100 Authentic Zulu Names for Boys and Girls

Names used in the Zulu community, just like other African tribes, are of strong significance. Authentic Zulu names are mostly given even before the child is born. It is also not out of place to find Zulu babies having more than one name as given by the immediate family and extended relatives. The names can be a reflection of anything from the time that the baby was born, to the goodwill prayer of the parents, how the baby was born, and certain beliefs that may be tied to religion or politics. Names can also be given among the Zulus after great people from the past.

These Zulu names are popular in South Africa and other Southern African countries because the people of this tribe are not only found in South Africa, but also in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Malawi, Botswana, and Mozambique. Just as it is with all other cultures, there are Zulu names that are kept aside for girls, there are those for boys, and there are unisex names for all genders.

Authentic Zulu Names For Boys

Authentic Zulu Names
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1. Andile

  • MeaningThey have extended
  • Pronunciation: Ahn-dee-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Andile Lungisa (Politician)

2. Bandile

  • Meaning: They have extended in number
  • Pronunciation: ban-di-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Bandile Masuku

3. Bhekizizwe

  • Meaning: Watch the nations
  • Pronunciation: Bhek·iz·izwe
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Bhekisizwe Peterson (Screenwriter)

4. Dumisani

  • MeaningYou all give praises
  • Pronunciation: Doo-mee-SUH-nee
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Dumisani Dlamini (Actor)

5. Funani

  • Meaning: Search or Fine
  • Pronunciation: fu-na-ni
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

6. Jabulani

  • Meaning: Rejoice, Be happy
  • Pronunciation: Jah-boo-LAH-nee
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Jabulani Dubazana (Musician)

7. Langelihle

  • Meaning: A Good or lovely day
  • Pronunciation: lan-ge-lih-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Langelihle Ntokozo Mdletshe (Footballer)

8. Lunga

  • Meaning: Be good/kind
  • Pronunciation: loonga
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Lunga Shabalala

9. Lungani

  • Meaning: You all be good/kind
  • Pronunciation: loonga-ni
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Lungani Zama (Writer)

10. Lungelo

  • Meaning: A freedom-loving and free-spirited individual
  • Pronunciation: lun-ge-lo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Lungelo Hlongwane (Musical artist)

11. Mandla

  • Meaning: Strength or Power to do
  • Pronunciation: MAN-dhla
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Mandla Langa (Poet, cultural activist, and novelist)

12. Manqoba and Mnqobi

  • Meaning: The one who conquers in hopeless situations
  • Pronunciation: MAN-ko-ba and m-ko-bi
  • Origin: Authentic Zulu names for twins (boys)
  • Famous people with the name: NA

13. Mcebisi

  • Meaning: The one who brings wealth/ the one who gives wise advice
  • Pronunciation: 
  • Origin: Zulu and Xhosa
  • Famous people with the name: Mcebisi Jonas (Politician)

14. Mlungisi

  • Meaning: The one who makes everything alright
  • Pronunciation: m-lu-ngi-si
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Mlungisi Mdluli (Football player)

15. Mthokozisi

  • Meaning: The one who gives joy
  • Pronunciation: mtho-ko-zi-si
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Mthokozisi Ndaba (Musical artist)

16. Ndumiso

  • MeaningPraise
  • Pronunciation: ndu-mi-so
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Ndumiso Mabena (Soccer player)

17. Njabulo

  • Meaning: Joy
  • Pronunciation: nja-bu-lo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Njabulo Blom (Football player)

18. Nkazimulo

  • MeaningGlory
  • Pronunciation: nka-mi-mu-lo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nkazimulo “Zuluboy” Zulu (EFC Fighter)

19. Nkosiphendule

  • Meaning: God has answered
  • Pronunciation: nko-si-fen-du-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nkosiphendule Kolisile (Politician)

20. Ntuthuko

  • MeaningDevelopment
  • Pronunciation: ntu-thu-ko
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Ntuthuko Mahlaba (Politician)

21. Sandile

  • Meaning: We have extended in number
  • Pronunciation: san-dil
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Sandile Shezi (Entrepreneur)

