Friday 22 January 2010

Lozi Names, Part 2

It is always good to read at the beginning of the year the list that Register House publishes of the most common children’s names in use in Scotland for the previous year. I thought, as a follow up to the original article on Lozi nomenclature from last year - (What's in a Name), it might be useful and interesting to list some of the more common Lozi names to be found in the Mwandi area with their meanings. As a class teacher marking the daily register I have come to recognise Mwandi family names.

Lozi names, the Siluyana ones, fall into two main categories, nouns and verbal constructions. Notulu and Amwalana, from the previous article, are two good examples. Most noun-type names consist of a prefix and a stem. If we split up the name “Mu-bita”. Mu (means a person) and ‘bita’ means to pass or wrestle, hence the meaning the passer-by or the wrestler, think of Jacob/Israel..

So all Lozi names have a meaning. Mukelabai (one born at a bad time), Muyunda( the peeper) and Sitali (one who came on a bad day) are good Mwandi examples.

Below is a list of some other more common names in Mwandi with their meanings.

Akabana (one who doesn’t rise ie. bedridden)

Akalemwa (one who can’t be seized)

Akeende (one who won’t go)

Alisinda (the reliable one)

Imataa (bad-tempered)

Inambao (lion)

Indala (famine)

Ingutu (well-wisher)

Kufekisa (to resemble)

Liboma (the smasher)

Likando/Manyando (sufferings)

Lisulo(royal hunting party)

Lubinda (stubborn)

Lutangu (a tale)

Masiye (orphan)

Mubiana (one who misses someone or something)

Mundia (one who deserts me)

Munjita (one who calls me)

Mukatimui (bad woman)

Mutafela (one who is finished)

Musowe (throw away)

Monde (born in the 1st quarter of the moon)

Mwangala (joy)

Naluca (f) (the wee one)

Nalukui (f) Ilukui (m) (fierce one)

Namakau (many hoes)

Namatama (big cheeks)

Namukolo (born in a canoe)

Nawa (good company)

Ngonda(peace)

Nyambe (God)

Mutondo (tree, medicine)

Sanana(pertaining to children)

Sianga (euphemism for crocodile)

Silishebo (one born during famine)

Simasiku (m) ,Namasiku & Nosiku (f) born at night

It is difficult to categorise Lozi names definitively but they can be arranged broadly and somewhat thematically. We can see many are concerned with the transience of life, its sufferings and the surrounding circumstances at the time of birth.

As all writers tend to say, by way of a cop out, this is not a comprehensive list, but is merely indicative and somewhat subjective, I know that I am bound to have caused local offence by some grave omissions but thankfully on this occasion the blog readership in Mwandi is mercifully small in number!

284 comments:

  1. wow,im enlightened,didnt the meaning of my name.what with the slow but sure death of our original language.thanks very much.mundia

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  2. Hi. I'm intrigued!! I did not know the meaning of the name I gave to my son(Mubiana,after my dod) until today!!! Thank you!! May I also ask what my name means:Inonge Muyatwa Imutowana - all lozi names.

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    1. Arr you familiar with my grandfather mr imutowana kwa litoya

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  3. Niitumezi Bo-Ma Mubiana.
    Mutozi cwan'i?
    Inonge means complaints or one associated with complaints.
    Muyatwa: One who has been judged
    Imutowana: (Lit. Imu-ta-u-wana) Finder
    A good book on Lozi Names is "Lozi Names in Language and Culture" by Mukumbuta LISIMBA in 2000 published by CICIBA
    Wa Mina
    Keith

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  4. what does my name Munalula mean?

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  5. Sorry, I replied to the enquiry earlier but the answer to your question obviously got lost in cyberspace!
    Munalula is Siluyana and means the 'cruel one'.
    Keith

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  6. what about kalumiana

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    1. Kalumiana means a man of small stature

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  7. Do you know how one could obtain the book "Lozi Names in Language and Culture" by Mukumbuta LISIMBA in 2000 published by CICIBA? I heard it was out of print.

    ~Etambuyu

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  8. i want a name that means humble and the one that means grace and the one that means listener.

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  9. However, probably the most common name used for Grace would be Muhau, can be used by either males or females.
    I forgot this name in the posting Keith

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  10. I had that book By Dr. Lisimba as a compliment for helping him sell other copies but I think someone just went away with it from my house. I need it now than before.
    Mwangala

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  11. Wow, I'm impressed! I stumbled onto this by chance when I was searching the internet for our baby expected this December... how did you guys become so knowledgeable with the Lozi culture and names? Never mind, it's quite impressive indeed.

    I'm a bit confused as to name our baby a Lozi or biblical name. But one criterion is that I want a shorter one so that our baby don't struggle and experience what I go through. I have to spell my first and last name every time I speak to someone on the phone. Any suggestions for short Lozi names?

    Thanks,

    Muyoyeta (and what does my name mean again? thanks)

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  12. Muyoyeta, your name means Redeemer. It is Siluyana.

    As regards Biblical names or those stemming from the Christian faith, most of these come from Sisotho roots. Many of these names have cognates in other Southern African languages. I am thinking of Sepo (Hope) Musa (Mercy) Tabo (Joy) Muhau (Grace) Masaliso (Consolation), Likezo (Acts/Deeds), Sepiso (Promise) Tebuho (Thanksgiving), Liseli (Light).

    As regards shorter Siluyana names there are fairly common ones that are quite widely known throughout Zambia. Inonge and Ingutu are two such girls names. Likando (Suffering) Lubinda (Argumentative/stubborn) Matauka (Lost one) Monde(born in the first quarter of the moon), Mwaka (Year / Beloved) Mwangala (Joy cf. Tabo ) Namakau (Many hoes) Nawa (good company) Sibeso (Plaything) are a random list.

