Thursday, 1 November 2012

Lozi Names Part 3



We have just returned from furlough in Scotland. During our leave we were blessed by the birth of two more granddaughters. Our granddaughters have also been given the Lozi names: Sepo, Matauka and Lieto which are listed below. I have listed in a summary all the enquiries concerning the meaning of names to the blog from this year in alphabetical order for ease of reference.



AKAFUNA They are troubling themselves

AKAKANDA One who doesn't spoil - a trusted person

AKAMANA One who cannot finish

AKAMANDISA They cannot make me a hero. Respect and dignity are earned

AKATOKWA You will need something in the future

AONGOLA If they strengthen me. Challege to enemy to show real courage

ETAMBUYU One who swears by Mbuyu

IKACANA Small one

ILUKUI Fierce one

IMUTOWANA Finder

INONGE Complaints

KALIMA Cultivator/Farmer

KALUMIANA Little Man

KANETA Little fighter

KASIKU Born at night

KAWANA 1. Finder 2. Small dish

KETIWE Chosen

KUNYIMA From the past

KUSIYO Pertaining to rank

KWALOMBOTA To follow them

LIETO Born en route

LIKANDO Suffering

LIKEZO Acts, Deeds

LIMPO Gifts

LISELI Light

LIWAO Sun or day

LIYWALI Bad Day

LUBASI Family

LUBINDA Stubborn, Argumentative

LUNGOWE Beauty

MASALISO Consolation

MASINGE Roofing sheets

MATAUKA The lost one

MBANGWETA He'll swear in my name

MBUYOTI Blessing

MEEBELO Place of anger or a manner in getting angry

MONDE Born in the first quarter of the moon

MOOTO Soft one

MUBUYAETA - PUMULO Resting one cf PUMULO

MUCHIMAEZI Karanga name

MUHAU Grace

MUIMUI Bad one

MUITUMWA Someone for whom something is sent

MUKATIMUI Bad woman

MUKELA The one who came

MUKUBESA One who plays with you

MUKUMBUTA Hermit

MUKUNGU Hippo path or tunnel

MULIWA One who is eaten

MULIWANA One who finds it

MUNALULA Cruel one

MUNGANDI Village near Kalabo

MUSA Mercy

MUTTAU Large Lion Lion Clan name

MUUKA The returnee

MUYATWA One who has been judged

MUYOYETA Redeemer

MUYUNDA Peeper

MWAKA 1.Year 2. Beloved

MWALA The onlooker

MWANALUSHI Born in the bush

MWANGALA Joy cf TABO

MWANGANA Someone who meets someone or something

MWENDA Traveller

NAKUBYANA One who eludes you

NALIKENA Pure

NALUMINO Cursed one

NAMAKAU Many hoes.

NANDEMA Weight

NANDILA One born on the way or path

NAWA Good company

NAWINA One at a women's gathering

NDANGWA I am bound or reconciled

NEO - LINEO Gift - Gifts (Setswana)

NJELWA The poor one

SAASA He is not there. There is nothing.

SABOYI Pertaining to a bad situation

SANALUMBA Belonging to the one that praises

SEPISO Promise

SEPO Hope

SIBESO Plaything

SIMATAA Bad-tempered

SIMATE Blessing (from mati)

SINKA Stop or block

SITUMBEKO Act of igniting

SIYOTO 1.I don't know him. 2. A soft thing cf MOOTO

SONGISO Deceiving Object

TABO Joy cf Mwangala

TAWILA Welcomed from afar

TEBUHO Thanksgiving

TWEMBUCI On our own

WABEI Born under bad circumstances

WAMBULAWAYE One who has nobody of their own

WAMUKWAMBA Born during quarrels

WAMULUNGWE Born at night or in a time of trouble

WAMUN'UNGO Born in a turmoil

WASAMUNU The one who is something belonging to someone else

YAMBOTO Discussion, Current affairs

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202 comments:

  1. Anonymous15 November 2012 at 19:15

    Congrats on the grandchildren and may God bless your family

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous9 January 2013 at 17:30

    i love this, my son is Neo, and have always wondered what it means, nice to know it means gift.

    Inonge

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12 January 2013 at 08:10

    i dont see Mufana on the list please assist with the meaning.i know it is a rare name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith30 March 2013 at 08:20

      You find 'Mufana" in the Lozi Sifela: Lulumbe sishembo sa Mufana-limpo. Let us praise the grace of the Giver of gifts.
      So Mufana means a generous giver
      Keith

      Delete
  4. Anonymous9 February 2013 at 11:21

    Your blogs have been super enlightening. Thank you.
    Do you perhaps known what these names mean:
    Watema
    Sibandi
    Thanks again! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous30 March 2013 at 08:22

      I am sorry I am not familiar with these names. Can anyone else help? Thanks Keith

      Delete
  5. Anonymous27 March 2013 at 12:53

    thanks a lot for this information,its so difficult to find the meanings of our lozi names.what does Nalukena, In'utu,Akebu,Siyambango,Musitanga,Maimbolwa,Nobutu,Nasilele and Alibandila mean. Deborah Nalukena Siyambango.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith30 March 2013 at 08:28

      Nalukena: means the cleansed or innnocent one.
      In'utu: A well-wisher, someone who does not curse me.
      Akebu: They cannot end. ie the problems of this world.
      Siyambango: One who stays or remains in vain.
      Musitanga: To do with initiating or beginning
      Maimbolwa: One who is sung about
      Nobutu: The one with the wrinkled face.
      Nasilele. Associated with long things. Nyambe's wife.
      Alibandila: They are on their way and Lisimba suggests they may be up to no good!
      Hope this helps
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1 April 2013 at 21:31

      what about the name Chuma...am told it is also in Subiya lanuage.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous12 April 2013 at 04:27

    I thought "Inonge" meant to unite nations...that's my name. My family speak Lozi. Is that another description of it? :O

    Another Inonge. XD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 April 2013 at 16:37

      According to Lisimba Inonge means (Complaints) and is a popular name associated with beauty
      From the Siluyana poem
      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

      Delete
    2. Anonymous23 April 2013 at 09:44

      Thank you very much, I always wanted to know.
      I really did enjoy the poem :3

      Inonge x

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14 August 2013 at 15:04

      You also find the name Inonge in a poem for King Lubosi Lewanika in the second stanza dealing with his rise to power and his noble and heroic linage.
      Inonge ndeya akati
      Ilya leya mumoo watila na kabolo
      Ku mulume watila
      Ndwalume wa munga

      Inonge, the bearer of noble women
      Her daughters are lovely and gentle
      Alas, her sons are charging warriors
      Dreamers of ferocious battles.
      Keith

      Delete
  7. Anonymous22 April 2013 at 16:29

    Chuma is used in Bemba meaning wealth or fortune. You also find it as a Shona name meaning beads

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous7 May 2013 at 22:31

    Help me with the meaning of the names sitambi and mutakela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 May 2013 at 14:47

      Sitambi: Jalla gives the Siluyana verb kutamba meaning to buy medicine to obtain supernatural power. Sitambiso is the money paid for such.
      Lisimba gives Mutakela as meaning 'the day he comes'.
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous8 May 2013 at 21:53

      I thought sitambi meant something that should not be talked about but how is it related to kutamba?

