Why do we have names? It is for recognition purposes and to also identify one from the other but in Africa, names are a form of a statement.
They are either personal stories by parents, a reminder to an individual affected by the birth of a child whereas some names are honorary, symbolic and ancestral – this also applies in Xitsonga culture. As modern and open-minded individuals, we seem not to mind naming our children using names from other ethnic groups. If you’re not Tsonga and would like to give your child a Xitsonga name, below are common unisex names and together with their meanings. And if you’re already part of the Xitsonga group; keep making the circle bigger by choosing your favourite to name your child.
- Amukelani – Accept or Recognize
- Amukelo – Acceptance
- Andziso –Growth
- Dzunisani – Praise.
- Endlani – Deed
- Engetelo – Addition
- Fumani – Be Wealthy
- Hetisani – Finish up what we’ve started
- Hlamalani – Wonder
- Hlawulani – Choose
- Hlayisani – Protect
- Hlulani – Be Victorious (Shangazine Editor’s name)
- Khensani – Give Thanks
- Kulani – Grow
- Langutani – Unisex. Behold
- Lwandle – Sea
- Langavi – Flame
- Mahlori – Wonders
- Masungulo – Beginnings
- Matimba – Power or Strength
- Matimu – History made
- Mfanelo – Noble Duty
- Miyelani – Be Serene
- Mixo – Dawn or Morning
- Mpimo – Dimension or Measure
- Muhluri – Victor
- Musa – Kindness
- Muvumbi – Creator
- Nhlamulo – Solution
- Nhlawuleko – Chosen
- Nhluvuko – Progress
- Nkateko – Lucky
- Nsovo – Compassion or Mercy
- Nsuku – Golden
- Ntiyiso – Truth
- Ntsako – Happiness
- Ntshembo – Faith or Trust
- Ntshuxeko – Freedom
- Ntsumi – Angel
- Nyiko – Gift
- Rhulani – Be Peaceful
- Risima – Value
- Rito – Voice of Honour
- Tinyiko – Gifts
- Tirhani – Work Together
- Tiyiselani – Have Endurance
- Tlangelani – Rejoice
- Tsakani – Be Happy
- Vonani – Behold
- Vulani – Speak Volumes
- Vutlhari – Wisdom
- Vutomi – Life
- Xihlamariso – Surprise
- Xikombiso – Example
- Xilombe – Sweet Voice
- Xitshembiso – Promise
Image: Halama Ink Media.
Go Girl Go! I love work you have done in terms of putting Xitsonga names on the map; and explaining their meanings so accurately. I hope you can also prepare a Xitsonga dictionary and bi-lingual one. God bless you