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).