Zulu

Compiled by Moyra Turkington

The izithopho are personal praise names that are self-composed or granted by parents or peers. They are more dynamic than given names and may change over time. The izithakazel are not names themselves, but greetings used to address specific clans. They are sometimes (especially when interacting with foreigners or in urban centres) used in place of a surname, and celebrate the heritage of the entire clan, rather than any specific family line. Outside of the clan, people are usually addressed by the izithakazel, while within the clan, the izithopho is used (exception: married women generally address their husbands using the izithakazel).

Male Izithopho

  1. Amhale
  2. Bhekizizwe
  3. Delani
  4. Sakhile
  5. Ghakarhi
  6. Hlengiwe
  7. Kosan
  8. Philani
  9. Sibusiso
  10. Jabulani
  11. Msizi
  12. Nhlkakanipho
  13. Sipho
  14. Thabo
  15. Siyabongo
  16. Themba
  17. Ulwazi
  18. Vusumuzi
  19. Xolani
  20. Zithembe

Female Izithopho

  1. Ayize
  2. Zola
  3. Bhekisisa
  4. Funani
  5. Ayanda
  6. Makhosazana
  7. Nokuthula
  8. Samukelisiwe
  9. Simosihle
  10. Thandeka
  11. Thulisile
  12. Unathi
  13. Vuyiswa
  14. Zanele
  15. Nolwazi
  16. Zodwa
  17. Gugu
  18. Khethiwe
  19. Lindiwe
  20. Mbhali

Izithakazel

  1. Bhungwane
  2. Gumede
  3. Mangethe
  4. Dinangwe
  5. Fihlela
  6. Gatsheni
  7. Makhathini
  8. Mchunu
  9. Mntungwa
  10. Ngcolosi
  11. Mzilikazi
  12. Ngqulunga
  13. Sokwalisa
  14. Ntimande
  15. Macingwane
  16. Shenge
  17. Phambuka
  18. Gxabhashe
  19. Khumalo
  20. Sokwalisa