Find out how popular the first name Amazi has been for the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Amazi by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Amazi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 85% of people named Amazi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 58 male babies and 9 female babies born with the name Amazi.

The history of the first name Amazi

The name Amazi has its origins in the Bantu languages spoken in parts of central and southern Africa. It likely derives from the root word "-mazi" or "-masi", which means "water" or "river" in several Bantu tongues. The name may have initially been given to children born near bodies of water, or it could have symbolized qualities like fluidity, purity, or life-giving sustenance.

In some historical records from the 15th century, variations of the name, such as "Amazhi" and "Amasi", appear as references to tribal leaders or warriors from the region now known as Malawi. However, it's difficult to ascertain the accuracy of these accounts due to the limited written records from that era.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the name Amazi was a Zulu warrior and advisor to King Shaka in the early 19th century. He was known for his strategic prowess and played a crucial role in several military campaigns that helped solidify the Zulu Kingdom's dominance in the region.

In the late 19th century, Amazi Mapumulo, a prominent Zulu chieftain, was recorded as a signatory to several treaties with the British colonial authorities, representing the interests of his people during the turbulent period of European expansion in southern Africa.

Jumping forward to the 20th century, Amazi Bhengu was a renowned South African artist and sculptor, whose works captured the essence of traditional Zulu culture and the struggles of his people during the apartheid era. He was born in 1929 and passed away in 2004, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Another notable figure was Amazi Ntshanga, a South African writer and activist who was born in 1979. His literary works, including the award-winning novel "The Reactive," explored themes of identity, race, and the complexities of post-apartheid South Africa. He has been celebrated for his contribution to contemporary African literature.

While the name Amazi has deep roots in the Bantu cultures of Africa, it has since spread to other parts of the world, carrying with it the rich tapestry of cultural significance and historical resonance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Amazi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Amazi, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!