729+ African Last Names [All Categories & Countries]

African last names can vary widely depending on the specific country or region of Africa that they come from.

However, there are some common characteristics that many African last names share:

Meaningful: Many African last names have a specific meaning or significance that reflects the culture, history, or beliefs of the people who use them.
Patronymic or Matronymic: In some African cultures, last names are derived from the name of the father (patronymic) or mother (matronymic), indicating family lineage.
Descriptive: Some African last names describe a person’s physical or personal characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, or personality traits.
Geographical: African last names may be associated with a specific place, such as a village, region, or ethnic group.
Occupation-based: Some African last names are based on a person’s occupation or profession.
Tribal affiliation: Some African last names indicate a person’s tribal affiliation, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the continent.

Overall, African last names are a reflection of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the continent, and often have deep meanings and significance within the communities that use them.

Table of Contents

Common African Last Names

Here are 30 common African last names:

Johnson
Davis
Brown
Smith
Jones
Wilson
Anderson
Thomas
Jackson
White
Harris
Lewis
Green
Hall
Baker
Nelson
Carter
Mitchell
Perez
Roberts
Turner
Phillips
Campbell
Parker
Evans
Edwards
Stewart
Flores
Morris
Cox

It’s important to note that many African last names have been influenced by the histories of slavery, colonization, and migration, and may have roots in European, indigenous African, and other cultures.

Additionally, last names can vary greatly between different countries and ethnic groups within Africa.

Popular African Last Names

African last names can vary widely depending on the specific country or region of Africa they come from.

Here are some examples of popular African last names and their meanings:

Abimbola (Yoruba): “Born into riches”
Adeyemi (Yoruba): “The crown fits me”
Akintola (Yoruba): “Bravery fills the house”
Ba (Wolof): “Father”
Diop (Wolof): “Lion”
Keita (Mandingo): “Descendant of the great warrior”
Mbeki (Xhosa): “Born during a war”
Mandela (Xhosa): “Son of the powerful one”
Nkrumah (Akan): “Ninth born son”
Osei (Akan): “Noble”
Sankara (Mossi): “One who can’t be conquered”
Toure (Mandingo): “Elephant”
Wanjiru (Kikuyu): “Born during the reign of justice”
Zuma (Zulu): “Thunder”

It’s worth noting that this is just a small selection of the many African last names that exist, and that the meanings and origins of these names can vary widely depending on the specific language, culture, and region they come from.

Hardest Name in Africa

East African Last Names

Here is a list of common last names in East Africa:

Ali
Ahmed
Smith
Johnson
Kimani
Kariuki
Muriithi
Njoroge
Odhiambo
Okello
Okoth
Onyango
Opiyo
Otieno
Rukundo
Rukwaro
Wafula
Wainaina
Wambua
Wanyama

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and that the prevalence of these last names can vary depending on the specific country and region within East Africa.

North African Last Names

North African last names can vary widely depending on the specific country or region, as well as the individual’s ethnic or cultural background.

Below are examples of North African last names and their meanings:

Abdelaziz (Arabic): “Servant of the powerful one”
Amari (Arabic/Berber): “Noble”
Benali (Arabic): “Son of Ali”
Benamar (Arabic): “Son of the moon”
Benkhaled (Arabic): “Son of Khaled”
Bensaïd (Arabic): “Son of Said”
Boudiaf (Berber): “Son of Diaf”
Chaoui (Berber): “From the Chaoui people”
Derradji (Arabic): “Guided”
El Amrani (Arabic): “The Amrani”
Guemari (Arabic): “From Gumer”
Khelifi (Arabic): “Of the tribe Khelifa”
Khaled (Arabic): “Eternal”
Merzouki (Berber): “From Merzouk”
Othmani (Arabic): “Of the tribe Othman”

Long African Last Names

Here is a list of longer last names commonly found in Africa:

