Zambia is a country rich in cultural diversity, with over 70 ethnic groups, each contributing unique names that reflect their traditions, values, and history. Many Zambian names come from Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, Nyanja, Chewa, and other languages, often carrying meanings tied to life events, spirituality, nature, and family. Here’s a curated list of 100 popular Zambian ethnic names, along with their meanings where available:
Bemba Names
1. Akalya – It is not eaten
2. Baiche – Young ones
3. Chibesa – Shelter
4. Chileshe – God’s grace
5. Chimuka – It has grown
6. Chisala – Prosperity
7. Chisomo – Grace
8. Kasonde – Accomplishment
9. Katongo – Togetherness
10. Lesa – God
11. Lusungu – Mercy
12. Mutale – To be calm
13. Mwansa – Praise
14. Mwewa – Returning
15. Nachilima – The hard worker
16. Nkandu – Growth
17. Nkole – Harvest
18. Nsama – Creator
19. Temba – Trust
20. Twala – Responsibility
Tonga Names
21. Batoka – Belonging to the Batoka people
22. Chilala – Rest
23. Chimuka – Dawn
24. Chipo – Gift
25. Daka – To nurture
26. Halwindi – Protector
27. Lishomwa – Abundance
28. Lubinda – Promise
29. Mubita – Traveler
30. Mutinta – A change
31. Nalucha – Freedom
32. Nchimunya – Peace
33. Ng’andu – Crocodile
34. Nkolola – Comforter
35. Ntanda – Star
36. Simba – Power
37. Simwanza – Defender
38. Twaambo – Vision
39. Yamba – Start
40. Zuba – Sun
Lozi Names
41. Bupe – Gift
42. Iketekete – Strength
43. Inonge – Joy
44. Kabwe – Stone
45. Kalaluka – Eternity
46. Liamba – Kindness
47. Lubasi – Family
48. Lungowe – Blessings
49. Mubiana – A leader
50. Musiwa – A visitor
51. Mutelo – An adviser
52. Namaya – Generosity
53. Namuso – Heaven
54. Nawina – Victory
55. Nongoloza – Protector
56. Sitali – Calmness
57. Tukiya – Happiness
58. Wamunyima – God’s light
59. Wamuso – Belonging to heaven
60. Ziyanga – Wealth
Nyanja/Chewa Names
61. Banda – A shield
62. Chibale – Kinship
63. Chikondi – Love
64. Chimwemwe – Joy
65. Chipo – Gift
66. Kondwani – Rejoice
67. Luse – Mercy
68. Madalitso – Blessings
69. Masuzyo – Troubles
70. Mphatso – A present
71. Mwape – A servant
72. Nthanda – Star
73. Nyasha – Grace
74. Tambudzai – Be patient
75. Thandizo – Help
76. Thoko – Praise
77. Zanga – Mine
78. Zeru – Wisdom
79. Zikomo – Gratitude
80. Zina – Name
Lunda/Luvale Names
81. Chingumbe – Blessing
82. Kabeya – Luck
83. Kapesa – A hunter
84. Kasongo – King
85. Kwesha – Endurance
86. Luvumbu – Bravery
87. Mbunda – Lion
88. Mbumba – Family
89. Mukanda – Knowledge
90. Ngandu – Strength
91. Nzovu – Elephant
92. Silavwe – Patience
93. Simukonda – Protector
94. Situmbeko – Blessing
95. Tandika – Start
96. Tshuma – Unity
97. Uliya – Eternity
98. Yaleka – Freedom
99. Yande – Mine
100. Zunga – Circle or community
These names reflect Zambia’s linguistic richness and cultural heritage. Many Zambian names are deeply meaningful, often tied to significant life events, natural phenomena, or spiritual beliefs. Whether rooted in Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, Nyanja, or other Zambian languages, these names are a testament to Zambia’s vibrant identity and traditions.