    We gave four of our children traditional Scottish names, a wise old neighbour once said to us commenting on the fact, well, - if you don’t use the names, who will? So I would say if you like a name and it will not bring the child into ridicule, then use it, you should not worry too much if people from other cultures don’t recognize it instantly. So-called metropolitan or cosmopolitan cultures are parochial too in their own way and often in need of some broadening of the mind.
    Keith

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  13. Thanks Keith again for your response. I really appreciate you taking time to come and explain the meaning of all these names. You have no idea how much this is useful, especially living this far from home. I don't know why but its like when one is living far from home, they tend to appreciate their culture even more.
    As regard to the Lozi names suggestions, I reckon the ones you listed earlier in your response where there's Sepo, Musa and Tabo, etc - they appear short enough. I would really rather find a 2-syllable sounding name. It's not really so much about worrying about whether people from other cultures won't recognise it instantly. But rather to make it easier for the kid when they go to school and when they grow up. Literally I have to verbally spell my 2 long names every time and a shorter first name would simplify things for them even if they were to spell it. Of course people here would have no clue of any other African name no matter how long or short it is.
    We chose not to know the gender of our baby until they are born - we like to keep it traditional and we like surprises. Is Tabo more a girl or boy name? I knew Tabo who was a boy/man growing up, but the fact it means 'Joy' sounds to me like it's a girl name, am I right? My wife is Bemba and she wants to give the baby a Bemba name, may be more so as middle name... but I'm reluctant to agree to give the baby a middle name. It's just too much trouble for them to have to verbally spell 3 names.
    Again thanks for your help and my apologies for all the trouble of asking too many questions.

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  14. Muyoyeta, I am glad to be of help. We understand too that you do miss certain aspects of your culture when living overseas.
    I am afraid I smiled when you said your wife was a Bemba and was wanting a Bemba middle name. We lived in Central for 12 years before moving to Bulozi. In my classes I have a Mutemwa Sililo, a Wezi Mushe and a Kalenga Muzeya. Tabo does tend to be used as a female name here. I know of two girls and one boy with that name, also more famously Thabo Mbeki.
    Every blessing
    Keith

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  15. Muyoyeta, I am glad to be of help. We understand too that you do miss certain aspects of your culture when living overseas.
    I am afraid I smiled when you said your wife was a Bemba and was wanting a Bemba middle name. We lived in Central for 12 years before moving to Bulozi. In my classes I have a Mutemwa Sililo, a Wezi Mushe and a Kalenga Muzeya. Tabo does tend to be used as a female name here. I know of two girls and one boy with that name, also more famously Thabo Mbeki.
    Every blessing
    Keith

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  16. hi,what about the name kaneta and simate?thnx in advance.

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  17. Simate: according to Lisimba is associated with saliva and therefore means something like 'blessing' or 'blessed one'. Under 'mati', Jalla gives the phrase mati aka ki ao. (lit. Here's my saliva!). This is an old ending to a letter and is a blessing as well. Other similarly related names are Mate and Namate.
    Kaneta: Ka- diminutive prefix. neeta (na-ita) warrior, therefore little fighter. You find the root (ita) in the proverb 'Lita yenda na ndamo kee koolwa malutelo.' Soldiers led by a veteran never lack a crossing point.
    Keith

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    1. wow,,thankyou so much,only came to check this,am really glad you have answered this.I had resent the post down coz I dint see this one.I will look for you if I happen to come to Mwandi.

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  18. Hai Keith and Idah,

    I have been look for your article Lozi names part 1, how best can i find it?

    Thanks for your noble work.

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  19. Not actually called that but is here: http://idaandkeith.blogspot.com/2009/07/whats-in-name.html

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  20. i really want to know what my name mean i have asked a number of lozi bt knw one seem to know,my is Lungowe pliz help me

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  21. Lungowe, the meaning of the name is given as "Beauty".
    Keith

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  22. thanks vry much keith,coz i really wnted to knw da meanin nd u ave helped me sum tod me dat it wsa a bad name bt didt tel me wat it really meant u ave indeed helped me..God bless my sons name z Limpo nd am told it means Gift hope thats true

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  23. thanks vry much once more..wat does the names

    Simata
    Ndangwa
    Mubuyaeta and
    Limpo mean?u really ave helprd me on my name keith and Ida pliz asist me on these names..take care hw z western province jst imagin i ave nava been their bt am Lozi..

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  24. What Kalumiana mean??? I also want to know what Nandila and Ketiwe mean....

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  25. For Lungowe
    Limpo: plural "Gifts"
    Simataa: "bad-tempered"
    Ndangwa: I am reconciled/bound cf Silwanga Imaanga or Lyanga
    Mubuyaeta: resting one cf Pumulo
    WP is fine but needs the diaspora to advocate for it.
    For Anonymous
    Kalumiana: little man
    Nandila: born on the path or en route
    Ketiwe: Chosen
    Regards
    Keith

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  26. What is the meaning of Etambuyu? I like the name.

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  27. Etambuyu:One who swears by Mbuyu (Yi-a-eta-mbuyu) According to myth the daughter to Nyambe and Nasilele was Mwambwa. Her daughter Mbuyuwamwambwa was the first Lozi/Luyi Queen. Her daughter, Mbuyu,suceeded her and was also called Njemakati (Original ruling woman). More historically it is suggested that Mbuyu was originally a Princess of mixed Luba-Lunda extraction. She was mother to both Mboo and Inyambo. Keith

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  28. what does my name Liywali

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  29. Thank you very much Keith for this site. it has really helped me to get in touch with my roots.

    Now tell me, what does Mukumbuta mean. I would ;ike to name my baby girl that name.

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  30. Namasiku: Mukumbuta means hermit, one who lives alone.
    Liywali: Liywa (Siluyana for day or sun cf Lizazi)Liyi is bad. So it means 'bad day'
    Liywaliyi, tingombe ukukamwena. is a Siluyana proverb On a bad day cows milk themselves It is suggested by Lisimba that it means you should not undertake routine tasks in times of trouble.
    Keith

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  31. Hello Keith

    I just wanted to find out the meaning of the name Tawila and that of Liseli. Tawila is it a a girl's name or boy.

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    1. I am told that Tawila is mainly a boy's name

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    2. I am told Tawila is mostly given to boys

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  32. Hi keith,Limbilee here please help me with the lozi meaning on blessing.