Adebayo
Adejumo
Adebisi
Adeyemo
Adekeye
Adekunle
Adeyemi
Adebajo
Adebayor
Ademola
Adebowale
Adeboye
Adebanjo
Adekoya
Adedipe
Adetunji
Adedamola
Adebiyi
Adekanbi
Adebamowo

Swahili African Last Names

Below is a list of last names commonly found among Swahili-speaking people in Africa:

Ali
Ahmed
Hassan
Hemed
Juma
Kambi
Kibwana
Mwangi
Njoroge
Omari
Omondi
Said
Salim
Shabani
Sulaiman
Tamim
Wachira
Wafula
Wainaina
Yussuf

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and that the prevalence of these last names can vary depending on the specific region within East Africa where Swahili is spoken.

African Last Names and Meanings

Below is a list of African last names along with their meanings:

Ali – “exalted, noble” (Arabic)
Ahmed – “most commendable” (Arabic)
Adebayo – “the crown meets joy” (Yoruba)
Adejumo – “the crown has come” (Yoruba)
Adebisi – “the crown brings honor” (Yoruba)
Adeyemo – “the crown fits me” (Yoruba)
Adekunle – “the crown is fitting” (Yoruba)
Adeyemi – “the crown is worthy of me” (Yoruba)
Adebajo – “the crown brings happiness” (Yoruba)
Adebayor – “the crown brings joy” (Ewe)
Ademola – “the crown meets wealth” (Yoruba)
Adebowale – “the crown has come home” (Yoruba)
Adeboye – “the crown honors me” (Yoruba)
Adebanjo – “the crown brings joy to the ancestors” (Yoruba)
Adekoya – “the crown brings happiness to the household” (Yoruba)
Adedipe – “the crown brings dignity to the family” (Yoruba)
Adetunji – “the crown brings joy to the community” (Yoruba)
Adedamola – “the crown brings joy to the wealth” (Yoruba)
Adebiyi – “the crown brings honor to the family” (Yoruba)
Adekanbi – “the crown is proud” (Yoruba)

Powerful African Surnames

African surnames often reflect the cultural, geographical, and historical background of the individuals who bear them.

Here are some powerful African surnames:

Adebayo – Nigeria
Amadi – Nigeria
Bangura – Sierra Leone
Diallo – West Africa
Dlamini – South Africa
Essien – Nigeria
Fofana – Ivory Coast
Kamara – Sierra Leone
Kante – Ivory Coast
Konate – Mali
Mabouya – Senegal
N’Dour – Senegal
Nkrumah – Ghana
Ndiaye – Senegal
Sissoko – Mali

French African Last Names

Here is a list of last names commonly found among French-speaking African communities:

Diaw
Diallo
Diouf
Fall
Gueye
Koné
Ndiaye
Ndour
N’Gom
Sow
Sylla
Thiam
Traoré
Touré
Sidibé
Camara
Kouyaté
Sarr
Samb
Ba

Cool African Last Names

Here are some common last names from various African countries:

Ababa (Ethiopia)
Adebayo (Nigeria)
Amoah (Ghana)
Baah (Ghana)
Banda (Zambia)
Chiwenga (Zimbabwe)
Dlamini (Swaziland)
Essel (Ghana)
Fofana (Ivory Coast)
Gueye (Senegal)
Kamara (Sierra Leone)
Kouyaté (Ivory Coast)
Lwanga (Uganda)
Makgoba (South Africa)
Mbeki (South Africa)
Ndlovu (Zimbabwe)
N’Gom (Senegal)
N’Diaye (Senegal)
Okoro (Nigeria)
Onyango (Kenya)
Salifu (Ghana)
Sylla (Senegal)
Touré (Mali)
Zulu (South Africa)

These are just a few examples and the list is not exhaustive.

African last names are rich in history and cultural heritage, and they often reveal where a person’s ancestors came from and what their social status was.