      Delete
  9. Unknown26 May 2013 at 19:35

    Nice collection and enlightening. This is preserving the fading away meanings of Lozi names. My surname is Muliwana: one who finds it. My first name is Maimbolwa and is not here on this list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith27 May 2013 at 12:06

      Maimbolwa (Ma-imba-ulwa) One who is being sung about. Keith

      Delete
    2. Unknown22 November 2013 at 12:12

      Nitumezi bo Keith. Thanks so much.

      Delete
  10. Unknown30 May 2013 at 00:21

    Thx 4 the enlightening blog en definately a growing museum of Lozi name meanings.. my baby is 2days old and is named "Akebu", after reading ths blog am thinking of a name change... help with what "Mukabe/ Mukkabi" means as well as Kabuku, Namushi and Kuzibala.. by the way Muzumi means treasure- seeker or Hunter

    ReplyDelete
  11. Unknown30 May 2013 at 00:28

    this is so cool, a museum of Lozi names.... my baby is 2days old and is named Akebu. assist with meanings of Mukabi/ Mukabe, Namushi, Kabuku and Kuzibala.... By the way Muzumi means treasure-seeker... in Tonga it means "alive; live one or one who is alive".

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous31 May 2013 at 10:03

    Thanks Shevas. From Lisimba - Namushi: born in the shade of a mushi tree (ie ukapila mwa muluti) born of a well-to-do family.
    Kabuku: he won't add on ie contribute towards a given cause.
    Keith

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  13. Anonymous6 June 2013 at 07:26

    I am really enjoying this blog, keeping us in touch with the roots of our names. What does Mubukwanu mean

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7 June 2013 at 10:05

      Mubukwanu: 'small one in the family' according to Lisimba. Keith

      Delete
  14. mwentu9 June 2013 at 11:55

    Hi..I am a lozi living in born and living in Zimbabwe. Please tell me the meaning of Musiyalela and my surnam which is Mwezi. Please also suggest to me female names that suggest one who is born after a long struggle or being successful after many trials..nitumezi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10 June 2013 at 15:38

      Mulumele, Bo-Musiyalela. According to Lisimba Musiyaela means: 'the one left behind.' A few names which you can consider ; Unyibi: You are not stealing me. Akaaliwa: Can't be eaten. (indestructable) Akeende: One who won't go. Masaliso: Consolation. Mubiwa: Given Mukeetwa: Greeted one, a long awaited child. Hope this helps. Keith

      Delete
    2. Reuben Sitali4 January 2014 at 20:33

      Musiyalela also could mean a last born in the family.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous17 February 2015 at 05:57

      this so nice,i had a book on Lozi names but someone borrowed it from my library for good.my name is mukela and am told i was named so because i was a long awaited child after a difficult labour.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous21 June 2013 at 11:59

    This is so good. What is the meaning of Ng'engela

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous2 July 2013 at 17:50

    I want to know the meaning of Katonto,where can I see people with this surname I understand they are lozi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6 July 2013 at 09:50

      Can anyone help with this? Thanks, Keith

      Delete
    2. Reuben Sitali4 January 2014 at 20:36

      The name Katongo means a small land in the plains that is not submerged during the flooding. Look at Litongo - one but big and Matongo - prural. Katongo can also mean a person who was born alone in the family.

      Delete
  17. Unknown4 July 2013 at 17:13

    I am not Lozi. But I admire what you are doing in this blog. I love the Lozi names. They sound so rich and it is admirable the pride with which the Lozi people carry their names.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous6 July 2013 at 09:53

    Thanks for your interest and comment, Musyani. It is appreciated. Keith

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous8 July 2013 at 12:14

    what is the meaning of the name Ilute. I am expecting a baby boy, and my husband says he would like to name him Ilute. His grand parent is kind of from the royal family.

    Namakau

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith9 July 2013 at 08:01

      Hi Namakau. Congratulations. IIlute means a skilled hunter. Interestingly, there are a number of traditional Lozi names that are related to hunting which was once a major social activity.
      Ikambwa: Owner of many hunting hounds
      Imute: Hunter
      Simute: Hunter
      Lisulo: Royal hunting party
      Mufaya:Skilled Hunter
      Sifaya: Skilled Hunter
      The previous Litunga, Yeta IV was called Ilute
      Keith

      Delete
  20. Anonymous9 July 2013 at 15:28

    What does the name Imanga mean. I have a daughter who has that name.

    Regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous29 July 2013 at 14:57

      Imaanga (Lisimba) builder, reconciler
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Unknown8 November 2013 at 08:26

      I thought Imaanga means TEETH

      Delete
    3. Ida and Keith11 November 2013 at 08:18

      Hi Mwangala I checked previously with Lisimba's 'Lozi Names' and he suggests that Imaanga is derived from the Siluyana verb kuanga: to reconcile or to bind, the equivalent of the modern Silozi: kutama. There are more details in Lozi Names 2. The name I know which is concerned with teeth is Nasing'amba. How do you derive the meaning you suggest? Thanks Keith

      Delete
    4. Reuben Sitali4 January 2014 at 20:39

      Keith is very right about the name Imanga.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous27 July 2013 at 17:38

    How about Nalucha? Does anyone know?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous29 July 2013 at 14:54

    Naluca means the little one. Nalucaa means pertaining to red,. Both cited by Lisimba
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous1 August 2013 at 09:18

    what about lungowe

    ReplyDelete
  24. Unknown3 August 2013 at 00:02

    Hey, this is a really good blog you have. would you happen to know what the name "Muchala" means? I would like to know, its a very rare name.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  25. Unknown3 August 2013 at 00:03

    Hi, really like this blog
    Would you happen to know what the name "Muchala" means?
    If at all it has a meaning
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous3 August 2013 at 05:54

      You find Muchala as a traditional Tonga name derived from kucaala to remain behind. It can be given to either sex and was often given when the baby's mother died after childbirth or if the child was orphaned either singly or doubly, From Zambian Traditional Names by Mwizenge Tembo
      Keith

      Delete
  26. patricenambayo8 August 2013 at 13:54

    I have asked my mother a couple of times what my family name, Aongola, means but to no avail. Thanks to this blog I got it. What of Nambayo? What does this mean?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith8 August 2013 at 14:55

      Hi Patrice. Glad to help. According to Lisimba, Nambayo means a skillful carver. Another related name is Saywa. Kuaya is the Siluyana for to carve.
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous28 August 2013 at 15:36

      What does wakunyambo mean

      Delete
    3. Anonymous29 August 2013 at 06:23

      Wakunyambo: One who helps? Inyambo: helper ;Lisimba
      Keith

      Delete
  27. Unknown20 September 2013 at 05:12

    Naitumela kwa musebezi omueza.What does Uyoya mean?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith20 September 2013 at 13:45

      Mulumele Bo-Uyoya. Taluso ya libizo lamina ki: 'while you live'. It is found in two Siluyana proverbs Wayoya ulwe na ngombe, bakufa mbatikulyata. While you live deal with the cattle, upon your death they will tramp over you. Lisimba suggests it implies the encouragement of generosity. There is also: Uyoya ukulimene, kukumbela ni kwa liken'i As you live cultivate for yourself, to beg (for food) is shameful. This suggests that hard work and earning a living brings dignity and self-respect. Hope this helps
      Wamina
      Keith

