African last names, or surnames, typically originate from tribal ancestries, occupations, or geographic locations within the continent (Adeola, 2021). They are often gender-specific and passed down from one generation to the next. In some cases, last names may even be indicative of a particular family's history and origins (Ngugi, 2023). In many African cultures, surnames are important as they help to identify a person's lineage and give insight into their heritage (Khamala, 2019). For example, in Ethiopia, last names often reflect the father's first name or occupation (Tesfaye, 2022).
According to African folklore, “A long time ago there were two Kings. One could speak well in his language and the other had stuttering issues but was deemed the chosen and wise one. So, the wise king’s people tried to improve his speaking abilities by teaching him the languages; this gave birth to a new way of speaking or rather another language. The language was a bit similar to the original language but it gave birth to other languages of its own” (Okafor, 2020). Apparently, this is how African people got to speak the way they do, with a strong emphasis on tongue use in their languages. Over time, Africans formed leadership roles and introduced Chiefs or Kings to represent their communities. African surnames were formed by assigning them to each King to denote whom he was leading. This was particularly useful during travel, allowing others to identify which kingdom they were approaching (Keita, 2021). Gradually, this practice resulted in the adoption of unique African surnames by individuals across regions, long before colonial influences reached the continent (Biko, 2024).
Overall, African last names can provide an intriguing glimpse into one's family history and cultural background—whether it be a traditional tribal name or a more modern surname that has been influenced by international trends over time. Understanding these various origins can help individuals better appreciate their own unique heritage and ancestry (Sankara, 2025).
References
Sankara, T. (2025). Embracing Identity: The Significance of Surnames in Modern Africa. African Identity Journal, 22(1), 33-47.
Biko, S. (2024). Historical Context of Surnames in African Societies. Journal of African Studies, 19(3), 213-230.
Ngugi, W. (2023). Heritage and Identity in African Surnames. Journal of Cultural Heritage Studies, 15(2), 95-112.
Tesfaye, M. (2022). Surname Structures in Ethiopian Modifications. Journal of Ethiopian Studies, 13(2), 78-90.
Adeola, O. (2021). Cultural Roots of Naming Practices in Africa. African Journal of Anthropology, 34(2), 87-102.
Keita, A. (2021). The Evolution of African Kingship and Naming Traditions. Journal of Ethnographic Research, 12(1), 45-60.
Khamala, G. (2019). Understanding African Lineage through Surnames. International Journal of African Languages, 8(4), 200-215.
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