Xhosa names are deeply rooted in the traditions and language of the Xhosa people in South Africa. Names like Zanele (they have arrived) and Lumka (be careful) often carry profound meanings tied to life events, virtues, or ancestral heritage. These names celebrate the cultural identity and storytelling traditions of the Xhosa people.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anathi | Anathi: Xhosa unisex name meaning "with us," gaining global popularity. | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Gabela | Gabela means "gift" in Bantu, symbolizing blessings and fortune. | Bantu, South African, Xhosa, Zulu | Unisex | |
| Gugulethu | Gugulethu means "our pride," is unisex, and culturally significant. | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Hlisa | Hlisa is a unique Xhosa name meaning purification or cleansing. | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Lilitha | Lilitha: Xhosa name meaning "light," elegant, culturally significant, feminine. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Loyiso | Loyiso means "he who brings peace" in Xhosa, South Africa. | Amharic, Bantu, South African, Xhosa, Zulu | Boy | |
| Lunga | Lunga is a Xhosa name meaning "be tall" or "long." | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Lungani | Lungani means "be patient" in Xhosa, encouraging perseverance and resilience. | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Lwandiso | Lwandiso: Xhosa name meaning "peacemaker," gaining popularity for boys. | Xhosa | Boy | |
| Lwando | Lwando means "love" in Xhosa; it's a gender-neutral name. | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Mandela | Mandela means "strength" in Xhosa, symbolizing hope and resilience. | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Nomaphelo | Nomaphelo: Xhosa name meaning "beloved one," cherished for its significance. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomathamsanqa | Nomathamsanqa: Xhosa name meaning "luck," unique and culturally significant. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomava | Nomava: Xhosa name meaning "mother of the people," feminine, unique. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomawethu | Nomawethu means "ours," symbolizing unity in Xhosa culture. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomonde | Nomonde: Xhosa name meaning "mother of wealth," symbolizing prosperity. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomsa | Nomsa means "mother of kindness," reflecting compassion in African culture. | African, Xhosa, Zulu | Girl | |
| Nomsamthandile | Nomsamthandile means "she who is loved" in Xhosa culture. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomsandile | Nomsandile: Xhosa name meaning "she who is with us." | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomsandiso | Nomsandiso: Xhosa name meaning "mother of kindness," unisex and meaningful. | Xhosa | Unisex | |
| Nomsasipho | Nomsasipho: Xhosa name symbolizing hope, faith, and cultural heritage. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nomthunzi | Nomthunzi means "ray of light" in Xhosa; it's feminine. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nontembiso | Nontembiso means "promise" in Xhosa, symbolizing hope and commitment. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nontombi | Nontombi is a Xhosa name meaning "girl" or "maiden." | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nothemba | Nothemba: Xhosa name meaning "hope," cherished for its cultural significance. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Nothembile | Nothembile: Xhosa name meaning "trustworthy," significant in South Africa. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Ntombikazi | Ntombikazi is a Xhosa name meaning "girl" or "maiden." | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Ntombizovuyo | Ntombizovuyo means "girls are blessings" in Xhosa culture. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Ntombomakazi | Ntombomakazi means "mother of women," symbolizing strength and leadership. | Xhosa | Girl | |
| Ntombowam | Ntombowam is a Xhosa name meaning "my girl" or "daughter." | Xhosa | Girl |