Zulu Lesson Names for Baby Boys

South Africa, like most African countries has a system of naming children. Names tell a story about where the child is born, grandparents, region and circumstances surrounding its birth.

For example, Nomvula is a popular girl's name because it means it was raining when she was born. Or, parents wish that her life is full of rain, which is good luck because it makes food grow.

My name tells a story about what went down between my parents and my grandfather. Amazing! Hollywood move out of the way. You know nothing about storytelling.

Names reflect parents’ wishes for themselves or the new baby.  Kids are also named after what happened when they were born.

NAME	MEANING
Fika	Arrive.
Mfundo	Education.
Lunga	Be good.
Langa	The sun.
Madoda	Men.
Thula	Be quiet.
Thulani	Be quiet (many people).
Themba	Hope.
Simphiwe	We have been given.
Muzi	Home.
Khaya	Home.
Musa	The kind one.
Zakhele	Build for yourself.
Zenzele	Do it for yourself.
Sandile	We are more.  We have multiplied.
Qeda	Finish.
Mandla	Strong. Powerful.
Jabulani	Be happy.
Duma	Famous.
Sipho	A gift.
Bafana	Boys.
Thamsanqa	Blessing.  Abbreviation ‘Thami’.
Phaphama	Wake up.
Vusumuzi	Rebuild the home.  Abbreviation ‘Vusi’.
Vusisizwe	Rebuild the nation.  Abbreviation ‘Vusi’.
Vika	Duck.  Avoid danger.
Lindani	You (many people) must wait.
Linda	Wait (one person should wait)
Mazwi	Words.
Nhlakanipho	Intelligence.  Abbreviation ‘Nhlaka’.
Bheki	Watch.
Simanga	Unusual.
Xolani	Forgive.
Dudula	Push.
Muntu	A human being.  A person.
Sbonelo	Example.