African Muslim Last Names

Some common African Muslim last names:

Abdullahi – West Africa
Alhassan – West Africa
Ali – North Africa and the Horn of Africa
Bah – Senegal
Bari – Sudan
Chérif – West Africa
Diallo – West Africa
Jallow – West Africa
Kanu – Nigeria
Konate – Mali
Mansaray – Sierra Leone
Mohammed – North Africa and the Horn of Africa
N’Diaye – Senegal
Ramadhan – North Africa and the Horn of Africa
Said – North Africa

African Royal Last Names

Here are some common last names of African royalty:

Al Maktoum (United Arab Emirates and Dubai)
Bokassa (Central African Republic)
Chaka (Zulu Kingdom, South Africa)
Konaté (Mali)
Kufuor (Ghana)
Lobengula (Ndebele Kingdom, Zimbabwe)
Mansa (Mali Empire)
Mugabe (Zimbabwe)
Oyo (Yoruba Kingdom, Nigeria)
Ramesses (Egypt)
Selassie (Ethiopia)
Sundiata (Mali Empire)
Tutankhamun (Egypt)

These are just a few examples, and the list is not exhaustive. African royalty often had unique last names that reflected their status as leaders and rulers, and these names have often become synonymous with wealth, power, and prestige.

Now let’s look at African surnames by country…

Algeria Last Names

Here are some common last names found in Algeria:

Abdelaziz
Ahmed
Ali
Benali
Benaziza
Bendjedid
Bendjelloul
Benkhedda
Boudjedra
Cherif
Djaafar
Djellal
Kaci
Lakhdar
Mohamed

Angola Last Names

Here are some common last names in Angola:

Antonio
da Silva
de Jesus
dos Santos
Fernandes
Ferreira
Garcia
Gonçalves
Jorge
Lourenço
Manuel
Martins
Miguel
Moreira
Neto
Nunes
Pereira
Rodrigues
Silva
Teixeira

These are just a few examples of last names in Angola, and the list is not exhaustive.

Angola has a rich cultural heritage, and its people have diverse ancestral backgrounds that include Portuguese, African, and indigenous roots.

This mix of cultures has resulted in a unique naming tradition that reflects the country’s history and heritage.

Benin Last Names

Here are some common last names found in Benin:

Adjovi
Ahouanwanou
Aikpon
Dossou
Guèdè
Houngbédji
Kpassagnon
Lawani
Magloire
Sohounlou
Tanou
Tolossa
Vodouhê
Wodome
Zinsou

Botswana Last Names

Some common last names found in Botswana:

Baone
Dikgathi
Dikole
Dipholo
Ditlhobolo
Gaolatlhe
Gasekgale
Keatlholetswe
Kgosana
Kgwete
Koma
Letsholathebe
Maja
Mosojane
Nkagisang

Burkina Faso Last Names

Below are some common last names in Burkina Faso:

Bamogo
Barro
Bassolé
Compaoré
Dabiré
Diallo
Konaté
Kaboré
Ouédraogo
Sawadogo
Sanou
Sankara
Somé
Takoueri
Traoré

These are just a few examples of last names in Burkina Faso, and the list is not exhaustive. Burkina Faso is a culturally rich country with a diverse population that includes various ethnic groups such as the Mossi, Bisa, and Peul. This diversity is reflected in the country’s naming tradition, which has roots in traditional African, Islamic, and European cultures.

Burundi Last Names

Here are some common last names found in Burundi:

Alain
Bagaza
Bideri
Bigirimana
Bucumi
Butoyi
Gasana
Hakizimana
Ingabire
Kalisa
Karinga
Manirakiza
Minani
Ndabirabe
Ntibagirirwa

Cameroon Last Names

Here are some common last names in Cameroon:

Abongwa
Agbor
Akam
Ateba
Banda
Bikoumou
Dinga
Essomba
Fon
Kengne
Kuate
Mbappé
Ndongo
Nkou
Nguema
Nzongang
Tchamba
Tchoupo
Tchouakeu
Woungly-Massaga

Cameroon is a culturally diverse country with a population that includes various ethnic groups such as the Bamiléké, Bassa, and Fang.

