Last Names in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the rich tapestry of South African last names, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of this vibrant nation. From European influences to indigenous origins, South African surnames tell a story of historical migrations, language, and identity. This comprehensive guide delves into the meanings and origins of some of the most common and fascinating last names found in South Africa.
1. **Abraham:** Hebrew origin, meaning "father of a multitude" or "father of many nations."
2. **Ackerman:** German origin, meaning "field man" or "farmer."
3. **Adams:** English origin, meaning "son of Adam."
4. **Agnew:** Scottish origin, meaning "descendant of Angus."
5. **Alberts:** Dutch origin, meaning "noble, bright."
6. **Alexander:** Greek origin, meaning "defender of men."
7. **Anderson:** English origin, meaning "son of Andrew."
8. **Andrews:** English origin, meaning "son of Andrew."
9. **Arnold:** German origin, meaning "ruler of eagles."
10. **Badenhorst:** Dutch origin, meaning "castle on the heath."
11. **Bailey:** English origin, meaning "bailiff" or "court official."
12. **Baker:** English origin, meaning "baker."
13. **Bester:** Dutch origin, meaning "best" or "excellent."
14. **Botha:** Dutch origin, meaning "booth" or "dwelling."
15. **Brown:** English origin, meaning "brown" or "dark-haired."
16. **Burger:** Dutch origin, meaning "citizen" or "burgher."
17. **Campbell:** Scottish origin, meaning "twisted mouth."
18. **Carstens:** Dutch origin, meaning "Christian."
19. **Clark:** English origin, meaning "scribe" or "scholar."
20. **Coetzee:** Dutch origin, meaning "small goat."
21. **Conradie:** Dutch origin, meaning "courageous" or "brave."
22. **Coombe:** English origin, meaning "valley" or "hollow."
23. **Davies:** Welsh origin, meaning "son of David."
24. **De Beer:** Dutch origin, meaning "from the beer" (a place name).
25. **De Klerk:** Dutch origin, meaning "clerk" or "secretary."
26. **De Villiers:** French origin, meaning "of the villages."
27. **De Wet:** Dutch origin, meaning "of the meadow."
28. **Du Plessis:** French origin, meaning "of the meadow."
29. **Du Toit:** Dutch origin, meaning "at the roof" (a place name).
30. **Edwards:** English origin, meaning "son of Edward."
31. **Engelbrecht:** Dutch origin, meaning "angel's strength."
32. **Erasmus:** Greek origin, meaning "beloved."
33. **Evans:** Welsh origin, meaning "son of Evan."
34. **Fourie:** Dutch origin, meaning "furrier."
35. **Fox:** English origin, meaning "fox."
36. **Geldenhuys:** Dutch origin, meaning "golden house."
37. **Grobler:** Dutch origin, meaning "grocer."
38. **Hansen:** Danish origin, meaning "son of Hans."
39. **Harris:** English origin, meaning "son of Harry."
40. **Hendricks:** Dutch origin, meaning "son of Hendrik."
41. **Hermanus:** Dutch origin, meaning "man of the army."
42. **Heyns:** Dutch origin, meaning "pagan" or "heathen."
43. **Hoffman:** German origin, meaning "courtman" or "nobleman."
44. **Hugo:** German origin, meaning "mind" or "spirit."
45. **Jacobs:** Dutch origin, meaning "son of Jacob."
46. **Janse van Rensburg:** Dutch origin, meaning "son of Jan from Rensburg."
47. **Joubert:** French origin, meaning "young man."
48. **Kriel:** Dutch origin, meaning "chalk pit."
49. **Kruger:** Dutch origin, meaning "crook."
50. **La Grange:** French origin, meaning "the barn."
51. **Le Roux:** French origin, meaning "the red one."
52. **Louw:** Dutch origin, meaning "lion."
53. **Marais:** French origin, meaning "marshes."
54. **Maritz:** Dutch origin, meaning "son of Martin."
55. **Matthews:** English origin, meaning "son of Matthew."
56. **Mcdonald:** Scottish origin, meaning "son of Donald."
57. **Meyer:** German origin, meaning "farmer" or "tenant."
58. **Miller:** English origin, meaning "miller."
59. **Muller:** German origin, meaning "miller."
60. **Nel:** Dutch origin, meaning "son of Neil."
61. **Nelissen:** Dutch origin, meaning "son of Neil."
62. **Nienaber:** Dutch origin, meaning "new farmer."
63. **Olivier:** French origin, meaning "olive tree."
64. **Oosthuizen:** Dutch origin, meaning "eastern house."
65. **Pienaar:** Dutch origin, meaning "pine tree."
66. **Pretorius:** Dutch origin, meaning "priest."
67. **Rall:** German origin, meaning "crow."
68. **Retief:** Dutch origin, meaning "rider."
69. **Rossouw:** Dutch origin, meaning "horse" or "rider."
70. **Roux:** French origin, meaning "red."
71. **Scholtz:** Dutch origin, meaning "shepherd."
72. **Smit:** Dutch origin, meaning "blacksmith."
73. **Smith:** English origin, meaning "blacksmith."
74. **Steyn:** Dutch origin, meaning "stone."
75. **Strydom:** Dutch origin, meaning "strong man."
76. **Swart:** Dutch origin, meaning "black."
77. **Swartbooi:** Afrikaans origin, meaning "black boy."
78. **Terblanche:** Dutch origin, meaning "white land."
79. **Van der Merwe:** Dutch origin, meaning "from the lake."
80. **Van Niekerk:** Dutch origin, meaning "from the church."
81. **Van Rensburg:** Dutch origin, meaning "from Rensburg."
82. **Van Vuuren:** Dutch origin, meaning "from the fire."
83. **Viljoen:** Dutch origin, meaning "son of Viljoen."
84. **Visser:** Dutch origin, meaning "fisherman."
85. **Voster:** Dutch origin, meaning "foster" or "nurse."
86. **Wessels:** Dutch origin, meaning "western" or "westward."
87. **Williams:** Welsh origin, meaning "son of William."
88. **Wilson:** English origin, meaning "son of William."
89. **Witbooi:** Afrikaans origin, meaning "white boy."
90. **Zietsman:** Dutch origin, meaning "man of the sea."