22. S’fiso

  • Meaning: Wish/what we had wished for
  • Pronunciation: sfi-so
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Sfiso Ncwane (Musician)

23. Sibonelo

  • MeaningExample
  • Pronunciation: si-bo-ne-lo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Sibonelo Mngometulu (South African cricketer)

24. Sihawukele

  • Meaning: Have mercy on us
  • Pronunciation: si-ha-wu-ke-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Sihawukele Ngubane (Professor)

25. SimphiweyiNkosi

  • MeaningHe is our gift from God, We are given a king
  • Pronunciation: sim-fi-wey-nko-si
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

26. Siphamandla

  • Meaning: Give us power
  • Pronunciation: si-fa-man-dla
  • Origin: Zulu and Xhosa
  • Famous people with the name: Siphamandla Goge (Journalist)

27. S’thembiso

  • Meaning: Promise
  • Pronunciation: 2-them-bi-so
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: S’thembiso Msomi (journalist)

28. Thabani

  • Meaning: Be joyful
  • Pronunciation: ta-ba-ni
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thabani Austin Dube (Footballer)

39. Thalente

  • Meaning: One who has talent
  • Pronunciation: ta-len-te
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thalente Biyela (Actor)

30. Vusumuzi

  • Meaning: Rekindle the family
  • Pronunciation: vu-su-mu-zi
  • Origin: Zulu (given to firstborn sons who will be the providers of the family)
  • Famous people with the name: Vusumuzi Mazibuko (South African cricketer)

31. Xolani

  • Meaning: You all have peace/take it easy
  • Pronunciation: zho-la-ni
  • Origin: Zulu and Xhosa
  • Famous people with the name: Xolani Gwala (Radio personality)

32. Zwelakhe

  • MeaningHis Country or land
  • Pronunciation: zwe-la-khe
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist)

33. Zwelethu

  • MeaningOur country or land 
  • Pronunciation: zwe-le-tu
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Zwelethu Mthethwa (Painter)

34. Zwelibanzi

  • Meaning: Huge/wide country/land
  • Pronunciation: zuwe-li-ban-zi
  • Origin: Zulu and Xhosa
  • Famous people with the name: Buyelekhaya Zwelinbanzi Dalindyebo ka Sabata  (Traditional ruler)

Zulu Names For Girls

Authentic Zulu Names
Image Source

35. Amahle

  • Meaning: The beautiful one
  • Pronunciation: Ah-MAH-she
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Amahle Chulumanco (Sportscaster)

36. Busisiwe

  • Meaning: A blessed baby
  • Pronunciation:
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Busisiwe Mkhwebane (Advocate)

37. Dumisile

  • Meaning: Has/have given praises
  • Pronunciation: du-mi-si-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Dumisile Nala (Childline national executive)

38. Gugu

  • Meaning: Treasure
  • Pronunciation: gu-gu
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Actress)

49. Gugulethu

  • Meaning: Our Treasure
  • Pronunciation: gu-gu-le-tu
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

40. Jabulile

  • Meaning: We have rejoiced
  • Pronunciation: jah-bu-li-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Jabulile Baloyi (Women’s football coach)

41. Kaya

  • Meaning: Restful place
  • Pronunciation: KAH-yah
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Kaya Malotana (Former rugby union player)

42. Khanyisile

  • Meaning: She has brought light or happiness
  • Pronunciation: kan-yi-si-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Khanyisile Mbongwa (Curato and artist)

43. Kholwa

  • Meaning: Believe
  • Pronunciation: Kol-u-WHA
  • Origin: Zulu and Xhosa
  • Famous people with the name: NA

44. Lindiwe

  • Meaning:  Waited For, I watch (or guard).
  • Pronunciation: LIN-dee-wê
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Lindiwe Mazibuko (Politician and musician)

45. Londisa

  • Meaning: The one who gives care 
  • Pronunciation: lon-di-sa
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

46. Londiwe

  • Meaning: Protected/kept safe
  • Pronunciation: lon-di-we
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Londiwe Khoza (Dancer)

47. Nobantu

  • Meaning: Mother of the people
  • Pronunciation: no-ban-tu
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nobantu Vilakazi (Musician)

