Our Congolese name database contains 746 Congolese surnames and 4.962 Congolese first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the Congolese name database in CSV, SQL or JSON format. Africa is very poor organised and has no open data initiatives. The list of names from countries like Congo are very limited to the names we know from other countries. The Congolese names are validated using official governmental databases we received in other countries which contained Congolese names as well. To create the Congolese name database we used 11.228 validated Congolese social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular Congolese surnames

This table show popular Congolese surnames. In Congo, surnames are typically passed down from the father. Children take on their father's surname as their own. However, in some cases, women may choose to keep their maiden name or use a combination of their maiden and married name. It is also common for people to have multiple surnames, reflecting different ancestors or ethnic origins.

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Ilunga 38 0.3% Mahoran Congolese American
Kazadi 36 0.3% Congolese American Mahoran
Kasongo 36 0.3% Zambian Congolese British
Mwangi 35 0.3% Kenyan American British
Kabeya 27 0.2% Mahoran Congolese French
Maina 25 0.2% Kenyan Nigerian American
Otieno 22 0.2% Kenyan American British
Odhiambo 22 0.2% Kenyan American Tanzanian
Ntumba 22 0.2% Mahoran British Congolese
Kabamba 22 0.2% Congolese Zambian Mahoran
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 11.228 Congolese social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Congolese first names

In Congo, parents often choose a first name based on cultural and religious traditions. Many names have a specific meaning or significance, such as those that honor ancestors or express blessings for the child's future. Parents may also choose a name based on the child's birthdate or astrological sign. Family members and friends may also have input on the chosen name. Ultimately, the decision is made with the intention of giving the child a name that reflects their heritage and brings good fortune.

Popular Congolese male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Patrick 91 1.1% American British German
Christian 79 1.0% American German British
John 65 0.8% American British Canadian
David 60 0.7% American British Spanish
Joseph 53 0.6% American British Nigerian
Kevin 52 0.6% American British Canadian
Daniel 52 0.6% American British Spanish
Emmanuel 50 0.6% Nigerian French Mexican
Peter 48 0.6% British American Dutch
Jonathan 47 0.6% American British Mexican
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 11.228 Congolese social media profiles from which 8.241 (73%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular Congolese female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Grâce 19 0.6% American British Irish
Sarah 17 0.6% British American Canadian
Mary 15 0.5% American British Irish
Rachel 11 0.4% American British Canadian
Maria 11 0.4% Spanish American Venezuelan
Faith 11 0.4% American British Nigerian
Anne 11 0.4% American British French
Mpho 10 0.3% Mahoran Motswana Mosotho
Irene 10 0.3% Spanish American Italian
Eva 10 0.3% Spanish American British
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 11.228 Congolese social media profiles from which 2.987 (27%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.