many surnames that appreciate the divine is a Yoruba name Folorunsho, which means ‘under God’s protection’. There are quite a few reasons. African names for baby girls hail from all around the continent and offer an uncommon yet usable complement of choices. smithsonianmag.com. African surnames reflect a history of colonialism. Found inside – Page 161... Dahomey, and other areas along that region of the West African coast. ... families in West Africa would also adopt Brazilian surnames for themselves. Some Slave Register microfilmed rolls are at the University of the West Indies but are tedious to go through. Means "god, spiritual being" in Igbo, referring to the personal spiritual guardian that each person is believed to have. African girl names are often melodic on the ear, winning over parents who can’t get enough of their singsong nature. Alternate Surname Spellings: WESTE. Popular African Baby Names For Girls . There is a reason behind this, however. It is a common unisex name. African names represent ancestral meanings from the first tribes on the planet to modern day societies. It can be translated into ‘the land is active’. It is also a place where you can share links to online resources, tell other users where records etc. The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth. The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means ‘flower’ or ‘blossom’. It means ‘one who does good to others’. It is suitable for both boys and girls. 19,114 Jamaicans have this last name. Adisa. Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means ‘help build our house’ or ‘build my house for me’. The indigenous African last names and surnames are meaningful, reflective, and unique. Campbell. We … A West African name is much more than a simple, functional tag to identify someone, it is a symbol, an emblem. It is a common given name to male children, which means ‘firstborn son’ in Egyptian. It is usually given to boys. People of African origin have lived in Britain for centuries, according to genetic evidence. By Katy June-Friesen. Thanks to a growing number of reviews, we’ve expanded the list from 100 to 200. There is a surname list. It is both a surname and given name of Yoruba origin, which means ‘the crown gained advancement’. South African last names have a totally unique story. African Gender and Diaspora studies. Ghanaian last names starting with A It has its origins in the Benin culture and means ‘seeking refuge in the elder’s protection’. It also functions both as the last name and a surname. It has its origin in the Ashanti or Asante group. you will find big differences in these names , so it cannot be presumed that these names would apply to all Louisiana Creoles, but, generally speaking, this list demonstrates the … Asa directly translates to ‘shield’, so Alasa means ‘lord or owner of the shield’. Found inside... as well as a restaurant with Lebanese and African dishes and a bar. ... local residents retain European surnames that indicate their mixed ancestry. If the surname is found, they can then view the microfilm for the details listed regarding the sex, age and color of the slaves. It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means ‘father’s love’. Last year we revealed the 100 most common Italian last names in America after a team of Census researchers spent months going through data. Found inside – Page 160Their surnames were arranged alphabetically . ... Business firms / Enterprises ( Service industry ) ( a ) In African Continental Bank Limited , Onitsha ... Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means ‘leader’, ‘noble’ or ‘prime’. A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means ‘one who walks with confidence’ or ‘one who carries oneself like a wealthy person’. African-Americans in West Virginia. A name that praises God is Chidubem, which means ‘God is my guide’ in Igbo. It means ‘born to bring … The Ashanti or Asante people anticipate a good future for their children by giving the name Acheampong, which means ‘destined for greatness’. Originally a unisex nickname, Oriko is often used as a fond last name. The surname with Yoruba origin means ‘god has rewarded me for my sufferings’. It means ‘supreme’ or ‘a great warrior’ and is usually given to boys. Found insideMarried women do not typically take their husband's surnames in west Africa. 93 Fatima Fall, interview with the author, Saint-Louis, Senegal,July 18, 2008. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means ‘kite’. African First Names Baby naming ceremonies are considered a crucial event and occur within the first week after a baby's birth. It is common both as a surname and a nickname. It has its roots in Yoruba and it means ‘a lot of wealth’. 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. It is a name that compliments a person, and it means ‘one who does well’. Nowadays, Native American last names are a little more…English sounding? It is mostly given to girls. Found inside – Page 74Black historian Lorenzo Turner found people with West African names in his 1940s study ... rather than his surname precisely because of its African origins. Togo (French Togoland) History, Male, Surnames. Typically found in the Akan group of Ghania, it means ‘royalty’ or ‘noble person’. See also about African names. Ivory Coast (French West Africa) History, Male, Female, Surnames. A common last name for boys among the Yoruba people, Ademola means ‘the king/crown/royalty along with wealth’. February 17, 2010. Coming in 8 among the total population of black people, Davis … Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means ‘let’s give’ or ‘to give honor or tribute’. These African surnames are interestingly unusual, remarkable, and relevant, owing to the authenticity of their peculiar naming tradition. And it is entirely possible that they formed families with the native peoples there, or when the slaves were finally freed by England in the English colonies of the West Indies, in the 1830s, with them and that could be how so many African Americans have Irish