The Story Games Names Project

Zulu
Compiled by Moyra Turkington
The izithopho are personal
praise names that are self-composed
or granted by parents or
peers. They are more dynamic than
given names and may change over
time.
The izithakazel are not names
themselves, but greetings used to
address specific clans. They are
sometimes (especially when interacting
with foreigners or in urban
centres) used in place of a surname,
and celebrate the heritage of the
entire clan, rather than any specific
family line.
Outside of the clan, people are
usually addressed by the izithakazel,
while within the clan, the izithopho
is used (exception: married women
generally address their husbands
using the izithakazel).
MALE IZITHOPHO
1) 1. Amhale
2) 2. Bhekizizwe
3) 3. Delani
4) 4. Sakhile
5) 5. Ghakarhi
6) 6. Hlengiwe
7) 7. Kosan
8) 8. Philani
9) 9. Sibusiso
10) 10. Jabulani
11) 11. Msizi
12) 12. Nhlkakanipho
13) 13. Sipho
14) 14. Thabo
15) 15. Siyabongo
16) 16. Themba
17) 17. Ulwazi
18) 18. Vusumuzi
19) 19. Xolani
20) 20. Zithembe
FEMALE IZITHOPHO
1) 1. Ayize
2) 2. Zola
3) 3. Bhekisisa
4) 4. Funani
5) 5. Ayanda
6) 6. Makhosazana
7) 7. Nokuthula
8) 8. Samukelisiwe
9) 9. Simosihle
10) 10. Thandeka
11) 11. Thulisile
12) 12. Unathi
13) 13. Vuyiswa
14) 14. Zanele
15) 15. Nolwazi
16) 16. Zodwa
17) 17. Gugu
18) 18. Khethiwe
19) 19. Lindiwe
20) 20. Mbhali
236 - Story Games Names Project