Cape Verde Last Names

A few common last names found in Cape Verde:

Amaral
Barros
Costa
Da Cruz
Da Silva
Fernandes
Ferreira
Lopes
Martins
Monteiro
Oliveira
Pereira
Sousa
Tavares
Vaz

Central African Republic Last Names

Here are some common last names found in the Central African Republic:

Amoussou
Bokassa
Bria
Daman
Dombassa
Djotodia
Gonda
Karamokou
Kpandou
Manassa
Naba
Ndouna
Ngaïssona
Ousman
Tiangaye

Chad Last Names

Here are some common last names in Chad:

Abakar
Adam
Ahmat
Ali
Bichara
Dabou
Haroun
Idriss
Kaltoum
Mahamat
Ngarlejy
Nour
Salah
Souleymane
Yasir

Chad is a culturally diverse country with a population that includes various ethnic groups such as the Arabs, Sara, and Massalit.

Comoros Last Names

The Comoros is a country located in the Indian Ocean and its people have a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from African, Arab, and French cultures.

As a result, the last names in Comoros reflect this cultural mixture and can vary widely.

Some common Comorian last names include:

Abdou
Ali
Ahmed
Baraka
Chamsidine
Djamal
Faizi
Hassan
Ibrahim
Ismael
Karume
Latif
Maoulida
Mohamed
Nassir
Said
Salim
Sambi
Soilihi
Youssouf

Congo (Brazzaville) Last Names

The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a country located in Central Africa.

The people of Congo have a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous tribes, French colonial settlers, and other African nations.

Here are some common last names in Congo:

Alima
Babala
Bemba
Bokolo
Diawara
Diatta
Diouf
Doumbia
Kouakou
Koffi
Kouyaté
Mbemba
N’Doua
Ndoumbe
Nguesso
Nkounkou
Ntumi
Okomo
Omou
Youlou

Congo (Kinshasa) Last Names

Here are some common last names in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly known as Zaire):

Bafing
Bokele
Bolamba
Bokoto
Bosongo
Diawara
Dienga
Dimbula
Kalombo
Kalume
Katende
Kazadi
Kinande
Kombi
Kuntima
Lufu
Lumbala
Mabele
Mabika
Mukendi

The country has a rich cultural heritage, and its people have diverse ancestral backgrounds that include Bantu, Luba, and Kongo roots.

Cote d’Ivoire Last Names

Côte d’Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast, is a country located in West Africa.

The people of Côte d’Ivoire have a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous tribes, European colonial settlers, and other African nations.

Here are some common last names in Côte d’Ivoire:

Adjoua
Amani
Aya
Bah
Bamba
Bangoura
Coulibaly
Diabaté
Diallo
Doumbia
Koné
Kouadio
Kouakou
Kone
Koné
N’Guessan
Ndiaye
Ouattara
Traoré
Yapo

Djibouti Last Names

Djiboutian last names reflect the country’s diverse cultural and ethnic heritage, which includes Afar, Somali, Arab, Ethiopian, French, and Italian influences.

Below is a list of common Djiboutian last names:

Ibrahim
Omar
Ali
Mohamud
Ahmed
Ismail
Hassan
Abdourahman
Farah
Bouh
Guedi
Kamil
Mahamoud
Assoweh
Daoud
Hassan Mahamoud
Aoul
Elmi
Mohamed
Youssouf

Egypt Last Names

Here is a list of some common last names in Egypt:

Ahmed
Mohamed
Hassan
Ali
Ibrahim
Gamal
Mahmoud
Essam
Galal
Samir
Tarek
Nabil
Adel
Hossam
Farid
Wael
Emad
Osama
Ashraf
Hisham

It’s important to note that the names listed above are common in Egypt, but not exhaustive.

Additionally, the popularity and frequency of names can vary based on regional and cultural differences within the country.