surnames. This last name originates from the Igbo group. The name refers to a specific set of families. Stemming from the Yoruba group, Adeleke means ‘the king/crown/royalty triumphed’. It means ‘he came in a joyful time’ or ‘the king/crown/royalty meets joy’ in Yoruba. This name generator will give you 10 random names which closely resemble those of West African countries of today. Found inside – Page 12Albert Cartwright and West Africa Magazine Jonathan Derrick ... Most had European surnames, often given by British or German missionaries in Freetown; ... Another expression of a characteristic trait, Asaju means ‘leader of warriors’, and is considered primarily male. https://www.worldlastnames.com/most-common-african-last-names They did not have surnames. It means ‘sturdy or ‘mighty tree’. A name can shape a person’s character, mold their social identity, and even influence their destiny. Found inside – Page 56African names The following are names commonly used in West Africa: Female names Male names Last names Sokhna N'Deye Awa Penda Coumba Fatou Mariama Rama ... Another name that implores to the child is Banmeke, which means ‘hold or sustain the rafter of the house with me’. * Its other variants are Orjea, Orjee, Orjey, Orjie, and Orjy. Let us know your favorites in the comment section. This name is often given to boys. It means ‘one who is invulnerable to dark magic’. Found inside – Page 417We are Namibians and not South Africans . We do not now , and will not in the future recognise your right to govern us ; to make laws for us in which we had ... Is It Safe To Use Insect Repellent When Pregnant? In small communities where census takers and county officials knew African Americans personally and their previous owners, they often recorded the former slaves with the surnames of their last owners. Check it out! Originating in England, it means "son of Robin”. It means ‘a good runner’. It has a … Western African Surnames. you will find big differences in these names , so it cannot be presumed that these names would apply to all Louisiana Creoles, but, generally speaking, this list demonstrates the … Naming your little one is a daunting task, but the below-given names will help you find the best name for your kid. Can You Confirm Pregnancy Without Taking A Test? Meziane is a variation. This name is primarily given to male members. If you are intrigued with African last names, this is a good choice for your child. The slaves in Jamaica who were brought over from Africa each used only one name. It is primarily masculine in essence. Its female variant is Owusua. Many African surnames are considered masculine in nature, however, as parents, you are free to choose the name you think would suit your baby. The development of surnames for this group followed one of two paths. One of the most famous people to have this name is Chinua Achebe, considered the most influential African writer who won the Man Booker International Prize in 2007. Of course, not all African-Americans share the names in this generator, but the names in this generator are pretty unique to African-American culture, so you'd rarely find them anywhere else. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. Please read our Disclaimer. It means ‘one who has many people to call for help’, and is considered typically male. Having its roots in Ibibio, the surname or nickname Etienam means ‘a doer of good’ or ‘benevolent’. The West surname was most commonly bestowed on a person "from the west"—someone who had migrated from a place further west, or one who lived to the west of the town or village. It is mostly given to boys due to its masculine connotation. CIA World Factbook. West African(ghana/Akan) names Mon Sep 06 2021 By beebetree When it comes to african names... many only touch the surface with Muslim names; like fatima.. and what not.... when there's so much more , to the point I feel there should be a distinction between muslim names and traditional west african Ghanaian/akan names.. Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means ‘you must know’. In the Wolof language, Alioune means ‘lofty’ or ‘sublime’. This West African Kingdom never dealt in the trade of slaves. Father of St Spirit congregation missionaries who were very present in West Africa at the time. Being the largest continent on the planet and encompassing a large variety of cultures and people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions. A few African girl names are starting to catch on in the US, including Zola and Zuri, which feature the exciting Z initial. Robinson- 19,079 Jamaicans have this name. Being the largest continent on the planet and encompassing a large variety of cultures and people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions. Prosper Dodds. It originates from the Swahili culture and means ‘delight’ or ‘happiness’. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. Some slaves with surnames may be found among the Baptisms in Sanders Barbados Records. This page is to help you in doing specifically German genealogical research in South Africa. Nigerian Last Names – Popular Surnames and Their Meanings Nigeria, a beautiful, diverse, African country home to the Niger River, and a rich history of culture and tradition. Diop Western African, Wolof. An Igbo surname, Ala means ‘land’, while neme means ‘doing something’. 