      Delete
  28. Unknown20 September 2013 at 05:15

    Thanks for the great job you are doing.What does Uyoya mean?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous16 October 2013 at 13:22

    my name is muyunda what does Mumbuna mean

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous17 October 2013 at 10:54

      Hi Muyunda. Lisimba gives Mumbuna as 'mumbling one'. There is the Siluyana saying: Mumbuna kawambeewa, akutu waangula. He who mumbles does not say good things, if he is not cursing then he is insulting.
      Lisimba says the intended meaning is that a positive message is communicated in a straightforward matter.
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4 November 2013 at 12:58

      hi keith am so impressed with your discussions , am in need of a male lozi name that means beloved one ,intelligent one, one who fears God.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6 November 2013 at 13:25

      Hi Muyunda
      Regarding your request: Beloved one: Imwaka, Wakun'oli
      God-fearing: (ie belonging to Him) Sanyambe Mwananyambe
      Mwitanyambe: Calling on God, Sifungwanyambe: Tethered or protected by God Suumbwanyambe: God's creature
      Kaamona, Silwale or Lilwale far-sighted one.
      Imukondo or Imunga: skilled manager/administrator
      All are cited by Lisimba
      Regards
      Keith
      Keith

      Delete
    4. Reuben Sitali4 January 2014 at 20:43

      Muyangwa would do for the intelligent one.

      Delete
  30. Anonymous17 November 2013 at 20:04

    Great blog. kindly let me know the meaning of Kayama and Kwalombota

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous18 November 2013 at 08:06

      Kayama: Jalla gives the meaning as a deceiver, cheat, or twister. However, this name is NOT given because it is thought that the recipient possesses these characteristics. It can be given deliberately to distort the real value and personal identity of the bearer. In the past according to Lisimba this was done to protect the child from a troublesome ancestor seeking to incarnate in the child . The name had a confusing effect on these spirits renowned for their innocence. Kwalombota according to Lisimba means 'to follow them.' Regards Keith

      Delete
  31. Unknown18 November 2013 at 04:01

    Great job u ar doing.Atleast now I knw th meaning of Uyoya.Thanx for th help.May God richly bless u wth abundant lif!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Unknown18 November 2013 at 04:05

    Thank u very much.U hav realy helped me.God bless u!Now I knw wat Uyoya means.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Unknown18 November 2013 at 08:35

    What does Mubukwanu mean?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ida and Keith18 November 2013 at 15:29

    Mubukwanu: Small one in the family (Lisimba)
    Regards
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous2 December 2013 at 12:45

    hi thanks for the site. what does the name Lindunda mean?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous3 December 2013 at 06:34

      Hi, Lisimba suggests that Lindunda means 'enterprising fellow'. This chimes with Jalla who lists the verb kundundana meaning to work energetically. Kacenu nindundanile ahulu mi nifelize musebezi waka. Linked to this it also means to resist. Nandundana kono cwale uhonehile.
      Keith

      Delete
  36. Anonymous11 December 2013 at 08:43

    What about sikwibele? Please need help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous16 December 2013 at 07:24

      Lisimba gives Sikwibele as meaning the 'ugly one'. He suggests that such apparently pejorative names(cf Silumesi, Muimui ,Uyiwaye etc)should be treated like a nick-name as they are usually given by a relative or grandparent who will have a casua, teasingl or humourous relationship with the child.

      Delete
  37. Anonymous12 December 2013 at 12:42

    Hi Keith
    firstly i would like to thank you for the great work you doing both as mission partners and the blog.
    I would like to find out the meaning of the name, Nasiba its from a village in Senanga called Litoya. And any other names you might know from the same village. Thank you
    Regards
    R.M

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous16 December 2013 at 07:47

      Re: Nasiba. Sorry butI am not really familiar with that area, having only visited it once. I can't really help much with Nasiba, however, Lisimba gives the name Siibaa (Siba) as meaning 'that which kills'.
      As regards place names containing Toya ie Mutoya, Litoya, Matoya it is suggested they derive from the tree Mutoya (syzigium cordatum) which likes to grow beside water and produces juicy pleasant tasting fruit. Its bark produces a blue dye used traditionally to colour baskets. Their flowers attract bees as they are a good source of pollen. Tea made from the leaves is a good purgative. (From Know Your Trees) The English language equivalent is 'willow'.
      Keith

      Delete
  38. Unknown7 January 2014 at 04:48

    Hie Keith what does the names Nobu and akashi mean. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  39. Unknown7 January 2014 at 04:50

    Hie Keith what does the names Nobu and akashi mean. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ida and Keith7 January 2014 at 08:43

    Sekai and Nobu Firstly Nobu also found as Noobu. ( Literally: Na-ubu) "one associated with small things" meaning born of a humble family suggests Lisimba.
    I cannot find Akashi listed. Anyone with any ideas?
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous8 January 2014 at 10:41

    hi keith am a keen follower of your blog. am actually writing down the meanings of lozi names so that I hand over to my children. kindly assist me with the meanings of the following names: Mboo, Mataa, Milupi, Litia, Kunolu and Mbololwa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 January 2014 at 14:02

      According to Lisimba, Mboo means 'sadness. He was the second Litunga after his mother ,Mbuywamwambwa (Mbuyu). Mataa is the 'ill-tempered one'. Milupi means according to Jalla 'persistent rains' he lists synonyms such as mungole (Coilard's nickname because of his long sermons!) munyoke, mulubulawapula. Litia means a certain type of earthworm (Lisimba). Lubosi's eldest son was Litia and he became Yeta III. Kunoolo (Ku-na-olo) 'it is rotten there' said in reference to a place of plenty. Mbololwa (Mba-u-ola-ula) 'You will rot thoroughly". see previous name. Hope this helps
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous18 January 2014 at 10:47

      thanks for the response. kindly assist with the following names: masheke, mutumba, mushe, mulela, mooka and matakala

      Delete
    3. Anonymous19 January 2014 at 05:18

      Masheke: One prone to laughter
      Mutumba: Unfired clay pot
      Mushe (Hebrew) Moses (Eng) one pulled out of the water. Hebrew leader who brought the 10 Commandments down from Mt Sinai. Meaning alluding to him being found as a baby among the reeds on the bank of the Nile by Pharaoh's daughter.
      Mulela: Feeder
      Mooka: (mu-oka) Healer
      Matakala: One who refuses
      Hope this helps
      Keith

      Delete
    4. Anonymous20 January 2014 at 12:23

      thank you once again. i hope you don't get tired. you have revived my interest in my mother tongue. could you assist with the following names: akokwa, lisimba, macwani, kwibisa, kamwi, kashimbi, kundoti and kwalela

      Delete
    5. Anonymous21 January 2014 at 08:29

      You are welcome. Akokwa or Akookwa (*Aka- a-ukukwa) 'One from whom nobody returns. '
      Lisimba: 'bad luck or unlucky one'.
      Macwan'i 'grass' ??
      Kwibisa: 'to spoil or cause to be bad'
      Kamwi: 'Broad daylight'
      Kashimbi: related to Toka-Leya Musimbi "a girl" therefore a baby -girl (Oral source)
      Kundoti - no information on this. Ndoti: Dreams
      Kwalela; 'to bear for them" According to :Lisimba this alludes to socerers trying to bewitch children.
      Hope this is of help to you
      Keith

      Delete
    6. Anonymous21 January 2014 at 09:29

      excellent work. i still remain grateful. i hope that the help you are giving to us lozi people will stand out one day. i agree with you that the minority languages should be allowed to survive extinction. that is why our current government has made it mandatory to learn in local languages up to grade four.
      that is good for our children especially.
      kindly assist with the following: ndopu, nanvula, nowana, notulu, namataa, poniso and sakwiba

      Delete
    7. Ida and Keith21 January 2014 at 14:36

      Ndopu: Elephant, alluding to leadership qualities;
      a symbol of courage and stamina., conveyed by the lines below.
      They were written for Lubosi at the height of his power.