48. Nobuhle

  • MeaningMother of beauty or goodness
  • Pronunciation: no-buh-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nobuhle (musician)

49. Nokulunga

  • MeaningMother of Kindness
  • Pronunciation: no-ku-lu-nga
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nokulunga (Musical artist)

50. Nolwazi and Ulwazi

  • Meaning: Mother of knowledge
  • Pronunciation: nol-wa-zi and ul-wa-zi
  • Origin: Zulu names given to twin girls
  • Famous people with the name: NA

51. Nomagugu

  • Meaning: Mother of treasures
  • Pronunciation: no-ma-gu-gu
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu (Politician and lawyer)

52. Nomalanga

  • Meaning: Mother of sun/sunshine
  • Pronunciation: no-ma-la-nga
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nomalanga Shozi (Actress)

53. Nomasonto

  • Meaning: Mother of Sundays/churches
  • Pronunciation: no-ma-son-to
  • Origin: Zulu and Nguni
  • Famous people with the name: Nomasonto Maswanganyi (Singer)

54. Nomcebo

  • Meaning: Mother of wealth
  • Pronunciation: nom-che-bo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nomcebo Zikode (Singer)

55. Nomathalente

  • MeaningMother of talents
  • Pronunciation: no-ma-tha-len-te
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

56. Nomthandazo

  • MeaningMother of prayer
  • Pronunciation: nom-than-da-zo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

57. Nomathemba

  • Meaning: Mother of hope or trust
  • Pronunciation: no-ma-them-ba
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nomathemba Mokgethi (Health worker)

58. Nomusa

  • Meaning: Mother of kindness or mercy
  • Pronunciation: no-mu-sa
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nomusa Dube-Ncube (Politician)

59. Nonhlanhla

  • MeaningMother of luck
  • Pronunciation: non-hlan-hla
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nonhlanhla Qwabe (Musician and dancer)

60. Nonjabulo

  • Meaning: Mother of Joy
  • Pronunciation: non-ja-bu-lo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

61. Nothando

  • MeaningMother of love
  • Pronunciation: no-than-do
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nothando “Vivo” Vilakazi (Footballer)

62. Nomvula

  • MeaningMother of rain
  • Pronunciation: nom-vu-la
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nomvula Mokonyane (Politician)

63. Noxolo

  • Meaning: Mother of peace
  • Pronunciation: no-zo-lo
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Noxolo Dlamini (Actress)

64. Nqobile

  • Meaning: Has come up victorious in what was a hopeless, dreadful, precarious
  • Pronunciation: nko-bi-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nqobile Danseur (dancer)

65. Nozibusiso

  • MeaningMother of blessings
  • Pronunciation: no-zi-bu-si-so
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nozibusiso Nyawose (Social media influencer)

66. Nozizwe

  • Meaning: Mother of nations
  • Pronunciation: no-zi-zwe
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge (South African Politician)

67. Olwethu

  • Meaning: It’s (love is) ours
  • Pronunciation: Ol-we-thu
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Olwethu Magushana (Singer)

68. Sibongile

  • Meaning: We are grateful
  • Pronunciation: si-bon-gi-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Sibongile Khumalo (Singer)

69. Sibusisiwe

  • Meaning: We are blessed
  • Pronunciation: si-bu-si-si-way
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Sibusisiwe Jili (Actress)

70. Silondile

  • Meaning: Has kept/protected us
  • Pronunciation: si-lon-di-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Silondile Jali (Artist)

71. Thabisa

  • Meaning: To bring joy
  • Pronunciation: Tha-BEE-sa
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thabisa (Musical artist)

72. Thandazile

  • Meaning: Has/have prayed
  • Pronunciation: than-da-zi-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thandazile Phoswa (late politician)

73. Thandeka

  • MeaningLovely
  • Pronunciation: Than-de-ka
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Dawn Thandeka King (actress)

74. Thandiwe

  • MeaningBeloved, Loved one
  • Pronunciation: than-di-we
  • Origin: Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele
  • Famous people with the name: Thandiwe Newton (British actress)