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    1. Hi Limbilee the Lozi word for 'blessing' - and there are many- but the one used as a name is Mbuyoti. I had a pupil, a girl of that name, but from what I understand it is not a traditional one. Keith

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    2. Hi Limbilee there are a number of different terms used in Silozi for the English word 'blessing' From these the one that I have found used as a name is 'Mbuyoti'. I have known both a boy and girl with this name but it is not traditionally given. If you are looking for a name similar to 'Blessing' then the Mate/Simate ones are the most commonly given. See the earlier post. You often see Mbuyoti given as the name of a store as well!
      Hope this helps
      Keith

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  33. I cannot find the meaning of Tawila written anywhere to check this. I spoke to local informants and they say it is a Makwa Nosha name from Libonda and suggests welcoming someone coming from afar into the family. Liseli is much easier it is of Sotho derivation and means 'light' and is still used in modern Lozi.

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  34. what does Tawila and Nawina mean?

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    1. Hi, regarding the meaning of Tawila see the posting above.
      Nawina means the one at the women's gathering. This is to do with the traditional division of communal labour between male and female. Wina( meaning woman's meeting) can be given to a boy but Nawina is the distinctly feminine form with the prefix Na-
      Keith

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  35. This is a wonderful site! Thank you so much for helping with the meaning of so many names including mine which is Etambuyu. I had heard it meant one who swears by Mbuyu but until reading your text I had no idea what that indicated! I wanted to ask what the name jaani means. I was told it meant loved one?

    Eta

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    1. Dear Eta
      Glad to be of help. Jaani could be derived from Hebrew and means "God is gracious", this name in the English NT is translated as John. There is also a Hindi form which means beloved or sweetheart
      Keith

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    2. Thank you very much! May God continue to bless you and your family!

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  36. Hi,
    I would like to know what Mwanalushi means?

    Thanks

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    1. According to Lisimba "Mwanalushi" means "born in the forest"
      Keith

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  37. Hi. What does the name Kunyima mean?
    Thanks!

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    1. Hi Kunyima. Your name means ""from the past" or "from behind", it can also mean last-born in that sense cf modern Silozi n'omba. You find the name in the Siluyana proverb: Kunyima unyangubele kuuso noyibaa. (Let the past catch me up, tomorrow ie the future is killing me.) Lisimba suggests that this means Death is better than endless suffering.
      Keith

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  38. Kindly tell me the meaning of my name 'Wamukwamba'?

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    1. Wamukwamba means 'One born during times of quarrelling.' Names with a similar sense would be Wamuluungwe or Wamung'ungo
      Keith

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    2. Wamukwamba your name means 'born during or amidst quarrels'
      Other similar names are
      Wamuluungwe 'born at a time of trouble'
      Wamung'ungo 'born in a turmoil'
      Keith

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  39. My name is Akatoka Muttau, what does it mean?

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    1. Akatokwa, I consulted reliable local sources and the consensus was that Akatoka was a future verbal construction giving the sense in modern Silozi of: ukatokwa sesin'wi kwa kapili (You will need something in the future.)One of Lewanika's daughters also had your name. As regards Muttau we have a village of that name in the area and it is named after a large lion that used to stalk the area. So Muttau has the meaning of a large lion.I hope this is of help to you

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    2. Mutau is a a person who belongs to the Sesotho Batau (of the lion) Clan.

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    3. Thanks for this; it is good to get outside contributions. Keith

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  40. I will be greatful if you help me with my name's meaning: "MUKUNGU".Thanx.

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  41. Hi Mukungu, Jalla gives the meaning of your name as the passage or tunnel that is made by hippos in the reeds. synonyms are mukon'a or mukon'ola Keith

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  42. Hi Keith, I always look forward to your blogs - keep up the work. I wanted to find out the meaning of the name of Masinge - my family comes from Nalikena Village - (close to Nangweshi). Thank you

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    1. Masinge is another form of the more common Masenge (eng Zinc) Senge - singular, plural Masenge.This is used in modern Silozi for iron sheets/malata. There is also the word singengema (pl.ma-) meaning a sheet of zinc. see Owen O'Sullivan's English - Silozi Dictionary. As an aside Nalikena is often given as a name here in Mwandi to a pure white cow.

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    2. Very interesting, Thank you very much

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  43. This is pretty good work, Lance Samuel here leaving in Zambia though out of Barotse land but very much in touch with home and unfortunately with very little knowledge about these names. I am very much interested in the names and proverbs and so far enjoying what is already sent through the names.

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  44. just want to find out if kaith and Ida have any history of John Lance; lived in Kalomo in 1902, some traces of his great grand children are found on Senanga today.

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    1. Sorry I have very little on early NW Rhodesia. Kalomo was the capital then, up until 1911 when NE & NW were joined and the new capital at Livingstone.

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    2. Thanks Ida and Keith, any site I can make use of which could be of great help to my search.John Lance had a son who became a crocodile hunter around the late 60s and died in 1994 in Senanga by the name of Ivel John Lance(Lozi named; Mukela), anything on his history too? Otherwise Thanks a lot.

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  45. What name is given to a girl who comes after boys,amuni tuse

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    1. There doesn't seem to be a Lozi equivalent to the Chitonga name - Mutinta. This name is given to a girl born after a series of boys or a boy after a number of girls. Other peoples have names for children to do with their position 'mwa mba' - as the Lozis say. After twins the Ababemba will often call the next child "Chola". The Tumbuka will sometimes call a surviving girl Tamara.This is similar to Chilufya in Icibemba. The only Silozi name in a similar vein might be "Twembuci" (On our own) from the Siluyana proverb cited by Lisimba, Twembuci akatwitwese iyi niitweswa andi - On our own we can't make it. Keith

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  46. Hi Keith,

    Quick question, what does that name Mwaekwa mean??

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    1. Mwaekwa means Did you go there? or Have you been there? Modern Silozi Kana muile kwale nji?
      Keith

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  47. Hi Keith,
    I'm curious to know what the following names mean:
    Muitumwa, Songiso, Situmbeko, Kawana, Kakanda and Mukuni

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    1. Muitumwa Someone for whom something is sent
      Songiso: Deceiving object or plaything ( cf. Sibeso)
      Situmbeko: Act of igniting
      Kawana: Finder or small dish
      Kakanda: (Akaakanda)One who doesn't spoil. ie a trusted person.
      I am not sure about Mukuni, I think it is a name used more by our 'cousin's' to the East!??
      Keith

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  48. What do these names mean?
    Pardon me if you have already answered these before

    Munalula
    Meebelo
    Mukatimui
    Mulako
    Sanalumba
    Mwangala
    Kalima.