      Ndopu umukulwa malambo
      (Ndopu mukwalwa malambo, moolye eyamana)
      Lyacila nyati ni ndopu
      Ubuumana basana
      Ndopu wa sibinda
      Nokubinda-binda matanga
      Ndopu nokuluumana

      Elephant, King of massive bodies
      Feared by the buffalo
      Towering above the plain
      Defensive elephant
      Marshalling vast herds
      Elephant, who rules and dominates

      Namvula: Rains?

      Nowana: see Kawana? Small Dish or Finder

      Notulu: (Nootulu) Unexpected one. Notulu was the daughter of Litunga Ngombala. He is remembered for ruling through Lindumeleti(Ambassadors). It was in his reign that the Southern Kingdom was established at Nalolo by Notulu, the first female ruler. He gave her drums and mandunas. Her brother Mbanga succeeded after murdering her son and following her abdication. The myth then tells of Mbanga consulting Nyambe and being given the first cattle. He initiated the sacrifice of cattle at royal graves.

      Namataa: Bad-tempered one

      Poniso cf. Sisupo: A Sign

      Sakwiba: ‘Bad one’

      Delete
    8. Anonymous22 January 2014 at 06:56

      it's getting interesting now, because i have just realized that i don't have solid knowledge base concerning the history of my tribe. it is shameful to say i didn't understand the writings about ndopu. the lozi is too deep for me who grew up out of western province. anyway i hope to get past this embarassing phase. with your help am making some progress.
      kindly help with the following: mbanga, mutelo, mulonda, mutanuka, muketoyi,walubita, wakumelo, wamunyima, simenda, subulwa, sikufele

      Delete
    9. Anonymous22 January 2014 at 14:24

      thanks, i think my post containing the following request hasn't gone through. how about the meaning of the names: wakumelo, wamunyima, subulwa, sikufele, mutanuka, mutelo, muketoyi, katungu, mulonda. muwana, muwanei, kufanga

      Delete
    10. Ida and Keith28 January 2014 at 06:40

      Mbanga: (Mba-a-anga) 'He will bind" said of a reliable emissary or leader (Lisimba)
      Mutelo: Tax or Levy (Jalla)
      Mulonda: 1. Guard,. 2. 'Lazy one" (L)
      Mutanuka: One who delays unnecessarily (L)
      Muketoyi: (mu-keeta-uyi) 'Fnder of a bad situation' (L)
      Walubita: One who passes by (L)
      Wakumelo: One associated with an apology (L)
      Wamunyima: One coming behind, or Last-born (L)
      Subulwa: Something being asked about (L)
      Sikufele: Poor, neglected, one (L)
      Katungu; 'We are not kindling' alluding to poverty (L)
      Muwana: Finder (L)
      Muwanei: Finder of bad things: (L)
      Kufanga: To die often. meaning trapped in an awkward situation. (L)
      Hope this helps with your list
      Keith

      Delete
    11. Anonymous30 January 2014 at 10:06

      thanks once again. i will try to look for my copy of LIsimba's book. i gave it to a lozi friend who has decided against bringing it back even when he just borrowed it.
      meanwhile could you help out with these: lewanika, akashambatwa, akakambama, mbikusita, mufalali,mushiba, mushimbei,munyinda, sinyinda,muwina, kawina, imenda, simenda
      thanks once again

      Delete
    12. Anonymous3 February 2014 at 10:46

      Lewanika; One who unites
      Akashambatwa: One who cannot be provoked
      Akakambama: One who cannot ascend
      Mbikusita: For the zebra to kick
      Mufalali: Refugee
      Mushiba; a very small fish
      Mushimbei: a bearer of misfortune
      Munyinda One who forbids me
      Sinyinda: What prevents me
      Muwina: Slave
      Kawina Slave or servant
      Imenda: a habitual traveler
      Hope this helps with your list
      Keith

      Delete
    13. Anonymous4 February 2014 at 09:09

      the e-list is busy filling up. thanks to bothof you. through you thanks to Lisimba, i wish i could get in touch with him. thanks to jalla. my name is mwangelwa matongo. funny enough matongo doesnt appear on my list, but i know it has the same meaning as tonga " deserted village". tell me is matongo a legitimate lozi name or was it just borrowed from the tribal cousins.
      i also want some help with the following names: akapelwa, mushoke, mushokabanji, mandandi, makweti, maketo,mwambwa, mwanamwali, mwanamwambwa, mwikisa, mwanawina

      Delete
    14. Ida and Keith10 February 2014 at 06:32

      Hi Mwangelwa I'll put a link to your e-list from here if you don't mind. There are a number of names with the Siluyana root -tongo.
      Ilitongo: Owner of many fields
      Matongo: 'Fields"
      Simatongo: Landed person prosperous farmer
      Katongo: place of residence, farm
      There is a male Tonga name Sikatongo which means a person who likes to build at a place vacated by others.
      Akapelwa:One for whom the sun won't rise
      Mushoke: Peep? Cf Muyunda?
      Mushokabanji : One who comes to peep into the world (short-lived one)
      Makweti: Born at the full moon
      Maketo: Greetings
      Mwambwa: One being talked about
      Mwanamwambwa: Descendant of Mwambwa
      Mwikisa: Born at sunset
      Mwanawina: Prince

      Delete
    15. Anonymous10 February 2014 at 09:16

      sure you can attach the a link, after all more credit will be attributed to you for your great online job. i also have hope of hosting a website of dictionary of lozi names, with this same list and a bit of details behind the naming rationale. it will have the edit option so that we can have more imput, just like wikipedia idea.
      thanks for enabling me to gather so much within short period. the e-list currently has 410 lozi related names.
      i need the meanings for the following names
      muyumbana, munuka,mutandi, mutata muyu, mutangelwa,mwanamwali, nabita, nalishuwa,nakandina

      Delete
    16. Anonymous11 February 2014 at 07:32

      Muyumbana: Divider or claw
      Mutangelwa: One for whom something has been initiated
      Nabita: Passer-by
      Nalishuwa: Polite one
      Nakandina: One neglected by their family
      That's all I can find. I can find nothing on the other names. Can anyone else help?
      Keith
      Keith

      Delete
    17. Anonymous9 June 2014 at 13:03

      hi long time indeed, i hope you are well. what do the following names mean1. malinde 2. nalishuwa

      from matongo

      Delete
    18. Ida and Keith10 June 2014 at 11:59

      Good to see you are back.
      Malinde: Lisimba gives kulinda to guard suggesting alertness and prudence. -Inga and -londa are roots with a similar meaning.
      The root -shuwa is listed with -kondo and mbuwa and suggests reliability
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
  42. Lubinda17 January 2014 at 02:48

    please keep up the good work. we dont have to give our kids names without knowing the meanings anymore. thanks to internet. but more so, thanks to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith21 January 2014 at 08:32

      It is good that so many people are taking a renewed interest in the old tongue. It is important that minority languages remain strong. Humankind is impoverished each time a language dies.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous31 March 2015 at 22:25

      my family name is Akebu and we are passing through unending problems. what is the meaning of nasutu?