75. Thembekile

  • Meaning: Trustworthy/reliable
  • Pronunciation: them-be-ki-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thembekile Mrototo (Media personality)

76. Thembile

  • Meaning: Hopeful/trusting
  • Pronunciation: them-bi-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thembile Kanono (footballer)

77. Thembisile

  • Meaning: Have/has promised
  • Pronunciation: them-bi-si-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thembisile ‘Chris’ Hani (Late Politician)

78. Zola

  • Meaning: Calm
  • Pronunciation: Zo-LA
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Bonginkosi Zola Dlamini (Musician)

79. Zibuyile

  • Meaning: The dowry cows have come back
  • Pronunciation: zi-bu-yi-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

80. Zinhle

  • Meaning: The girl is good/beautiful
  • Pronunciation:  zinh-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Zinhle Jiyane (DJ)

Authentic Zulu Names That Can Be Used For Both Boys And Girls (Unisex)

There are other Zulu names that can be used for both boys and girls. Even though some of the names are mostly preferred for either boys or girls, it is still not uncommon to find babies of both genders bearing such names. Here are some examples of authentic Zulu names for both genders:

81. Ayanda

  • Meaning: One who is increasing 
  • Pronunciation: A-yan-da
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Ayanda Thabethe (Television presenter)

82. Bongani

  • MeaningBe grateful
  • Pronunciation: Bon-gah-nee
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Bongani Sandile Khumalo (Former soccer player)

83. Kwanele

  • Meaning: It is enough
  • Pronunciation: kwa-ne-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Kwanele Mthethwa (Actress)

84. Lindelani

  • Meaning: Wait or be patient
  • Pronunciation: lin-de-la-ni
  • Origin: Zulu and Ndebele
  • Famous people with the name: Lindelani Mkhize (musician)

85. Luyanda

  • Meaning: It (love) is growing
  • Pronunciation: loo-yan-da
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Luyanda Shezi (Actor)

86. Lungile

  • Meaning: The one who is good
  • Pronunciation: loon-gi-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Lungile Radu (actor)

87. Lwandile

  • Meaning: Love has intensified (More Love)
  • Pronunciation: lu-wan-di-le
  • Origin: Zulu and Xhosa
  • Famous people with the name: Lwandile Zwelenkosi Matanzima (late traditional ruler)

88. Mthandeni

  • Meaning: Love Him or her
  • Pronunciation: m-than-de-ni
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Mthandeni (Musical Artist)

89. Minenhle

  • Meaning: A good or lovely day
  • Pronunciation: mi-nen-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Minenhle Mbhele (Social media influencer)

90. Mbali

  • Meaning: Flower
  • Pronunciation: mba-li
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa (Actress)

91. Nhlanhla

  • Meaning: Lucky or luck
  • Pronunciation: n-lan-la
  • Origin: Zulu and Ndebele
  • Famous people with the name: Nhlanhla Nciza (Singer)

92. Nqobizitha

  • Meaning: The one who overcomes (an overcome)
  • Pronunciation: nko-bi-zi-ta
  • Origin: Zulu and Ndebele
  • Famous people with the name: Nqobizitha Mlilo (Politician)

93. Sibonakaliso

  • Meaning: A sign
  • Pronunciation: si-bona-ka-li-so
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

94. Siphesihle

  • MeaningBeautiful Gift
  • Pronunciation: si-fe-si-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Siphesihle Ndaba (Actress)

95. Sithembiso

  • Meaning: A Promise
  • Pronunciation: si-them-bi-so
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

96. Sithembile

  • Meaning: Sign or Proof
  • Pronunciation: si-them-bi-le
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Sithembile Mbete (Academician)

97. Siyabonga

  • Meaningwe are grateful
  • Pronunciation: si-ya-bong-a
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Solly Mahlangu (Singer)

98. Thando

  • MeaningLove
  • Pronunciation: than-do
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Thando Thabethe (African actress)

99. Uluthando

  • Meaning: He/she is love
  • Pronunciation: u-luthan- do
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: Uluthando Jili (Raio personality)

100. Qaza

  • Meaning: A Seeker
  • Pronunciation: Kaza
  • Origin: Zulu
  • Famous people with the name: NA

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