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    1. Munalula: the cuel one
      Meebelo: (Ma - ibelo) Place of anger or manner of getting angry
      Mukatimui: Bad woman (Siluyana: mukati muyi) Musali yemaswe in modern Silozi
      Sanalumba: Belonging to the one who praises
      Mwangala: Siluyana for Joy Modern Silozi Tabo
      Kalima: Cultivator, Farmer
      Hope this helps
      Keith

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  49. what do these names mean please
    Silumelume ndiku
    Meebelo
    Kalima

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    1. Silumelume: a man of no particular social status
      Meebelo: place of anger or manner of getting angry
      Kalima: Farmer, cultivator
      Keith

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  50. What does Wabei mean?

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    1. The comment below is correct
      Wabei (Wabeeyi) born under bad circumstances.
      Other names ending in 'i' and alluding to something bad would be Saboi Soyi Mukatimui Mwendabai, Mukelabai
      Muketoyi and Mwakoyi.
      Kalima does mean farmer but also suggests a successful and prosperous one!
      Keith

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    2. Thanks for suggesting "kuwaba". It is always good to get alternative suggestions. However, Mukumbuta Lisimba in Lozi Names in Language and Culture p222 is the source that suggests the meaning given above. Keith

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  51. any Lozi name ending with i is associated with something bad

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  52. so names like saboi,silumesii are bad? and what is bad about them?

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    1. Sabooyi means pertaining to a bad situation
      Silumesi is a name based on appearance it literally means a big ugly man. (Si-(big prefix)-lume(root of 'man' -si(contracted adjective 'ugly') Lisimba suggests these type of negative names were often given by as a nickname by relatives in a casual humourous fashion but over time they stuck.

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  53. is mwaala or muuka a girl or boy's name?

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    1. Mwala (meaning onlooker) tends to be given to boys
      Muuka means the returnee (Mu-uka)and can be given to either sex.
      Keith

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  54. This is without any doubt one of the most educative blogs I have ever come accross, and I'm so glad you are based in Mwandi where my mom hails from. Mulena mung'a bupilo a mi buluke sesinde for all the good work. Koozo!

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    1. Niitumezi. Kozo ibe ni mina cwalo.
      Keith

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  55. These nice interpretation and meanings,what is the meaning of Nalumino and mooto

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    1. Nalumino although it has the usual female prefix it is a name that can be used by either sex. It means 'cursed one'. Mooto (Mu-oto) means the 'soft one"
      Keith

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  56. Kusiyo Imukuka4 July 2012 at 13:08

    My name is kusiyo, what does the name mean help me nakupa

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    1. Shangwe, kusiyo means pertaining to rank.
      Keith

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  57. Kusiyo Imukuka4 July 2012 at 13:39

    what does kusiyo mean?

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  58. Thanks a lot Keith, I came across this blog while searching a Lozi or Subia name for a girl. This has been very informative indeed. I was even able to find meaning to other names like Mubita which is my brother's name.
    Would you know by any chance what Sinka means, I'm not sure what language it is: Subia or Hungary since I have notice it is also very common there.

    Regards
    Sinka.

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    1. The French Missionaries did a lot of work writing down the grammar of Subiya and Siluyana in the 1890s. According to the Subiya grammar Kusinka means to stop or block.
      Keith

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  59. Kusiyo Imukuka10 July 2012 at 12:37

    Ahhhh thank you so much Keith
    You dont know what you have done i have been searching for this names meaning, Thank you so much God bless you.

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  60. What does the name "Mukela" mean?

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    1. Mukela means 'the comer' It is found in the old proverb :Mukela wima, mbooketa mubonda". He who comes standing straight will bring trouble. Keith

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    2. Mukela/Mukelabai;yatile kapa yafitile nako yemaswe.libizo lizwa fa "kukeyela" (kutahela) ni fa "bai" (fokumaswe) mi nelifiwa mbututu yeneipepilwe inge kunani lifu mwahae.

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  61. How about the name "Lineo", what does it mean? To what sex is it applicable?

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    1. Lineo is of Sesotho origin and means "gifts". It could also mean talents or offering depending on the context. Comparable with modern Silozi "Limpo" Keith

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    2. PS The name 'Lineo' can be given to either sex.

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  62. ni nani kwateni kabuka kakainyani kakataula mabizo, neka n'ozwi ki bo Nyambe Sumbwa ba fa UNZA.nakupa kunizibisa konikonakufumana buka yeho ya bo Lisimba.ape nibuza kwa taluso yamabizo; Kaneta,Namate ni Simate.ni ka itumela haulu.

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    1. Ki litohonolo kuli munani kabuka ka Bo-Nyambe Sumbwa. Cwale kacenu haki konahali ku fumana buka ya Bo-Lisimba. Nibatile kai ni kai kono kusina kufumana yona. Hanizibi haiba bakahaisa buka hape. Baeze cwana batu baban'ata batoleka buka! Taluso ya mazibo amubone kwatasi.
      Namate: according to Lisimba is associated with saliva and therefore means something like 'blessing' or 'blessed one'. Under 'mati', Jalla gives the phrase mati aka ki ao. (lit. Here's my saliva!). This is an old ending to a letter and is a blessing as well. Other similarly related names are Simate and Mate.
      Kaneta: Ka- diminutive prefix. neeta (na-ita) warrior, therefore little fighter. You find the root (ita) in the proverb 'Lita yenda na ndamo kee koolwa malutelo.' Soldiers led by a veteran never lack a crossing point.
      Keith

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  63. iam very enlightened by the revelations in this write up. Mulimu a be ni mina bo Keith.what do the names mbangweta and wasamunu mean?

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    1. Mulimu abe ni mina cwalo.
      Mbangweta: means he will swear in my name
      Wasamunu: The one who is something belonging to someone else.
      Keith

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  64. hi there, any idea what Mulako means? I carry the name but have no clue. And the following too
    Akamana
    Muimui &
    Ilukui, thanks in advance

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    1. Mulako, I've tried to track down your name and I think it may be of Mbunda origin. There is a village at the edge of the Liuwa named Mulako. Sorry, I cannot get any further at the moment. Can anyonone else help here?
      The others are more easy to give the meanings to
      Akamana (one who cannot finish) suggesting immortality. Muimui: (bad-bad one- Muyimuyi) Ilukui: - the fierce one.