      Delete
  43. Anonymous21 January 2014 at 15:24

    Hey!Thanks for the names given.My name is Ts'episo that is Sepiso in Lozi and my sister's name is Limpho that is Limpo in Lozi.I live in Lesotho and I am interested in Silozi because it is not that different to Sesotho and the orthography of Silozi makes things even easier because the much frowned upon /li/ which is /d/ exists in Silozi and Sesotho of Lesotho Orthography while our Sotho brothers in South-Africa use /d/ instead of /li/. So is Lozi closer to Tswana or Southern-Sotho?Thats my question to you.Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith28 January 2014 at 06:53

      Great to hear from you Ts'episo. Your question is worthy of a separate blog posting. I will answer in more detail there but in short as an interested outsider and by-stander I would say Lozi is a daughter of Southern Sotho while Setswana is a sister to Southern and Northern Sotho. What is your take on the situation?
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
  44. Anonymous27 January 2014 at 12:11

    Hi Keith,

    Kindly please help me with the meanings of the following Simwinji, Sambi, Twaila and Zita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith28 January 2014 at 06:47

      Simwinji: Born during the day. (Lisimba)
      Sambi: Title of the Ngambela presiding over the Nalolo Kuta (Jalla)
      Zita: Long marsh grass with a feathery seed used for stuffing pillows and cushion. (Jalla)
      More for your e-list
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous29 January 2014 at 06:24

      many thanks for this Keith i always wondered what my surname Siwminji meant and my grand father's sambi. Can you please also help me with Thapelo m thinking its something in the line of prayer

      Delete
    3. Ida and Keith2 February 2014 at 15:31

      You are right about the meaning 'prayer', you find Thapelo spelt with an 'h' in both Setswana and Sesotho, however in Lozi it is spelt Tapelo. See our latest blog with the Lord's Prayer in the three languages for comparison. Keith

      Delete
  45. Anonymous29 January 2014 at 16:49

    Hi Keith & Idah
    My names are Christopher Aongola Akatoka Inambao. At least for Akatoka, I know what it means. What does Aongola mean?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Ida and Keith2 February 2014 at 15:08

    HHi Christopher, Aongola 'If they strengthen' a challenge to one's enemies to show their real strength.
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous9 February 2014 at 07:59

    Hi, ida and keith, you are doing a great job please help me with the meaning of mutakatala and muyambango.


    LUCKY.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10 February 2014 at 06:00

      Hi Lucky
      Mutakatala: 'the day he gets tired'
      Muyambango: "One who gathers in vain"
      Best wishes
      Keith

      Delete
  48. Anonymous10 March 2014 at 09:07

    Hello, Could you kindly assist me with the meaning of these Lozi names: Muyangwa, Amukusana, Kanyata, & Sambe?
    Regards

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous11 March 2014 at 12:15

    Muyangwa: Dispossessed one.
    Mukwasana: Plain dweller
    Kanyata: Pinch, nip
    Saamba: Affair (From verb stem -amb- to speak)
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous25 April 2014 at 14:35

    My name is Meebelo and was told long time ago my names "mwezabunde" good doer... is yours the correct one or what?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith28 April 2014 at 09:53

      Hi Meebelo. I use Lisimba as a main source. He says Meebelo also found as Mebelo is Siluyana and made up of the prefix ( Ma + ibelo) the a+i fusing to give e. He gives 2 meanings 1. Place of anger 2. Manner of getting angry. Hope this helps
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
  51. Anonymous10 June 2014 at 09:25

    Your blog is very helpful.....are you able to help me with a lozi or tonga names that mean goodness,thanks & praise....am expecting n am looking for a name with such meaning.thank you in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith10 June 2014 at 12:27

      Hi and congratulations. Hoping all goes well for you. I am not so sure of Tonga names. I can find no traditional names that deal with these concepts. I checked Mwizenge Tembo's book on this. Most Tonga names seem to depict the social or physical circumstances in which the baby was born. Saying that I have taught a Twalumba and Mavuto. In Lozi these names with their meanings have generally Christian associations. So Muhau, Musa Sishemo and Tumelo would be possibilities.. More traditional names such as Muyanwa suggest being given generously deal with these concepts but perhaps from a different point of view. The choice of more modern indigenous names is a feature of contemporary life, reflecting what is part and parcel of people's life-style patterns and the impact of their faith on it.
      Hope this is of help
      Keith

      Delete
  52. Anonymous11 June 2014 at 10:19

    Thank you so very much...indeed this is very helpful

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous28 June 2014 at 22:11

    hi kindly assist me with the meaning of the name Kamona

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous29 June 2014 at 06:19

    Hi Kamona your name means "far-sighted" . It suggests being able to discern enemies according to Lisimba.
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous16 July 2014 at 07:11

    Can you name a boy Tabo

    ReplyDelete
  56. Anonymous21 July 2014 at 12:02

    Tabo can be given to either a boy or girl
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  57. Anonymous24 July 2014 at 19:56

    Please help me on the following names: Mwiba, Imbunda, Mulemwa, Mombotwa, Mwandamena, Katekelelwa, Moyo, Suya, and Tubwesebo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith27 July 2014 at 09:14

      Mwiba: Bad-one
      Imbunda: Westerner
      Mulemwa: One being seized
      Mombotwa: One easy to appease
      Mwandamena:Aspirant to high office, Ambitious
      Katekelelwa: One who is not well known
      Moyo: Life
      Suya: Food-gather
      Sorry, I don't recognize the last name
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Ida and Keith27 July 2014 at 09:16

      Suya: Food-gatherer. See typo above!

      Delete
  58. Anonymous10 August 2014 at 05:12

    Thank you very much I now know what my name Imbunda and Mwiba mean. I don't know if you can help on the following names: Miyamui,Sinengela, Ikasaya, Mubuyaeta, Nangana, Akabondo and Zibilo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith12 August 2014 at 09:12

      Hi I can help with the following
      Ikasaya: I have not carved
      Mubuyaeta Resting one cf Pumulo
      Nangana: One who meets something
      Akabondo: One who dies suddenly (without suffering)
      Meyamui: Water in a bad spot
      Associated Siluyana Verse: Ikanwa meyi ba ndambo
      Litunga lyonje bafubalume
      Translation: I don't drink water from anybody
      The whole country is populated by my rivals.
      Meaning: If you are disliked by many people, trust no-one
      These are all confirmed byLisimba
      Keith

      Delete
  59. Anonymous12 August 2014 at 13:21

    I just stumbled across your blog and I am glad I did! Could you please help translate the name Kabalube?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith18 August 2014 at 09:07

      Sorry, I have no info to hand on this. Can anyone else help? Thanks
      Keith

      Delete
  60. Anonymous2 September 2014 at 20:57

    Hi Keith, I'm Mubiana Lisimba. Would you help me with the meaning of the name 'Mubiana.'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith6 September 2014 at 07:54

