Stats SA Reveals SA’s Most Popular Baby Names in 2024

Lethabo was the most popular name for boys born in in South Africa in 2024, while Onalerona was the most popular girl’s name.

This is according to Stats SA, which looked at the most popular given names for children born last year, as well as what were the most common surnames.

Stats SA said that both the names Lethabo and Onalerona reflect themes of positivity and hope, reflecting parents’ desires for good fortune and well-being for their children.

Lethabo, which also ranked fifth among female names, was joined by Nkanyezi (meaning “star") and Lesedi (meaning “light”) in the top ten for both genders.

For middle names, Junior ranked as the most popular choice for boys, followed by Blessing and Gift, while Precious, Princess, and Blessing were the top choices for girls.

Surnames also show a clear trend, with Dlamini leading the list for both genders, followed by Ndlovu and Nkosi. Notably, nine out of the ten most common surnames are Nguni (people who speak Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, or Swazi) with Mokoena, the only non-Nguni surname, appearing in sixth place.

Stats SA said these names reflect a broader cultural trend of hope and faith in the future, with many families choosing names that express love, belief, and connection to positive traditions.

The full list of names are as follows:

Ten most popular names for boys:

• Lethabo
• Lubanzi
• Nkazimulo
• Nkanyezi
• Langelihle
• Lesedi
• Lethokuhle
• Siphosethu
• Junior
• Leano

Ten most popular names for girls:

• Onalerona
• Zanokuhle
• Melokuhle
• Lisakhanya
• Lethabo
• Nkanyezi
• Onthatile
• Lesedi
• Omphile
• Olwemihla

The ten most common surnames for babies born in 2024:

• Dlamini
• Ndlovu
• Nkosi
• Khumalo
• Sithole
• Mkhize
• Mokoena
• Mthembu
• Gumede
• Ngcobo