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.
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.