Equatorial Guinea Last Names

Equatorial Guinean last names reflect the country’s cultural and ethnic heritage, which includes African, Spanish, and Portuguese influences.

Here is a list of common Equatorial Guinean last names:

Obiang
Nguema
Mba
Macías
Mokuy
Mangue
Nchama
Ondo
Eyi
Andeme
Bikimo
Nkogo
Nchama Ndong
Nsue
Nsang
Bue
Ndong
Nkumu
Nsogo
Eyi Ndong

Eritrea Last Names

Below is a list of some common last names in Eritrea:

Habtemichael
Woldemichael
Tesfaye
Ghebreyesus
Habte
Solomon
Tewelde
Mehari
Gebremariam
Negasi
Berhane
Gebreselassie
Asmelash
Yohannes
Fessehaye

Eswatini (Swaziland) Last Names

Swazi last names reflect the country’s cultural and ethnic heritage, which includes Bantu, Zulu, and Nguni influences. Here is a list of common Swazi last names:

Dlamini
Mdluli
Mkhwanazi
Magagula
Nxumalo
Mngomezulu
Dube
Nkambule
Motsa
Mabuza
Ndlangamandla
Ntshangase
Mavuso
Sibandze
Sibiya
Nhleko
Dladla
Ntuli
Nxumalo
Maphalala

Ethiopia Last Names

Here is a list of some common last names in Ethiopia:

Ali
Mohammed
Ahmed
Abdi
Tadesse
Tesfaye
Getachew
Gebre
Feysel
Bekele
Worku
Sime
Endris
Berhanu
Alemu

Gabon Last Names

Gabonese last names reflect the country’s cultural and ethnic heritage, which includes Bantu, Fang, and Punu influences.

Here is a list of common Gabonese last names:

Biyogho
Mboumba
Ndong
Nzamba
Obame
Okoundou
Ondo
Oyouomi
Owona
Owoundi
Pambou
Tchibozo
Tchissop
Tchoumba
Voule
Ndong Ndong
Eyeghe
Abessolo
Aboungono
Assoumou

Gambia Last Names

Below is a list of some common last names in Gambia:

Jallow
Njie
Ceesay
Sallah
Touray
Sowe
Mendy
Jobe
Conteh
Gaye
Darboe
Manneh
Ndow
Camara
Gomez

Ghana Last Names

Here is a list of common last names in Ghana:

Adjei
Appiah
Agyemang
Boateng
Danquah
Eshun
Fosu
Gyan
Hayford
Kufuor
Mensah
Nkrumah
Owusu
Quarshie
Sarpong
Tetteh
Yeboakua

Why Do Some Africans (Ghana) Have English Surnames

Guinea Last Names

Guinean last names reflect the country’s cultural and ethnic heritage, which includes Mande, Fula, Susu, and Kissi influences.

Here is a list of common Guinean last names:

Konaté
Diallo
Sylla
Touré
Barry
Kaba
Camara
Condé
Keita
Sow
Bah
Diakité
Koulibaly
N’Diaye
Soumah
Traoré
Sangaré
Cissé
Faye
Dakouo

Guinea-Bissau Last Names

Guinea-Bissau is a small, African nation located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

It has a rich culture and history, and its people have distinct last names that originate from the region.

Here is a list of some of the most popular last names from Guinea-Bissau:

Gomes
Silva
Mendes
Fernandes
Soares
Carvalho
Pereira
Neves
Monteiro
Almeida
Costa
Santos

Kenya Last Names

Here are some common last names in Kenya:

Odinga
Kenyatta
Mukami
Wambui
Mwangi
Kariuki
Muriithi
Ndiritu
Githinji
Karanja
Maina
Macharia
Kimani
Njoroge
Mbugua
Wanjiku
Wainaina
Kibei
Njeri
Thuo

It’s worth noting that Kenya has a diverse population with over 42 different ethnic groups, each with their unique cultural practices and traditions.

