120+ Most Popular South African Last Names or Surnames & Their Meanings

South Africa is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, languages, and histories, and its surnames reflect this beautiful diversity. From indigenous African roots to Dutch, English, and other European influences, South African last names tell stories of heritage, occupation, and even personal traits.

Whether you’re researching your family history, curious about the meanings behind common surnames, or just love learning about different cultures, this list will guide you through some of the most popular South African last names and their fascinating origins.

Categories of South African Surnames

To make sense of the wide variety, we’ve grouped these surnames into different categories based on their origins and meanings:

1. African Origin Surnames
2. Afrikaans & Dutch Origin Surnames
3. English Origin Surnames
4. Xhosa & Zulu Surnames
5. Sotho & Tswana Surnames
6. Other Influences (Portuguese, German, etc.)

African Origin Surnames

These surnames often derive from indigenous languages and carry deep cultural significance.

1. Baloyi – A Tsonga name meaning “one who gives orders” or “leader.”
2. Dlamini – A common Swazi and Zulu surname, historically linked to royalty.
3. Khumalo – A prominent Zulu surname, linked to King Mzilikazi’s lineage.
4. Mabasa – A Shona name meaning “one who clears the land.”
5. Mahlangu – Ndebele origin, possibly meaning “one who endures.”
6. Makgoba – A Tswana surname meaning “one who perseveres.”
7. Maluleke – A Tsonga name meaning “father of many.”
8. Maseko – A Nguni surname linked to the Swazi royal family.
9. Mokoena – A Sotho name meaning “crocodile,” a symbol of strength.
10. Mthembu – A Zulu surname linked to a powerful clan.
11. Ndlovu – Meaning “elephant” in Ndebele and Zulu, symbolizing strength.
12. Nkosi – Means “king” or “chief” in Zulu and Xhosa.
13. Phiri – A Chewa surname meaning “mountain” or “strong one.”
14. Radebe – A Zulu surname meaning “one who is always present.”
15. Sibanda – Ndebele origin, meaning “one who hunts.”
16. Zulu – The most famous clan name, meaning “heaven” or “sky.”

Afrikaans & Dutch Origin Surnames

Many South African surnames stem from Dutch settlers who later formed the Afrikaans-speaking community.

1. Botha – Means “messenger” or “herald” in Dutch.
2. Coetzee – Derived from “Kootje,” a Dutch diminutive of “Jacob.”
3. De Beer – Means “the bear” in Dutch.
4. De Jager – Translates to “the hunter.”
5. De Klerk – Means “the clerk” or “secretary.”
6. Du Plessis – French-Dutch origin, meaning “from the place of Plessis.”
7. Fourie – Possibly derived from “Fourier,” meaning “blacksmith.”
8. Grobler – A Dutch occupational name for a farmer.
9. Jansen – A patronymic meaning “son of Jan (John).”
10. Meyer – Means “farmer” or “steward” in Dutch.
11. Nel – Short for “Cornelis,” meaning “horn.”
12. Pretorius – Derived from “praetor,” meaning “leader” or “magistrate.”
13. Smit – The Afrikaans version of “Smith,” meaning “blacksmith.”
14. Van der Merwe – Means “from the Merwe (river)” in Dutch.
15. Van Wyk – Means “from the district” or “neighborhood.”
16. Venter – Derived from “venter,” meaning “adventurer” or “trader.”

English Origin Surnames

British colonization introduced many English surnames to South Africa.

1. Anderson – Means “son of Andrew.”
2. Brown – Originally referred to someone with brown hair or complexion.
3. Clark – Occupational name for a clerk or scholar.
4. Davis – Means “son of David.”
5. Edwards – Means “son of Edward.”
6. Green – Originally referred to someone who lived near a village green.
7. Harris – Means “son of Harry.”
8. Johnson – Means “son of John.”
9. King – Originally a nickname for someone who acted regally.
10. Lewis – Derived from the name “Llywelyn” (Welsh origin).
11. Moore – Refers to someone who lived near a moor or marsh.
12. Peters – Means “son of Peter.”
13. Taylor – Occupational name for a tailor.
14. Thomas – Means “twin” in Aramaic.
15. Williams – Means “son of William.”

Xhosa & Zulu Surnames

These surnames are deeply rooted in South Africa’s Nguni cultures.

1. Bhengu – Means “one who is firm or unyielding.”
2. Buthelezi – A prominent Zulu clan name.
3. Cele – Means “one who waits” or “patient one.”
4. Gumede – A royal Zulu surname.
5. Hlongwane – Means “little elephant.”
6. Khoza – Means “to care for” or “protect.”
7. Mabuyakhulu – Means “mother of the great one.”
8. Majozi – Means “one who brings rain.”
9. Mkhize – A respected Zulu surname meaning “builder.”
10. Mlambo – Means “river,” symbolizing life.
11. Molefe – A Tswana name meaning “one who consoles.”
12. Msimang – Means “one who is always alert.”
13. Ngcobo – A Xhosa surname meaning “one who is patient.”
14. Ntuli – Means “one who is quiet or peaceful.”
15. Xaba – Means “one who is quick or agile.”

Sotho & Tswana Surnames

These names come from the Sotho-Tswana ethnic groups.

1. Banda – Means “strength” or “power.”
2. Dube – Means “zebra,” symbolizing beauty and uniqueness.
3. Kekana – A Pedi surname meaning “one who perseveres.”
4. Leballo – Means “one who writes or records.”
5. Mabunda – Means “one who is brave.”
6. Madonsela – Means “one who asks questions.”
7. Mahlase – Means “one who comforts.”
8. Makhene – Means “one who leads.”
9. Moleleki – Means “one who is blessed.”
10. Molewa – Means “one who is saved.”
11. Phakathi – Means “one who is in the middle.”
12. Rampedi – Means “one who is quick.”
13. Sebola – Means “one who sees far.”
14. Sekhukhune – A royal Pedi surname.
15. Thobakgale – Means “one who is patient.”

Other Influences (Portuguese, German, etc.)

South Africa’s history includes other European influences.

1. Da Silva (Portuguese) – Means “from the forest.”
2. Fernandes (Portuguese) – Means “son of Fernando.”
3. Gomes (Portuguese) – Derived from the name “Gomes.”
4. Lombard (French/Dutch) – Refers to someone from Lombardy, Italy.
5. Müller (German) – Means “miller.”
6. Schneider (German) – Means “tailor.”
7. Teixeira (Portuguese) – Refers to someone who worked with yew trees.

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Final Thoughts

South African surnames are a beautiful reflection of the country’s rich and diverse heritage. Whether rooted in African traditions, Dutch colonization, British influence, or other cultures, each name carries a unique story.

Do you recognize any of these surnames in your family tree? Or perhaps you’ve discovered a new favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Did we miss any notable South African surnames? Share them below!