Our Zimbabwean name database contains 914 Zimbabwean surnames and 3.828 Zimbabwean first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the Zimbabwean 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 Zimbabwe are very limited to the names we know from other countries. The Zimbabwean names are validated using official governmental databases we received in other countries which contained Zimbabwean names as well. To create the Zimbabwean name database we used 12.797 validated Zimbabwean social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular Zimbabwean surnames

This table show popular Zimbabwean surnames. In Zimbabwe, surnames typically indicate the family or clan to which an individual belongs. These names are passed down through generations and are often specific to certain ethnic groups. Additionally, many individuals also have a second surname that indicates their father's name. For example, if an individual's father's name is John, their surname may be "John-Smith," indicating that they are part of the Smith family and their father's name is John.

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Moyo 225 1.8% Mahoran British American
Sibanda 186 1.5% Mahoran British American
Ncube 148 1.2% Mahoran British American
Dube 126 1.0% Mahoran Canadian American
Ndlovu 125 1.0% Mahoran British American
Sithole 87 0.7% Mahoran American British
Phiri 75 0.6% Zambian Mahoran Malawian
Shumba 59 0.5% Mahoran Zambian Malawian
Mpofu 59 0.5% Mahoran British Motswana
Jones 56 0.4% American British Canadian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 12.797 Zimbabwean social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Zimbabwean first names

In Zimbabwe, parents typically choose a first name for their child based on a combination of cultural and personal preferences. They may consider traditional names that have been passed down through their family or clan, or they may choose a name that holds special meaning or significance to them. Many parents also consider the meaning and symbolism of the name, and may choose a name that reflects the child's personality or future aspirations. Ultimately, the decision on a first name is a personal and meaningful one for parents in Zimbabwe.

Popular Zimbabwean male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Tinashe 132 1.5% Mahoran American British
Michael 87 1.0% American British German
Tatenda 86 1.0% Mahoran British American
John 84 1.0% American British Canadian
David 77 0.9% American British Spanish
James 73 0.8% British American Australian
Tafadzwa 70 0.8% Mahoran American Australian
King 70 0.8% American Nigerian British
Paul 61 0.7% British American Dutch
Brian 59 0.7% American British Canadian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 12.797 Zimbabwean social media profiles from which 8.616 (67%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular Zimbabwean female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Blessing 61 1.5% Nigerian Mahoran American
Nyasha 60 1.4% Mahoran British American
Mai 43 1.0% Egyptian American Vietnamese
Sarah 40 1.0% British American Canadian
Ashley 37 0.9% American British Canadian
Gift 28 0.7% Nigerian American Mahoran
Patience 26 0.6% American Nigerian Mahoran
Emma 25 0.6% British American Irish
Lisa 24 0.6% American British Canadian
Munya 21 0.5% Mahoran British American
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 12.797 Zimbabwean social media profiles from which 4.181 (33%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.