      Hi Mubiana
      Lisimba gives Mubiana the meaning: one who misses (something good).
      He also lists his own name as meaning 1. bad luck 2. Unlucky one
      Hope this helps
      Keith


      Delete
  61. Anonymous8 September 2014 at 07:21

    Hi Keith,Thank you very much for this blog,my mother and i have been looking for the meaning of some names like MATE,NAWA,MUBITA,MUBIANA,MUKELA,NAMONDA,NYAMBE. hey by the way i have just name my son TEBUHO after reading this blog.thank you very much.my Name is Nawa Nawa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith8 September 2014 at 17:13

      Hi Nawa, glad to help you with meanings. Congratulations on the birth of Tebuho. We all give thanks for a safe birth.
      Mate: saliva ie one blessed by saliva according to custom.
      Nawa: One associated with good company
      Mubita: Passer-by
      Mubiana: One who misses (something good)
      Mukela: The one who comes
      Namonda:Born in the first quarter of the moon
      Nyambe: God
      Keith

      Delete
  62. Anonymous21 September 2014 at 19:09

    I have failed to understand the meaning of Wasamunu, the meaning put above is not clear, please help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith22 September 2014 at 16:37

      According to Lisimba, Wasamunu means pertaining or belonging to someone else He suggests such as a character trait or possession. In other words - you are not your own! Hope this is clearer now
      Keith

      Delete
  63. Anonymous21 September 2014 at 19:10

    what does the name Katumwa means? Likando

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith22 September 2014 at 16:40

      Lisimba gives Katumwa as meaning an emissary or messenger from kutuma to send
      Keith

      Delete
  64. Anonymous23 September 2014 at 20:13

    what does the name muwanei mean?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith23 September 2014 at 21:15

      Lisimba gives Muwanei as meaning "finder of bad things"
      Muwaneei thus Muwana-iyi
      Keith

      Delete
  65. Anonymous24 September 2014 at 20:57

    my name is wasamunu, I would like to know the meaning namukolo and namakau

    ReplyDelete
  66. Ida and Keith25 September 2014 at 13:45

    Hi Wasamunu
    Namakau: Many hoes (good female farmer or daughter of a prosperous one)

    Below is an associated Siluyana poem

    Namakau ulungu
    Sikwana samune numuko
    nokwaolemwa wa mabanga

    Sikau sa njimi
    Lute esheka
    sa moo lute eyamba

    Namakau the supple one
    Like a slippery calabash
    To be handled with care

    The hoe of a real farmer
    Brings about joy and laughter
    That of a lazy woman brings endless quarrels

    Namukolo: born in a canoe

    Regards
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anonymous8 October 2014 at 02:35

    What do the names: Kaluwe, Sibutu, Kalimukwa, Kabulembe& Musole mean ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith9 October 2014 at 13:55

      Kaluwe: 'Contraversial one' (L)
      Sibutu: Big one? See Kabutu : 'Small one' (L)
      Kalimukwa: 'Something known' (by someone). (L)
      Musole: (Sesotho) soldier (J)
      Sources (L) Lisimba (J) Jalla
      Kabulembe Anyone with any ideas for this name?
      Thanks
      Keith

      Delete
  68. Unknown15 October 2014 at 15:47

    Kindly help me out with the meaning of Batuke.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Ida and Keith15 October 2014 at 16:43

    Lisimba gives Situmbeko as meaning " the act of igniting" from kutumbeka to burn to set fire to or to set ablaze. Jalla lists the verb kutuka as meaning to catch fire or to burn. Keith

    ReplyDelete
  70. Unknown16 October 2014 at 11:35

    hi
    I find this blog to be very educative and exciting. I would like to know the meaning of the name Mufaweli.

    regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith20 October 2014 at 14:16

      Lisimba gives Mufaweli as 'one who dies first'
      Keith

      Delete
  71. Anonymous27 October 2014 at 10:45

    I would like to find out if really Ketiwe can qualify to be a lozi name... I am lozi and I have never heard of it in the lozi culture..

    Regards,
    Mwananongolo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith30 October 2014 at 07:58

      I think Ketiwe is originally from the female Zulu name Khethiwe meaning chosen one but has been lozified and now written as Ketiwe - the meaning is the same. There is a related male name in Sesotho Kgetang meaning chose. I cannot find Ketiwe as a traditional Lozi name either, but most of these names are Siluyana in origin and not from Sesotho/Makalolo Nonetheless, in my opinion, and I stand to be corrected, Ketiwe can be classed along with many of the names associated with the Christian faith as 'modern' Lozi!
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
  72. Anonymous27 October 2014 at 17:21

    Well,I stumbled over this wonderful piece of information and you to i doing a great job. I have finally known the meaning of the word Tawila. if you may, please give a brief history of Tawila Akapelwa Kueleka who was once the Ngambela of Barotsland. His father Silumbu was aslo a Ngambela of Barotseland. I am interested in knowing his education background as well. i understand he died in Livingstone while holding office of Ngambela.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Ida and Keith30 October 2014 at 09:41

    Silumbu Akapelwa was Ngambela during Lubosi’s first regime and served from 1878-1884 until they were deposed by Ngambela Mataa.

    According to the Elites of Barotseland 1878-1969 by Gerald Caplan Ngambela Kueleka was appointed in 1919 after Ngambela Mukamba. He was educated in South Africa and was quintessentially a ‘new man’ Unfortunately he died in office after only a few months.
    Yeta was devastated.

    According to Litaba za Sicaba Sa Malozi the entry for 1919 says about Tawila Kueleka.

    Tawila Kueleka, mwanaa Silumbu, ashwana Mukamba mwa bu-Ngambela ka 14 Kandao. Mulena ali ku yena Lifasi laluna neli ntoyana yesazibiwi ki licaba, lifilikani, ka lipetuhelo ni lipalali nelise liya kwakushwa. Ha lusali teñi, mi lusikatimela kikatuso ya mañi? Ya baluti. Seili swanelo yetuna ki kukukamalela ku seo lupulusizwe ki sona; lupulisizwe ka Evangela ki Malena wa Malena, ki Yena yalufile kozo. Tawila, uswanezi kupilisa sicaba. Usiise ke Yaize “Bupilo ki Na.”
    Tawila hasikaina sibaka. Haasebelelize mulena ni sicaba likweli ili sikakañi feela, ayoshwela mwa sipatela sa Livingstone kwahule ni Bulozi bwahabo, kwahule ni ndu yahae, ili ka Sope 1920.

    Hope this is of interest to you.
    Regards
    Keith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith31 October 2014 at 07:34

      I also found this written by the PEMS dated 12 May 1919and titled - Installation in the Kuta.

      With great pomp, the installation took place in Lealui of the new Ngambela, Tawila Kweleka, son of Silumbu, and the new Mukulwakashiko, Mataa, the King's Steward. Taking advantage of the occasion, Yeta announced his determination to fight against intoxicating beer. Tawila did not serve his country long. Sick, he was operated on for an abscess on his appendix on 13 January 1920 and died the following day. He was buried in Livingstone according to tradition, with a Service conducted by John Roulet, Head of the Mission Station.