This means that the list of last names in Kenya is vast and diverse, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Lesotho Last Names

Some last names commonly used in Lesotho:

Mohapi
Tshabalala
Khoabane
Mokoena
Ramatseba
Molapo
Sithole
Malefane
Letele
Motaung

Liberia Last Names

Here are some common last names in Liberia:

Doe
Kollie
Harris
Davis
Smith
Taylor
Brown
Jackson
Collins
Gray
Stewart
Cooper
Freeman
Peterson
Johnson
Martin
Washington
Moore
Clark
Walker

Liberia has a rich cultural heritage, reflecting its history as a country founded by free African-American and freed slaves.

As a result, many Liberian last names have their roots in the United States and other countries in the African diaspora.

Libya Last Names

Here are some common last names in Libya:

Al-Fasi
Al-Magharbi
Al-Mahjoub
Al-Mahmudi
Al-Mansouri
Al-Misrati
Al-Zawawi
Al-Zuway
Al-Atrash
Al-Fakhri
Al-Haddad
Al-Houni
Al-Jawhari
Al-Khatib
Al-Kikli
Al-Mahmoud
Al-Najjar
Al-Salabi
Al-Shawish
Al-Tarhouni

Libya has a rich cultural heritage, reflecting its history as a country that was part of the Ottoman Empire and was later colonized by Italy.

The country has many different ethnic groups, each with their unique cultural practices and traditions.

This diversity is reflected in the last names of Libyans, which have roots in Arabic, Berber, Turkish, and other cultural influences.

Madagascar Last Names

If your family has roots in Madagascar, you may be curious about the last names that are common in the country.

Here’s a list of the most popular last names found in Madagascar:

Razaaly
Rabenoro
Rakotomalala
Randrianarison
Ratsimandresy
Raharimanana
Ramparany
Ramaholimihaso
Rasamison
Rasolofondraibe
Ralison
Ranarivelo
Ratsitorahina
Rakotondrazaka
Rakotonirina
Ravoniarivo
Razafimbelo
Ravelonjanahary
Ramanantsoa
Rasoanandrasana
Raharimanana
Randrianasolo
Razanamalala
Raveloson
Ratsimbaholison
Ratsiraka
Ravokatra
Rakotoarisoa
Rasoanaivo
Ramamonjy

Malawi Last Names

Malawi is a country in Southeast Africa with a diverse population and various cultural groups.

Here is a list of some common last names in Malawi:

Banda
Kamanga
Chirwa
Mwakasungula
Phiri
Nkhata
Nyirenda
Kaponda
Chibambo
Ngalande
Kumwenda
Chikankheni
Kalumba
Mkandawire
Manda
Chirombo
Chilima
Mhango
Masauli
Kaphalika

Mali Last Names

Are you looking to learn more about the last names associated with Mali?

Here is a list of some of the most popular and interesting last names in the country.

Sylla
Traore
Coulibaly
Diallo
Diarra
Doumbia
Sissoko
Konate
Sangare
Keita
Kamissoko

Mauritania Last Names

Mauritania is a country in West Africa with a diverse population and various ethnic groups.

Below we have a list of some common last names in Mauritania:

Ould
Kane
Diop
Sow
Diallo
Traore
Sy
Tall
Ndiaye
Ba
Ndoye
Mbodj
Sarr
Faye
Niane
Diakhate
Cissé
Gueye
Touré
Ly

Mauritius Last Names

Here is a list of common last names in Mauritius:

Ramgoolam
Seegobin
Bissessur
Ramdass
Jugnauth
Gujadhur
Mahadeo
Boodoo
Narrainen
Rajah
Lutchmeenaraidoo
Nunkoo
Pootoolal
Parsad
Gunness
Dulthummon
Boolell
Rouillard
Radegonde
Monique

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many more last names in Mauritius.

The country has a diverse cultural background, with people of Indian, African, Chinese, and European descent, among others.

