Find out how popular the first name Mandela has been for the last 39 years (from 1984 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mandela by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Mandela is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mandela.

The history of the first name Mandela

The name Mandela is believed to have originated from the Xhosa language spoken by the Xhosa people of South Africa. The Xhosa language is a Bantu language, part of the Niger-Congo language family.

The name Mandela is thought to be derived from the Xhosa word "ndela," which means "traveler" or "walker." This suggests that the name may have been given to individuals who were known for their travels or their nomadic lifestyle.

One of the earliest known references to the name Mandela can be found in the historical records of the Xhosa people, dating back to the 18th century. During this time, the name was commonly used among the Xhosa communities in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.

The name gained global recognition in the 20th century due to Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African anti-apartheid activist and former President of South Africa (1918-2013). Nelson Mandela's name and legacy have become synonymous with the struggle for freedom, equality, and human rights.

Other notable historical figures who bore the name Mandela include:

1. Nkosi Mandela (late 18th century), a Xhosa chief and leader known for his military prowess and leadership during the Xhosa Wars against colonial forces in South Africa.

2. Rolihlahla Mandela (1918-2018), Nelson Mandela's father and a respected advisor and counselor in the Thembu royal house.

3. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (1936-2018), a prominent South African politician and activist who was married to Nelson Mandela and played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement.

4. Zindziswa Mandela (1960-2003), Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter and an activist in her own right, known for her work in promoting education and HIV/AIDS awareness.

5. Mandla Mandela (born 1974), Nelson Mandela's grandson and the current head of the Mandela family, who has been involved in various philanthropic and business ventures.

The name Mandela has become a symbol of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of justice, transcending its linguistic origins and entering the global lexicon as a representation of the fight for human rights and freedom.

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 Mandela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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