      Delete
  74. Anonymous8 November 2014 at 21:31

    Hi there Keith, help me understand my names, Matomola Akayombokwa. Regards Aka

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith12 November 2014 at 18:04

      Hi Aka, I am using Jalla as my source for matomola and he suggests - noun plural: sorrow grief sadness broken-hearted from kutomoha usually found with pilu to be very sad. Kutomohela is to sympathise,to have pity upon, to be merciful to. The first line of the Agnus Dei in Silozi is: Oho, Ngunyana ya Mulimu, ye zwisa libi za lifasi, ulutohomele pilu.
      In the Sifela you find in No: 121 “Mukunda niufumani the line in verse 2
      Nitelwe ki matomola,
      Nih’ e ba lipilaelo,
      Kapili ni balehela
      Ku Mulena ka tapelo,

      Chorus: Bunde, Buiketo,
      Pumulo ya pilu,
      Tabo ni nyakalalo.
      Lizwa ku Jesu.

      As regards Akaayombokwa Lisimba gives “One who cannot be raised” ie who won’t become an adult. It is a typical Siluyana negative.
      Hope this is of use
      Keith

      Delete
  75. Unknown14 November 2014 at 14:48

    Hello Ida & Keith
    I have problems explaining the name Kalima. Is it related to Mulima? Some people think it is not a Lozi name as there is an MP from Eastern Province with a similar surname. Please help. Are you able to do a poem with Kalima in it??
    Regards

    ReplyDelete
  76. Ida and Keith16 November 2014 at 13:05

    I don't know much about Eastern names but the verb kulima is common to many Central African languages. However, Kalima is cited by Lisimba as a Lozi name meaning a prosperous farmer or cultivator. It is listed as a name associated with farming.
    Kalima belongs to the second biggest group of types of names being an agentive name which portrays the bearer as the performer of some action, usually a skill or talent that can even become an occupation. Names in this group include Kaimba a good singer, Lyenda a habitual traveler or Sifaya a great hunter. Ka and Si as prefixes suggest the idea of an expert so you have Mufaya a hunter compared with Sifaya a skilled hunter. Kalima is a very positive and dynamic name.

    I don't know of any associated poems or proverbs but there are some lines fo Mukamba that might interest you. Mukamba (piece of flesh or a fillet of fish) was Ngambela from 1899 to 1919 just before Tawila (see above) Mukamba was a skilled administrator.

    Mungote anyi amakundi
    Mawina munga!

    Malume manene ba mulonga
    Luimeka mulonga;
    Bo te sifundo sa ndo
    lLuimeka misumo;
    Bo te mukamba wa mbu
    Lubona ngoma,
    Luimeka mutiya.

    Best wishes to you, men of courage
    To you - Princes of war!

    Great men in Government
    Add strength to the to the kingdom
    Like pegging out the foundations of a house
    That keeps the poles straight
    Like the bellowing of a hippo,
    Overpowering the beat of a drum
    And rendering the lake an awesome place

    Kind regards
    Keith



    ReplyDelete
  77. Anonymous15 December 2014 at 15:44

    my name is siisi but I don't know what it means, please help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith18 December 2014 at 06:56

      Lisimba gives Siisii as meaning the very ugly one. In the past a name like this might have been given to protect the child from jealous ancestors.
      Keith

      Delete
  78. Anonymous21 December 2014 at 03:58

    hi i would like to name my son after my father, kindly assist me with the meaning of mwimanenwa?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith21 December 2014 at 08:24

      Hi Mwimanenwa is given by Lisimba as meaning 'awaited one'. Quite an appropriate for this time of Advent. Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous21 December 2014 at 09:44

      Nitumezi bo Keith!! really enlightening..

      Delete
  79. Anonymous27 December 2014 at 16:22

    Hi Ida and Keith! I would like to know the meaning of the following names: Mwilola and Soopu originating from Ushaa village. I would also like to thank you for this blog.
    Nosiku

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith30 December 2014 at 18:03

      Hi Nosiku. Seasons greetings! Lisimba gives Mwilola as (Mu-ila-ula) meaning 'very dark one' and Soopu as a type of grass used for straw. Kind regards, Keith.

      Delete
  80. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 23:17

    Your blog makes me proud to be a lozi..do you happen to know the meaning of Nanjeke? Your help will be much appreciated

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith4 February 2015 at 09:24

      According to Lisimba, Nanjeke means 'one associated with a sandy stream' related to Musheke, Sesheke etc.
      Glad to be of help. It is important that all languages are cherished, used and protected.
      Keith

      Delete
  81. Unknown11 February 2015 at 04:05

    what is the meaning of mutakela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith12 February 2015 at 07:40

      Hi David, Mutakela (Mutaakela) is given as 'the day he comes'.
      Regards Keith

      Delete
  82. Sikuzi13 February 2015 at 12:10

    Hi Ida and Keith.
    May God continue blessing you with what you are doing. Are you able to give us a list of Lozi Christian names? What is the meaning of Munjita.
    regards,
    Simasiku Munjita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith13 February 2015 at 20:54

      Thanks Simasiku, We are at present on furlough in Scotland, so I do not have my sources with me. If you google an earlier blog called "what is in a name", there is a small list of Biblical names - many of Sesotho origin. Once we get back that is something for me to work on - Christian names. Munjita is given as "One who calls me."
      With every blessing
      Keith

      Delete
  83. Sikuzi13 February 2015 at 12:14

    Hi Ida & Keith.
    Do have a list of Lozi Christian name?
    Regards,

    ReplyDelete
  84. Anonymous16 February 2015 at 11:06

    Hi,
    What does Mulima mean?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith16 February 2015 at 18:04

      Hi, Mulima means 'Cultivator or farmer'.
      Keith

      Delete
    2. Anonymous17 February 2015 at 10:54

      Thank you. How about Isikanda?

      Delete
    3. Ida and Keith18 February 2015 at 07:28

      Isikanda:' one who doesn't spoil', ie, someone constructive.
      Keith

      Delete
    4. Anonymous18 February 2015 at 12:03

      Thank you.

      Delete
  85. Fainess28 March 2015 at 18:02

    Hi, what do the names numwa and kawite mean?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith29 March 2015 at 16:05

      Hi Fainess. I know Numwa means an emissary. I do not have materials to hand so I cannot check up on Kawite. I am on leave in Scotland at present. I think Kawite may have something to do with one being called but I'll check up when we return kwa hae!
      Regards
      Keith

      Delete
  86. Anonymous31 March 2015 at 22:35

    what does nasutu mean

    ReplyDelete
  87. Fainess4 April 2015 at 14:13

    Thanks. Will be waiting. Happy Easter and be blessed

    ReplyDelete
  88. Anonymous21 April 2015 at 12:37

    Kindly assist with the meaning of the name "Mutelo".. Thanks in advance.
    And one more thing, I am Lozi by tribe but grew up in a household that never communicated using Lozi whatsoever. I would really like to learn how to speak my mother tongue. Kindly help me with the fastest and most effective way to do so.
    Thanks once more.
    Regards.

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    1. Ida and Keith25 April 2015 at 05:28

      You will find the word Mutelo used in the Green Lozi Bible (Bibele Ye Kenile) to translate the word 'Tax collector'.' Publican' in the older English versions. See Mateu 9:9 when Jesus calls Matthew. In the Bible Society's Litaba Zende the more modern translation is 'mutelisi. As for the best way of learning Lozi other than marrying a Lozi-speaker the best other way is through immersion, going and living in a Lozi-speaking community. If this is not possible and there is no modern Teach Yourself Silozi books or CDcs as far as I am aware. I learned to begin with reading the English and Lozi Bibles in parallel and translating the Sifela. Again Lozi publications are few but with the new curriculum Grade 1-4 School books are being published in Silozi so those would help you.
      Regards
      Keith

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  89. Unknown4 May 2015 at 16:16

    Bo Ida ni bo Keith . Thanx for the translations.