As a result, there are a wide variety of last names reflecting the different cultural influences.

Morocco Last Names

The most popular last names in Morocco:

Benjelloun
Bensouda
El Alaoui
Ouddani
Elmrabet
Qasmi
Alami
Toumi
Bouazzaoui
Filali

Mozambique Last Names

Some of the most common last names in Mozambique:

Abreu
Alberto
Almeida
Amade
Baptista
Batalha
Benfica
Bonito
Braga
Brito
Carvalho
Castro
Costa
Da Silva
Eduardo
Fernandes
Fonseca
Gomes

Namibia Last Names

Most common last names in Namibia:

Aboef
Amunyela
Andima
Angula
Awenes
Axaseb
Beukes
Coetzee
Ebiputu
Goagoses
Haingura
Hangula
Hidipo
Jetuovava
Kandjii
Kavari
Kaxuxwena

Niger Last Names

Common last names in Niger:

Alassane
Idrissa
Diallo
Maiga
Ousmane
Toure
Abdoulaye
Souleymane
Seyni
Senou
Boubacar
Douda
Bakari
Hamidou
Mariko

Nigeria Last Names

Some of the most common surnames in Nigeria:

Akintola
Babangida
Chinakwe
Egwu
Folawiyo
Gandu
Idahosa
Jibao
Kazeem
Ladoja
Mamman
Nwaigwe
Obasanjo
Olufunmi

Rwanda Last Names

A list of common last names in Rwanda:

Habimana
Niyonzima
Kagabo
Kayitare
Gakwaya
Bizimungu
Ingabire
Dushimemariya
Gasana
Uwizeyimana

Sao Tome and Principe Last Names

Here’s a list of last names commonly found in Sao Tome and Principe:

Leão
Vieira
Joaquim
Fernandes
da Silva
Monteiro
Almeida
Rodrigues
Magalhães
Lopes

Senegal Last Names

Here’s a list of last names commonly found in Senegal:

Diop
Sarr
Ndiaye
Ndour
Diagne
Sylla
Thiam
Faye
Guèye
Ba

Seychelles Last Names

Here’s a list of last names commonly found in Seychelles:

Ahnee
Hoareau
Rose
Zialor
Elizabeth
Nourrice
Pillay
Ernesta
Monthy
Phanor

Sierra Leone Last Names

A list of the most common last names in Sierra Leone:

Kamara
Kargbo
Sesay
Conteh
Koroma
Turay
Bangura
Mansaray
Marrah
Jalloh

Somalia Last Names

Somalia is a country in East Africa known for its ancient writings and beautiful culture.

To honor this rich heritage, here is a list of some common last names found in Somalia:

Abdi
Ali
Farah
Hassan
Hussein
Mahamud
Mohamud
Omar
Yusuf

South Africa Last Names

South Africa is a nation known for its vibrant culture and diversity.

To honor this multicultural society, here is a list of some popular last names found in South Africa:

Abrahams
Adonis
Botha
Botes
Chrystal
Dhlamini
Joubert
Khambule
Mlambo
Naidoo

South Sudan Last Names

South Sudan is home to a diverse array of people and cultures, each with its own unique last names.

Here is a list of some traditional South Sudanese last names:

Abunidie
Adur
Akon
Anyuon
Apadit
Awan
Ayok
Bartekuuret
Chol Deng
Dutkuey Kuoth

Sudan Last Names

Sudan is a culturally rich nation, and its people come from a variety of backgrounds.

Here is a list of some traditional Sudanese last names:

Aamir
Abuzaid
Alnour
Bashir
Babiker
Daoud
Elhassein
Farahat
Gasmelseed
Hakim

Tanzania Last Names

Tanzania is home to a variety of cultures, each of which have their own unique last names.

Here are some of the most common last names found in Tanzania:

Mponda
Kisinda
Silima
Lyimo
Simba
Kivaisi
Chipindi
Machaala
Philemon

Togo Last Names

Togo boasts a diverse array of cultures, each with their own unique last names.