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    2. I have been told Mulako means a tethering post.
      Keith

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  65. I am really excited to have come across this blog. My wife just delivered a baby boy,we want to name him Ikacana. Litalusa sikamani libizo la Ikacana bo Keith.... And what does my name mean Mwangana is it one who is destined for something?

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  66. Bo-ndate Ikacana, lutabile ni mina kuli muamuhezi mbututu = Ikacana. Mun'a Bupilo amifyole, mina kaufela. Libizo "Ikacaana" litulusa mwa Sikuwa - pertaining to a small one ie a member of an ordinary humble family. (Lisimba)
    Mwangana, what you write is correct about your name's meaning. Again Lisimba gives 'someone who meets (someone or something)
    Keith

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  67. bo Keith, I cannot express my joy at finding this site. I was searching for names as my nephew and his wife just had a baby girl. I have found the earlier comments very useful. i have suggested Tebuho, Lungowe and Ketiwe to them. Would you know the meaning of the follwing names Mungandi (my maiden name), Nandema and Muliwani?
    many thanks. Mulimu; Muambakani wa mafasi nima halimu abane nimina
    Notable woman

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  68. what does akamandisa and aongola mean

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  69. I am humbled to learn so much from this site and great apsspreciation to your cause, what do the names Saasa and AKUFUNA mean I know also that in lozi, names can have two meanings, the literal and the proverbial meani. Lubinda AKUFUNA Saasa

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  70. Notable Woman. Congratulations. Sorry, I am in Scotland on furlough at the moment, so have limited sources here, but I will do my best and will be glad if anyone else can shed anymore light. Mungandi is a village near Kalabo, but I don't know its meaning. Nandema: the following lines come from the oral poem in praise of the Libala and Zambezi - mwelwa ni muyoya bali nyina ndema. A poorman survives because of his mother's weight. This is a metaphor linked to two previous images of a cormorant on its nest and a seal on carpet grass. Muliwani: I only know of the names Muliwana - one who finds it or Muliwa: one who is being eaten. I don't know if either or neither are related.
    Keith

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  71. Saasa: He is not there or there is nothing
    Akufuna: they are troubling themselves.
    Keith

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  72. Akamandisa: They cannot make me a hero, ie. respect and dignity are earned not given automatically.
    Aongola: if they strengthen ie a challenge to enemies to show real strength
    Keith

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  73. Dear Keith

    Thank you very much for the information. For many years, I wanted to know what my name meant, however, no one was able to tell me. Do you by any chance know the meaning of the name 'Mulako"

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    Replies
    1. I have made enquiries and have been told that Mulako means a 'tethering post'. It is seemingly a Nyosha name. Hope this helps
      Keith

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  74. Hello There, does anyone know what my name'Ntelamo' means it was given to me by my late father. All i know is that it was my greatgreat grannys name. Would really appreaciate any info. Thank you.

    Ntelamo Yeta.

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    1. Ntelamo: It is probably Toka-Leya in origin and is said to mean "One who just came in."
      Keith

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  75. what does mamba mean?

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  76. Maamba: from kuyamba (to speak) plural therefore Affairs matters other similar names are Samba in the singular and Yamba in the plural
    Keith

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  77. Thanks for the updates, I really enjoy following litaluso za mabizo a sishobo sa luna, luna bana ba poho yensu ni haike kuli kwa swabisa ku bona kuli bo Idah ni bo Keith kona bese baluta luna beñi ba puo ye. kono lwa itumela luli kwa musebezi o ba sweli. Na kwane ku yaka nikupa litaluso za mabizo a latelela: Wambulawaye, Muchimaezi, Mukubesa ni Njelwa. Nikataba luli haiba ni fumana tuso. Mu yoyange wino wino.

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    1. Wambulawaye and Muchimaezi must be Kalanga names from the Whumbe or Lilima (clans) of Plum Tree in Zimbabwe and Francistown in Botswana. There are two ancestors from the Madlambunzi chieftainship from Plum Tree who settled in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia and Mongu , Bulozi respectively. There's a village in Mongu called Machambuzi i.e the Lozi version of Madlambuzi. The people from this village have names such as Mbulawa, Mbulai, Mukundu, Mulapesi, Siyanda etc.

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  78. Niitumezi hahulu Bo-lillian. Nin'ozi kale litaluso za mabiso ao.
    Amubate mwa Google - kwatasi 'Lozi names Part 3'
    komukafumana mukoloko omunca, mazibo ao aten'i
    Kono kumitusa kusina kubata-bata
    Wamubulawaye: 'one who has nobody of their own."
    Muchimaezi: Vakaranga name
    Mukubesa: One who plays with you
    Njelwa: the poor one
    Ni sebelezi buka ya Bo-Lisimba
    Keith

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  79. Hi Keith

    Stumbled onto this site by chance and i must say i am very impressed. firstly i live in Namibia and would like to know where I can get the book by Dr. Lisimba, secondly I would like to know the meaning of the following names: Watae(my name) Sibiho, Kuwabo, Simalumba, liwile.
    Thank you and stay blessed.

    Watae

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    1. Watae: One who has his own possessions
      Sibiho: Report (from kubiha)
      Kuwabo: To finish
      Simalumba: One associated with great heights
      Liwile: Something has fallen
      Keith

      PS I bought my copy in Bookworld, Manda Hill. I have not seen it since so it may be out of print.

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  80. thank God u people are ok.what is the meaning of my name KALALUK

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    1. Thanks. Good to be back again. According to Lisimba, Kalaluka: One who cannot last(live) long.
      Keith

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  81. the meaning of the names muyunda, kabajani, liyashimba, muyakwabo, muyambango mwakamuyi

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    1. Muyunda: peeper
      Kabajani: What are they going to do about this? (Local oral source)
      Liyashimba: This is the name of the First Minister of the Senior Chief at Mwandi-Sesheke. He is the ears and eyes of the Chief and chais the Kuta. it literally means the one who carries ie Porter.
      Muyakwabo: You are going (back) to where you came from.
      Muyambango: One who gathers in vain
      Mwakamuyi: One who loves darkness ie born at night.
      Keith

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  82. hallo everyone. my wife is lozi and she named our son born 3 days ago Sundano. she has no idea what it means. could anyone help me?