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  90. Anonymous27 June 2015 at 06:40

    Good morning to you Ida and Keith. Kindly assist me with the meaning of the following names ideally believed to be Subiya names. These are "Sezuni and Nasinda." if possible even their history or how they came to be.

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  91. Anonymous15 October 2015 at 16:48

    HELLO BO KEITH,

    WHAT DO THE FOLLOWING NAMES MEAN? I WILL BE GLAD IF YOU EXPLAINED IN DETAILS LIKE WHEN TO USE THEM AS NAMES:
    1. NEO
    2.KARABO
    3.MUYANWA

    KINDLY AWAITING YOUR RESPONSE. THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT WORK YOU ARE DOING.

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    1. Ida and Keith26 October 2015 at 14:13

      'Neo' is Sestswana and means gift (Mpo-Silozi) In lozi Limpo (plural) is used. You also find the plural used in Sestswana 'Dineo'
      Kalabo means small paddle. 'Isilabo' is also found meaning Paddle-owner. Muyanwa means one who has been given generously. These names are all cited by Lisimba
      Keith

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  92. Bronco10 November 2015 at 12:54

    Is Kalaluka really the opposite of Akalaluka?

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    1. Ida and Keith11 November 2015 at 05:05

      Hi Bronco, the name Akaalaluka is made up of the negative marker + the verb
      the Luyana negative being 'Aka'. Kalaluka is just a more modern or dialectal variant of Akaaluka, both meaning 'one who can't last for long. Ka is being used instead of Aka. A similar pair are Akaapelwa & Kaapelwa 'One for whom it won't rise'
      Hope this helps
      Keith

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  93. Anonymous17 November 2015 at 15:11

    Good evening Ida and Keith. Could you please help me with the meaning of the following names:
    - Sitamulaho; and
    - Wakung'uma

    Thank you.

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    1. Anonymous1 December 2015 at 15:37

      Both are similar in meaning and refer to the last-born, the one coming last or at the back. Keith

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    2. Anonymous7 December 2015 at 05:03

      Thank you. I suspected so but needed to be sure.

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  94. Anonymous10 December 2015 at 08:06

    Hi, what do the following names mean:
    Ngela
    Mabuku

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    1. Ida and Keith10 December 2015 at 14:55

      Hi, Advent greetings! Ngela means 'my advisor'. Mabuku is a bit more tricky and this is my take on it. I think it means one who adds on or contributes. My reasoning is that I know from Lisimba that Kabuku (Akabuku) means 'he won't add on or contribute, so I think Mabuku is likely to be the opposite. Any comments? Keith

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  95. Anonymous6 April 2016 at 16:04

    hi Ida & Keith, kindly help with the meaning for the following names Mubita and Mubitana...do Lozi people have totems, if so l would like to know mine, my dad used Mubita or Siba as our surname

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    1. Ida and Keith13 April 2016 at 14:03

      Mubita: 'passer-by' (Lisimba) or perhaps 'wrestler'(other sources0.
      Mubitana: Mubita Junior
      Siba or Sibaa 'that which kills' (Lisimba)

      There are no family totems as such in Lozi culture but there are names derived from familiar animals
      Inambao: lion (euphamism)
      Lingomba: turkey buzzard
      Mbao: otter
      Mbutwana: young hippo
      Muka: bee
      Mukata: python
      Mulunga: moorhen
      Mushiba: a verysmall fish
      Mutau: lion
      Ndopu: elephant
      Simbotwe: frog
      Siyanga: crocodile

      Some of these more dangerous animals are praise names given in recognition of the of the bearer's courage or stamina and strength. The lion, elephant and crocodiles are examples. They tend to be given to exeptional members of Lozi society. One famous royal panegyric in honour of Lubosi compares him to the njinji fish, the lion and the elephant corresponding to the three major phases in his life as a monarch as he rose to power and dominance. The lion is clearly a symbol of courage and strength and the elephant portrays absolute power and authority. The other animals which give names are of course cattle and there are many names associated with them.
      Hope this helps
      Keith

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  96. Unknown15 April 2016 at 12:38

    Greetings Bo Keith

    My name is Miya, a subiya from Katima in Namibia, I would like to know if you have any idea on what my name means. Nobody seems to know the actual meaning.
    I have at least learnt what my last name Kabajani means from your blog. Thank you for that. Could you also help with the following names, which are most likely all subiya.

    Kabuba
    Ndubu
    Mabuku
    Matengu
    Sikabongo
    Sibungo
    Ikume
    Nganga
    Muumba

    Will really appreciate.

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    1. Ida and Keith16 April 2016 at 14:18

      H, Bo-Miya. Sorry I cannot help with many of the names. I have only been able to find old Subiya tales that have been translated into French with a very limited wordlist.
      From that I found only two Matengu is afternoon/evening Nganga/a medicine man. Is there anyone else out there able to help?
      Thanks
      Keith

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  97. Anonymous1 May 2016 at 23:56

    Hi Bo Keith, would you happen to know what Lufwendo, Imboela, Muubuka mean?

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    1. Ida and Keith2 May 2016 at 06:22

      I can help with Imboela: A Southerner pointing to a place of origin, I is the male form of the name Namboela being the feminine, In Lozi the cardinal points have an underlying or associated meaning as well the south was where the Zambezi flowed out of Bulozi, so it came to mean terminus, dead end or misfortune.
      Keith

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  98. Unknown3 May 2016 at 11:07

    Hi, kindly assist me with meaning Simunji and Maswau. I have named my son as maswau a name which my late mother had given me.

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  99. Unknown4 May 2016 at 13:06

    Good afternoon,
    thank you for great work you are doing. kindly assist me with the meaning for my names Simunji and Maswau. I believe Simunji is kwangwa and Maswau is Subiya.
    I will really appreciate because my late mother gave me these names and I have also named my son the same names.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ida and Keith5 May 2016 at 19:40

      Hi Bo Simunji
      Simunji is a variant of Simwinji 'born during daytime' Maswau I have not found. Ngenda is 'a traveller or passer-by' Associated saying Ngenda kamana sibawa, amana sibawa ni mwikati A passer=by doesn't finish a dish, whoever does so is a resident. Hosting a stranger is a temporary responsibility that should be accepted willingly
      Best wishes
      Keith

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  100. Anonymous18 July 2016 at 09:12

    Hai, kindly assist me with the meaning of the name Ilyayambwa and Anambayo.

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    1. Ida and Keith3 August 2016 at 05:20

      Good morning I have found the following references which may help you Yambwa comes from Yamba which means to talk. Lisimba gives the translation of yambwa as affair in the sense of business or case. Yambwa muunda keekaambwa mbumbi (the talk of the flood season is not the talk of the dry season. I have found Ilya as the first component in the name - Ilyamupu (Ilya-ya-mubu)meaning Food of the soil ie the short-lived one. I have found nothing yet on Anambayo Hope this helps Keith

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