96. An appreciative masculine name that embraces a new arrival with positivity, it means ‘the king/crown/royalty filled the house’. It is both a surname and a given name, which means ‘I should give praise’. Nelson is a western name, Rolihlahla is an African name and Mandela is derived from his clan, Madiba. Africa’s Most Common Last Names. Ghana (Gold Coast + British Togoland) History, Male, Female, Surnames, Fanta, Ewe, Akan, Twi, Ga, Ashanti. Commonly used as a male name in Nigeria, Anenih means ‘God bearing name’. Dubaku is a unisex title among the Akan of West Africa. Found insideMany surnames common in Soninke and other Mande languages indicate the initial Mali ... surname, a pattern which was also common elsewhere in West Africa. "walks like a wealthy person, walks with confidence", Apply this search to the user-submitted names, the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in the name, search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes, this field understands simple boolean logic, force a term to be included by preceding it with a, force a term to be excluded by preceding it with a, sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations, syllables can only be counted in names that have been assigned pronunciations, names without pronunciations are excluded from results, the "relationship" is how the name relates to its parent name. It is usually given to boys. Among the citizens of Senegal, Ndiaye is a ferocious surname as well as a given name. 120 Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames 1. Abara: Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means 'spirit'. 2. Abebe: The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means 'flower' or 'blossom'. 3. Abimbola: A popular surname among the Yoruba people from different countries ... In this context, the father can also mean God. Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means ‘wealth awakes again’. A Leicester University study found that seven men with a rare Yorkshire surname carry a genetic signature previously found only … Africa, the land of abundantly diverse cultures, is home to many distinct ethnic groups. Udu means a clay pot to fill water, and Ike means strength. It … Born 17th February 1915 at St Louis of Senegal and died on12th January 1973 at St Louis of Senegal at 58 years of age. Adébáyọ̀ Origin: Nigerian (Yoruba) Meaning: ‘He came in a joyful time’ or ‘the king/crown/royalty meets joy.’ It is a conventional surname across various African people and means ‘one who is born on orie market day’. 101 Most Popular Norse Mythology Names With Meanings, 133 Ethnic And Popular Peruvian Baby Names For Girls And Boys, 150 Popular Irish Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings, 85 Unique Baby Names That Mean Smart, Intelligent, And Wise. West African town name generator . Combining given names and surnames can provide interesting insights about linguistic and cultural background, as well as ethnicity. Found inside – Page 49In the hunting tradition of old West Africa , the hunter's bard functions as a sort ... Further , noting that griots have said that Mandinka surnames were ... It means ‘the compound remains strong’ in Igbo language. Africa which is the third largest continent in the world has their own cultures and beliefs which also differs among the tribes and nations in Africa.One of the easiest ways to identify the origin of every African is through the names they bear, the name of each individual that is from Africa has a way of linking to his or her African origin. Obviously the general directions are the same as for all other South Africans, but there are a few extra sources, which are to be discussed here.. To start you off have a look at these pages: African American descendants of persons who were enslaved in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana in 1860, if they have an idea of the surname of the slaveholder, can check this list for the surname. Similar surnames include Western, Westerman, and Westray. Daramy (surname) is a common surname among the Mandinka people of West Africa, and may refer to: Kabbah (surname) or Kabba is a common surname among the Mandinka people of West Africa, and may refer to: Mende language. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. Found inside – Page 1205One of the consequences of internal im- have an African surname , " she added . ... proportion of these happen to be Africans troversy told West Africa that ... It was the Oyo and the Aro tribes of the Nigeria region, who did work with the Portuguese, English and French in the slave trade, an interesting note in African genealogy. Another unisex name, Okoro means ‘child of the freeborn man’, or ‘man’ in Urhobo. This Yoruba name means ‘the lucid one’ or ‘one who is clear’. The ultimate A-Z African names list, complete with name meanings, origins and background info for all African baby names. The county of focus is Polk county in Iowa. Origin/Meaning: A Scottish last name referring to someone with a crooked smile or mouth. Rooted in the Tiv language, Gowon means ‘the rainmaker’. African names represent ancestral meanings from the first tribes on the planet to modern day societies. Read on to learn about some of the most popular African baby names for girls, their meanings, and their origins. It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. Common South African surnames. Russian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings, Mexican Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings, Most Common Spanish Last Names Or Surnames. Found inside – Page 176African Americans and Revolutionary America Douglas R. Egerton. Mingo Roosevelt was rare in adopting a Dutch surname. Far more typical were former slaves ... Another surname of Yoruba origin, Adebowale means ‘return of the crown’. Western African names include those from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Naming is a community concern in African societies. Found inside – Page 203Much later, from 1555 onwards, the Atlantic slave trade brought the first West Africans to Britain in large numbers: during the Tudor period it was ... A name that reflects the gratitude of the family is Chamapiwa, meaning ‘that which you have been given’. It means ‘the strong one has returned’. We haven’t yet made this module available as an API, but do support projects in Academia. A hopeful name that reflects an uncertain situation is Biobaku, which means ‘if he or she does not die’. It is not uncommon to find one family with more than ten children in Africa. A West African name is much more than a simple, functional tag to identify someone, it is a symbol, an emblem. old, the oldest known on the planet. It means ‘one who acts at the time of scarcity’.