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    1. Hi, congratulations. I think Sundano is the Silozi form of the Subiya Nsundano. There is an interesting article from New Era by Prince Mutwa Moraliswani from 25/7/12.
      "After the death of Mafwila, Nsundano (the fearless fighter) son of Sanjo became the chief of the Subia people. He fought fierce battles with his adversaries and extended the boundaries of his area that he now named Intenge, which stretched from Sioma, crossing the Zambezi River through to Mulobezi and the whole of present day Sesheke eastwards up to the river Kamatanda and the outskirts of present day Livingstone to Chungwenamutitima, which is today called Victoria Falls (named after Queen Victoria of Britain by David Livingstone) taking small parts of western Zimbabwe into Botswana up to Nata, which they named Nakati, to Goha Hills near Maun today stretching north-westwards to Andara across the Kavango River running northwards into Angola and crossing the Mashi River straight to join Sioma again. This was Intenge - the Kingdom of King Nsundano around 1652." He was praised as Liberenge: the Peeler and Cisundu Manyika: Pusher of Countries. The school in Katima Mulilo is named after him. Hope this is of help. Keith

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  83. what name(s) would mean litohonolo

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    1. I have not heard of the name Litohonolo or Matohonolo used as names at any rate they are not common. I have known two people called Mbuyoti.
      Under litohonolo Jalla gives good luck, good fortune, good omen, blessing, synonym tohonolo, compare Mbuyoti.
      Under fuyola you find: to bless, Mulimu amifuyole God bless you (refers to an aged person blessing their offspring, a blessing which is usually accompanied by a gentle spitting) Therefore the link to 'mati"
      According to Lisimba this is associated with saliva and therefore means something like 'blessing' or 'blessed one'. Under 'mati', Jalla gives the phrase mati aka ki ao. (lit. Here's my saliva!). This is an old ending to a letter and is a blessing as well. Other similarly related names are Mate, Simate and Namate. Those would be the closest traditional names to "Blessing".
      Keith

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    2. Many thanks,
      what Lozi names would be equivalent to Fortune, fortunate, blessings, lucky

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    3. Like the comment above there have been a number of recent enquiries asking about names that mean: blessing, fortunate, lucky and the like. There appears to be very few names that directly translate these concepts, there are what Lisimba calls ‘connotative’ names instead. I have already pointed to Mate, Simate, Namate all derived from ‘Mati” (saliva). This is connected to the old Lozi custom of passing on a blessing. Mbuyoti and Tonoholo, Litohonolo, Matohonolo are modern and influenced by Church and other cultures.
      Traditionally, the cardinal points of the compass have meanings that can be associated with these concepts. Mutulo (from kuula: to buy) has an underlying meaning of commercial transactions or good luck. Imutulo, Namutulo and Simutulo are the associated names.
      This is thought to be because of the North/South direction of flow of Yunene/ Lyambai / Zambezi, a vital source of life. Therefore, in traditional thought all good things originate from the north, the floods, soil, fish etc. All the waste gathered en route is deposited in the South. Mboela, therefore, has the meaning of a terminus, a dead end or bad luck with its associated names of Imboela, Namboela and Simboela.
      As we know the Lozis have a coded way of speaking about property or circumstances that others might envy by using the diminutive: A sizeable herd of cattle are a few calves, a rich fishing pond is a puddle. A substantial tobacco harvest is a bit of snuff.
      Similarly there are many names relating to the opposite of good fortune namely suffering and the struggle for survival. Many of these names contain the roots -funa -funo -nyanda and –kando. Sometimes these names may be given, so as to avoid tempting fate, often though, they are a reflection of the prevailing conditions of the namers at the time. This list would include:
      Ifuna, Kafuna, Kufuna, Lifuna, Lifunana, Neefuno, Sikufuniso or Imakando, Kunyanda Likando, Manyando, Mukunyandela, Namakando, Simakando
      Keith

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  84. I take keen interest in knowing the meaning of names. Would like to know what the names Sayowa and Silume mean, they originate from kwa mbanga in Mongu.

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    1. Local sources suggest that Sayowa means brave and fearless. Silume means a 'big man'.
      Keith

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  85. what name could mean 'Do not discriminate'. i came across this in ngoni and wondering if there could be an equivalent in lozi. could there be any name with similar meaning, like treating everyone the same?

    Inonge

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    1. Thanks Inonge I am glad you found your son's name. I have seen the Chewa name Tisankhe which is concerned with discrimination and favouritism. There are Silozi names that indicate social rejection such as Ilukendu, Sikendwa: discarded one, Kalimukwa: unknown one, nonentity, Masilookwa isolated, rejected one, Mayumbwa, Siyumbwa: one who has been thrown away, Mukunyandela miserable, rejected one. Nambulwalitina: nameless one, nonenity.
      On a more positive note there are a number of Silozi names to do with reconciliation which in a way is all about non-discrimination and treating people equally.
      These names have the roots -anga -nunga, -useta,-waneka, Names like Imaanga Lyanga Silwanga Simaanga Mununga,Museta are all to do with reconciliation.
      Hope this is of help.
      Keith

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  86. Thanks alot Kieth, this is really great. Perfect names. just what i was looking for. am in midst of naming a grand doughter, who has been born under controvetial circumstances and needs reconciliation name. waneka will be the name!

    Inonge

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  87. Hi Keith, is there a particular reason Lozi people use the the same name for fisrt and last name?
    Secondly, what would the name Mufana mean in lozi? and what name would mean leader?

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    1. Mufana: one who gives generously. Eg. In our Sifela God is named as Mufana-limpo. The generous giver of gifts. The reason for the lozi 'squared names' is usually to distinguish a younger person from an older person in the family who bears the same name. Mubita Mubita means something like Mubita Junior in English.
      As regards 'leader' Lisimba gives the following:
      Imunga: Administrator. Liwaneka:joiner, reconciler. Lyanga, Silwanga, Simaanga: binder, builder, reconciler
      Mununga: joiner arbitrator
      Muuseka::rejoiner, reconciler
      From these names it is interesting to see what traditionally were considered as the essential skills of a leader - the capacity to reconcile and unite people and to prevent destructive conflict from arising.
      Keith

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  88. Hi,i have a son named sisii what is the meaning of this name and i would like to name my second child as kozo,whats the meaning also.