Here is a list of some of the most common last names found in Togo:

Nukunu
Banna
Tali
Yovo
Kondji
Afadeyi
Atsu
Kobla
Akplogan
Yewo
Ameyaw
Gwaninga
Aleka
Pevi
Kasse
Viglo
Palluvi
Dzodopeve
Tilouvi
Etsebamenya

Tunisia Last Names

Tunisia is home to a variety of cultures, each with their own unique last names.

Here are some of the most commonly used last names in Tunisia:

Soussi
Ben Ali
Karoui
Belhadj
Khelifi
Derbel
Zarrouk
Megri
Makni
Jaziri
Rais
Bouhired

Uganda Last Names

Uganda is a unique and vibrant country with a wide range of cultures, each with their own distinct last names.

Here are some of the most popular last names found in Uganda:

Okello
Opio
Obote
Oryema
Odongo
Odaga
Otolu
Onek
Oyugi
Onen
Okot
Omara
Ogwang

Zambia Last Names

Here’s a list of 10 last names commonly found in Zambia, and a brief description of each:

Mwale – A common name derived from the Ngoni people that first settled in Zambia centuries ago.
Chilufya – Meaning “God has given” in the Bemba language, this surname is popular among many Zambians.
Phiri – Popular among both the Chewa and Nsenga ethnic groups, this surname translates to “ears” in one of the local dialects.
Sata – Derived from the name of a former president of Zambia, this surname is widely used across the country.
Banda – This popular last name is originally of Western origin and has many variants like Bande and Bunde.
Kabasa – Translating to “miracle”, this surname was once used as an epithet bestowed upon those considered extraordinary or heroic by their communities.
Lungu – This last name is mostly seen among inhabitants of Eastern Province and means “one who carries” in several languages spoken there.
Tembo – Popularly found in Northern Province, Tembo translates to “elephant” or “strong one” depending on which ethnic group you ask about its meaning!
Chama – An ancient last name that is still quite popular today with different versions such as Chamuka and Chimanyika also being fairly common names among certain ethnic groups living near Lake Malawi and other parts of Southern Africa .
Sikota – This surname suggests ancestry from Chief Sikota son of Monzo who lived during the late 1800s and was known for his bravery leading troops into battle against European forces invading Zambia at that time

Zimbabwe Last Names

Here is a list of the most common Zimbabwe last names:

Moyo
Ndlovu
Dube
Sibanda
Ngwenya
Mpofu
Chikosi
Gumbo
Nyathi
Zvobgo

FAQs – African Last Names

What are some Swahili last names?

Here is a list of common Swahili last names:

Omondi
Nyang’au
Mwakio
Omari
Mwangi
Otieno
Ngugi
Kanyinda
Sadia
Lutta

What are common Nigerian last names?

Here is a list of common Nigerian last names:

Adewale
Abiodun
Akinola
Balogun
Chukwuma
Durojaiye
Ezeife
Festus
Gana
Haruna

What’s a common African surname?

Here is a list of common African surnames:

Diop
Ndiaye
Sow
Barry
Fofana
Koné
Sylla
Konaté
Diallo
Kaba

Conclusion – African Last Names

African last names are incredibly unique in that they often reflect the history of a particular family or ethnic group.

Many times, African last names are passed down through generations and serve as a testament to an individual’s heritage.

They can also serve as an indicator of cultural identity, since they often originate from languages such as Kikuyu, Swahili, and Zulu.

Moreover, African last names often incorporate religious references or words that reflect the geographical location of a particular tribe.

For example, some African last names end with “-bwe” which implies origin in the Lake Tanganyika region.

Moreover, some surnames add words to describe certain characteristics such as physical appearance or occupation.

This helps individuals differentiate one another within their respective communities and creates a sense of uniqueness within each surname.

Overall, African last names are an amazing representation of culture and history that is still reflected today in many individuals’ identities.