Our Zambian name database contains 765 Zambian surnames and 4.123 Zambian first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the Zambian 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 Zambia are very limited to the names we know from other countries. The Zambian names are validated using official governmental databases we received in other countries which contained Zambian names as well. To create the Zambian name database we used 13.782 validated Zambian social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular Zambian surnames

This table show popular Zambian surnames. In Zambia, the surname is typically passed down from the father to the children. It is considered an important aspect of one's identity and is often used in formal settings, such as government documents and official paperwork. Some individuals may also choose to adopt their mother's surname as their own, particularly if their father is not present in their life. However, this is less common and may not be recognized in all situations.

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Phiri 325 2.4% Mahoran Zimbabwean Malawian
Banda 303 2.2% Mexican American Mahoran
Mulenga 202 1.5% British American Mahoran
Zulu 157 1.1% Mahoran American Zimbabwean
Tembo 152 1.1% Zimbabwean Mahoran Malawian
Musonda 143 1.0% British Mahoran American
Bwalya 125 0.9% Mahoran Dutch British
Mwanza 122 0.9% Kenyan Zimbabwean Mahoran
Mumba 122 0.9% American Kenyan Mahoran
Lungu 114 0.8% Romanian Spanish British
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 13.782 Zambian social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Zambian first names

In Zambia, parents typically pick a first name for their child based on cultural and traditional customs. They may choose a name that is significant in their tribe or has a special meaning in their family. Many parents also choose names based on religious beliefs, such as biblical names or names with Islamic or Christian origins. Additionally, parents may choose to name their child after a respected ancestor or family member. The final decision is often made through consultation with family members and close friends.

Popular Zambian male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
John 122 1.3% American British Canadian
David 121 1.3% American British Spanish
Emmanuel 103 1.1% Nigerian French Mexican
Joseph 102 1.1% American British Nigerian
Michael 98 1.1% American British German
James 92 1.0% British American Australian
Brian 81 0.9% American British Canadian
Peter 78 0.9% British American Dutch
Paul 73 0.8% British American Dutch
Mike 73 0.8% American British Canadian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 13.782 Zambian social media profiles from which 9.131 (66%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular Zambian female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Mulenga 50 1.1% Brazilian Congolese Jamaican
Gift 41 0.9% Nigerian American Mahoran
Bwalya 40 0.9% American Canadian Nepalese
Natasha 34 0.7% British American Canadian
Mutale 34 0.7% Ugandan Argentinean Chinese
Mary 34 0.7% American British Irish
Elizabeth 34 0.7% American British Mexican
Sarah 31 0.7% British American Canadian
Chanda 31 0.7% American Indian Canadian
Grace 30 0.6% American British Irish
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 13.782 Zambian social media profiles from which 4.651 (34%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.