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    1. Hi I am not sure about Sisii. I'll make enquiries. Kozo means 'Peace.' Keith

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    2. Siisii: Lisimba gives Siyisiyi. Very ugly one.
      Keith

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  89. what are the lozi names for "Gift" "blessing" "faith"

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  90. Gift: Limpo Neo and Lineo are possibilities See above.
    Blessing: Mate, Simate, Namate all derived from ‘Mati” (saliva). This is connected to the old Lozi custom of passing on a blessing. Mbuyoti and Tonoholo, Litohonolo, Matohonolo are modern and influenced by Church and other cultures.
    It is similar with Faith: Tumelo (see earlier posting: What's in a name?)
    Keith

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    1. However, the name 'Mati' is a Mbunda name, as most of the bearers of this name are of Mbunda extraction and speak Mbunda.

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  91. Hie what a wonderful and informative site...Keith what is the history of the name Inonge and its meaning have heard so many versions, thank you. Oh yes and the meaning of Mufaweli which is my daughters name

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  92. What a wonderful and insightful blog thank u to Keith and Ida. Would love to know the meaning of my Name Inonge and its history, and my daughters name mufaweli,

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    1. For the history of Inonge Lisimba says a popular name meaning complaints but associated with beauties!
      Inonge ulya muyeya
      Usimo wabata na angenda
      Mutundo wa sikume
      nokutunda mawe mungombe

      Complaints, food for thought
      A song sung by strangers
      Is like the milking medicine
      For siphoning milk from the cow

      Keith

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  93. Inonge means 'complaints' or one associated with complaints. Lisimba Mufaweli means one who dies first. Lisimba
    Thanks
    Keith

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  94. Hi Keith.what does the name Limpo mean and can it be named to Girls too ?

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    1. Limpo means gifts and can be given to either sex. In the Sifela Hymn 1 begins: Limpo za Mulena, Zeabelwa luna, Ha li feli!
      Keith

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  95. hello keith do you know the meanings of the names kalenga and mukembe

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    1. Sorry I don't recognise these names. Can anyone else help?
      Thanks
      Keith

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  96. hey keith,do you know the meaning of the names liayo and ngela? your blog is amazing...etambuyu

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    1. Sorry I can't help with Liayo but Lisimba gives Ngela as meaning 'my advisor' Keith

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  97. Hello there! would you please help me with the names Chocho and Chuma.I am told Chuma is of Subiya origin.

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  98. Amazing blog. Thanks for the good work. I came across it when I was looking for the meaning of my son's name, Limpo. I am glad I stumbled across it coz I have learnt so much more.

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  99. My (late) wife Lyali Mundia's uncle Lubwinda named our daughter Wakun'uma.

    Can you confirm meaning of Wakun'uma, or indeed Lyali and Lubwinda?

    Love your blog - will try and talk there later?

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    Replies
    1. I came across the phrase Nyamb'a ng'uma in a poem that deals with the power of God:
      Samutumwa Nyambe wasanowanga
      Sa munu afe, sa munu ayoye
      ifa ni iyoya, iyonji ni mulumbela
      Nyamb'a ng'uma

      Whatever is the will of God will come to be
      If a man die or a man live
      For all death and life He is responsible
      the ultimate God.

      This fits in well with an oral source I asked concerning the meaning of Wakung'uma. The meaning I was given was the one coming last or last-born. (modern Lozi: Ngomba)
      Keith

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  100. Lyali probably is a shortened form of Liywaliyi meaning bad day.
    This name appears in the Siluyana proverb: Liywaliyi tingombe ukukamwena. On a bad day cows milk themselves. meaning you don't keep your normal routine on a troubled day.
    This is from Lisimba
    Keith

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  101. Any idea what Muletambo Means

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    1. According to Lisimba Muletamboo means 'bringer of sadness' kuleta mboo.
      Keith

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  102. Bo Keith sha!nakupa kwa taluso ya libizo Chuma la si subiya ape ni libizo la Chocho.Nitumezi,Mulimu abe nimina cwalo.

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    1. Mulumele, Shangwe. Ki bumai kuli nipalezwi kufumana taluso ya libizo "Chuma" mwa Sisubiya kamba la Chocho, kanti nifumani libizo 'Chuma' mwa Sishona ni taluso ya "sifaha" kamba "tapo" mi hape mwa Sibemba ni taluso ya "bufumu", "bului," "buswa" kamba "liluo". Matahonolo! Keith

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  103. Thank you Keith for the meaning of Muletambo

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  104. Mutozi chwani shanwe. Na kinà Nambuwa Mwitamunga. I am kinaíndly asking for the meanings of th,e follonwing namËs; Nambuwa, Mwitamunga, Nekota, Amusáa, Mwikwanu, Sinu'te, Situmbeko, Muyangwa, Kanàulu and Akamana.... Thank You......

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  105. Lisimba gives Nambuwa:Trust, Mwitamunga: War monger, Amusaa:they are calling him. Situmbeko: igniting Akamana:One who can't be finished. (Everlasting) Muyangwa: Dispossessed one.
    Anyone give any help with Nekota, Sin'ute and Kanaulu?
    Keith

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  106. Keith you are great. What is your Silozi name? please help me know the meaning of the names Munchindu and Simalumba

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    1. Mako: Local sources say that Munchindu is a Toka-Leya name from Chief Mukuni's area. As regards Simalumba, Lisimba suggests one associated with great heights or one who has been raised high. To my knowledge I have not been given a Silozi name, other than my family name being lozified to Wado!
      Keith

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  107. Hello, i want to first of all commend you on the great work you are doing, i have been enlightened by your wonderful works. i have a question regarding my name, likando. in my early years, my grandmother told me that my name means "sufferer, but over comer"... but you just end on sufferer, cold it be that i was mis-informed?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Likando: my source for the meaning is Lisimba. He lists the roots -funa, -kalelwa,
      -kando, -kuyuya & -nyanda as all denoting suffering. If you think about it, suffering and overcoming can be part of the same process. Baroma 5:3 ....luziba kuli manyando atisa mutundamenyi....
      Keith

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    2. Can "Kushemuba" be used as a name I have a slight idea of what it means but I would be glad if you amplified on the meaning of te word.

