Introduction The Zulu language (isiZulu) is rich with proverbs and idioms (izaga) that offer profound insights into life, society, and […]
Zulu culture is rich in heritage and identity, and one of the most important aspects is the use of clan […]
Izithakazelo Clan names
🇿🇦 Zulu Clan Names and Praise Names (Izithakazelo zamaZulu)
| Clan Name | Izithakazelo / Praise Names |
|---|---|
| Zulu | Zulu kaMalandela, Ndabezitha, Mashingizembe, wena kaPhunga noMageba |
| Dlamini | Dlamini kaLuzumana, Mlangeni, Lukhele, Mntungwa, Shabalala, Bhungane |
| Gumede | Gumede kaZulu, Mapholoba, Zulu omnyama, Wena kaLanga, Nozidlangehlane |
| Khumalo | Khumalo kaMashobana, Mntungwa, Mbulazi, Zikode, Wena owadliwa yinyamazane |
| Mthembu | Mthembu kaMntungwa, Wena kaMalandela, Phakathi, Mashiya amahle |
| Mkhize | Mkhize kaMavovo, Nyongo, Ngunezi, Wena kaBhodloza |
| Buthelezi | Buthelezi kaMalandela, Sokwalisa, Mphemba, Wena wakwaPhathane |
| Shabalala | Shabalala kaDlamini, Mntungwa, Bhungane, Mashobane |
| Ndlela | Ndlela kaSompisi, Mdluli, Ndabezitha, Mpangazitha |
| Ngcobo | Ngcobo kaZindela, Makhunga, Madlala, Jiyane |
| Zwane | Zwane kaLanga, Mangethe, Ncwane, Mafu, Mhlabunzima |
| Cele | Cele kaMageba, Vezi elikhulu, Wena kaMadlebe |
| Ngema | Ngema kaQwabe, Nondaba, Wena owaphahla ngezingodo |
| Majozi | Majozi kaNkomo, Gcwabe, Mphemba, Msuthu |
| Ntuli | Ntuli kaMalandela, Vezi, Malandela, Qwabe |
| Mbatha | Mbatha kaHadebe, Shobane, Mbulazi, Mntungwa |
| Mabaso | Mabaso kaNdaba, Donda, Nsele, Nyamazane |
| Zungu | Zungu kaMalandela, Manzini, Magaye, Dlamini |
| Hlongwane | Hlongwane kaZulu, Nyamakayishi, Dindi, Wena kaMabizela |
| Xulu | Xulu kaMbili, Nsele, Msholozi, Mgabhi |
✅ Additional Notes:
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Izithakazelo are used as a way to show respect for one’s ancestry.
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These names can be recited in ceremonies, greetings, or to honor elders.
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Many clan names include reference to founding ancestors or totemic animals.
🔹 Zulu Clan Names (Izithakazelo) – A to Z
(Note: Each clan name is usually followed by praise names known as “izibongo”)
A
-
AmaQadi – Qadi, Dladla, Nomagaga
B
-
Buthelezi – Mnyamana, Shenge, Zulu kaMalandela
C
-
Cele – Mthimkhulu, Bhidla, Ndosi
D
-
Dlamini – Lukhele, Mafu, Mlangeni
-
Dladla – Mafu, Mashimane, Zingelwayo
-
Dube – Mahlaba, Ngcongwane, Mashobane
G
-
Gumede – Vungwana, Somaphunga, Maphitha
H
-
Hadebe – Dube, Langa, Mpongo
K
-
Khumalo – Mashobane, Mbulazi, Nyakama
-
Kheswa – Mthunzi, Ndlangisa
L
-
Luthuli – Maphitha, Luzumana
-
Langa – Mkhokheli, Ndlondlo
M
-
Mabaso – Zwana, Hhalhhalha
-
Madlala – Nzimande, Shodo
-
Magwaza – Mpangazitha, Shazi
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Majozi – Gcwabe, Sikhunyana
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Makhanya – Qadi, Magaye
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Mthembu – Mvelase, Mabizela
-
Mkhize – Ntuli, Mphemba, Bhambatha
-
Mncube – Ntsele, Nzalo
-
Mhlongo – Nyambose, Nondaba
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Mazibuko – Mangena, Nxumalo
N
-
Ngcobo – Boyane, Mdletye
-
Ngema – Nondzaba, Zulu
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Ngubane – Ndaba, Mphephethwa
-
Ndlovu – Gatsheni, Jobe, Mahlabathini
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Ntuli – Zulu, Malandela
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Nzuza – Mjoli, Mkhomazi
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Nkosi – Bhungane, Mlotshwa, Mhlaba
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Nyandeni – Gxabhashe, Qithi
Q
-
Qwabe – Msuthu, Mkhwanazi
-
Qiniso – Hlabisa, Gwala
S
-
Shabalala – Mbongeni, Zulu
-
Sithole – Lwandle, Msholozi
-
Simelane – Nhlazatshe, Nyamazane
-
Shezi – Mqadi, Mwelase
T
-
Thwala – Nyambose, Lushaba
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Tshabalala – Mthunzi, Magidla
X
-
Xulu – Mashimane, Mabhedla
Z
-
Zuma – Nxamalala, Msholozi
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Zikhali – Phakathwayo, Mangethe
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Zondi – Gcwensa, Nhlabathi
📌 Notes:
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Clan names are sometimes repeated across different tribes or regions with slight variations.
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Each Zulu clan name has specific historical roots tied to ancient chieftainships and lineages.
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Praise names (izibongo) often accompany clan names in formal or cultural settings.