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    3. Kushemuba: Jalla gives the verb kushemuba as being of Siluyana origin, meaning to have compassion, to take pity on, to show mercy to, to do a favour to. Words derived from this verb are mushemubi and sishemo. The most common traditional Lozi name derived from this would be Nashishemo. The illustrative sentence example given is: Umushemubezin’i kanti ki mutu yamaswe?

      Keith

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  108. WHAT IS FAVOUR IN LOZI

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    1. Favour: Owen O’Sullivan’s dictionary gives the following nouns: bushiko & sishemo. Verbs are kubambeka, kutabela & kushemuba . To favour one child over another : kuolisa. As an adjective –latiwa kufita… Favourite wife: mufumahali and the abstract nouns Sishweka, sobozi, saluluti & ketululo.
      From all the above Lisimba gives Sibamba as meaning ‘favoured one’ with the following saying: Sibamba, noonge ubambete mukubambeka silya kasikalila munu. Sibamba, support those who spoil you., food has never mourned a human being. In other words. Being grateful is a virtue.
      Another name is Moola from Mu-ola meaning favoured or beloved one. Mwanamaa (Mother’s child) is also obviously a favoured child. Others in a similar vein are Wakun’oli. Another three associated names are Muyambekwa, the recipient of an important gift and Muyanwa and Muyapekwa both also mean one who has been given generously therefore favoured.
      Keith

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  109. Glad to help, Kiran

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  110. What about the name Imanga for a girl's name.

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    1. Imanga (Imaanga) builder or reconciler. Used by Royal family here in Mwandi.
      Keith

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  111. What about Masiliso and Manyama, what do they mean?

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  112. Masiliso from kusilisa to mourn. A child born into a bereaved family, therefore, a consolation. There is the cognate Inyama meaning 'meat lover' with the associated Siluyana proverb Nyama lukwendwa winji Meat despised beforehand meaning Appearances can deceive, in a positive sense.
    Hope this helps
    Keith

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  113. what does "shimunka" mean????

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  114. Hi Hope you are all great.
    Crack this for me. Lifuna what does it mean

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  115. Hi Lifuna, according to Lisimba, Lifuna comes from kufuna to suffer,so Lifuna would mean sufferer. The other Lozi word for suffer is kunyanda and there are a whole series of names deriving from there too.
    Keith

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  116. hi guys what do the names Njekwa, Nalishebo , Kasiwa or akasiwa mean

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    1. Njekwa: a cause for laughter
      Nalishebo: born during a time of famine
      Akasiwa: one who cannot be left behind
      From Lisimba
      Keith

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  117. This is amazing and educative. You are great bo Ida ni bo Keith. Indeed mutokwa mabizo a silozi. You are more lozi than most of us who bear the names. I am very sure most people have not noticed. Muyoyange sha.

    Neni kupa litaluso za mabizo a shangwe. Kufamuyeke, Akakulubelwa, Ilinanga, Kacana ni Mbozi. Mwendi mwakona ku talusa ni la Lilian.
    Kihona malozi

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    1. Nitumezi, Bo-me. Ki tabo ye tuna kuli lukona kumitusa hanyinani.
      Litaluso za mabiso:
      Kufamuyeke: One who dies for what has been given
      Akakulubelwa: One who cannot be relied upon
      Ilinanga: Born during a drought
      Kacana: Small one
      Taluso ya Mbozi hanizibi, nibuze!
      Lilian, Lily, Lilias are said to come originally from Elisabeth (Hebrew) meaning God,
      an oath. However over time the name also became associated with the flower lily, which is a symbol of purity.
      Keith

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  118. Hi Keith,

    Thank you for privude a wealth of information
    .
    What do the following names mean.

    Mwandi

    Masheta

    Maimbolwa

    Singosho

    Regards

    Mwanalushi

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    1. Hi Mwanalushi, I can help with Mwandi, according to Lisimba it means 'in other people's village' However, locally people here in Mwandi say that it means 'in a place of many fish.'
      Maimbolwa: one who is being sung about.
      Can anybody else help to confirm Masheta and Singosho? Jalla gives lisheta as the juicy part of a bone head at the joint.
      Keith

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  119. Hai... Really appreciate the blog.. extremely helpful...kindly assist me with the meaning of the following names;
    Akalaluka, probably explaining the context of its meaning as I was told it has something to do with not lasting long...not sure what type of "last"
    Mututwa,
    Waluka,
    Pumulo,
    Mutemwa...
    thanx....

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    Replies
    1. Akalaluka, according to Lisimba says it means one who can't last(live) long. This not meant to be prophetic bur merely alludes to the transient nature of life, as do many other Lozi names like,
      Waluka: the returnee or the short-lived one
      Pumulo: means rest _ Siluyana equivalent is Mubuyaeta 'resting one'.
      Mutemwa:one who has been cut ie a victim of witchcraft.(Lisimba)
      Singosho ? Mututwa?
      Regards
      Keith

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  120. WHOA! GREAT BLOG AND VERY EDUCATIVE.
    WHAT DO THESE NAMES MEAN: IMBUWA, MWANAGOMBE & MUHAWO

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    1. Thanks
      Imbuwa: 1.reliable one. 2. Keeper of the Royal Herd. cf. Steward
      Mwanangombe: Literally young of the cow ie Calf. So the name denotes fertility and multiplying. It also points to the importance of cattle in Lozi culture and the maternal affection of the cow for its calf. It can also according to Lisimba suggest an owner of cattle.
      Muhawo? If this is a form of Muhau. Muhau means: Mercy Pity Compassion Grace. It is of Sotho origin according to Jalla. Found in the expression Ha na muhau. The sung version of the Grace in the Sifela begins Muhau wa Mulimu ube ni luna kaufela... (The Grace of God be with us all.....)
      Keith

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    2. Imbula Kalimukwa are my names. Please I would like to know their meaning.

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