Find out how popular the first name Thandi has been for the last 27 years (from 1994 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Thandi by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Thandi is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Thandi.

The history of the first name Thandi

The name Thandi is of South African origin, derived from the Xhosa language spoken by the Xhosa people, one of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa. The name likely originated in the 16th or 17th century when the Xhosa language and culture began to flourish in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.

In the Xhosa language, Thandi is believed to mean "the beloved one" or "the loved one." The name carries a sense of affection and endearment, which may explain its popularity among the Xhosa people. However, the exact etymology of the name is not entirely clear, as various sources offer slightly different interpretations of its meaning.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Thandi are found in oral traditions and folklore passed down through generations of Xhosa storytellers. Unfortunately, there are no known references to the name in ancient texts or historical records from the region.

One of the earliest notable figures to bear the name Thandi was Thandi Modise, a South African politician and military veteran who served as the Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa from 2019 to 2022. Thandi Modise was born in 1959 in the North West province of South Africa.

Another prominent individual with the name Thandi is Thandi Klaasen, a renowned South African jazz singer who gained international acclaim for her powerful vocals and stage presence. Thandi Klaasen was born in 1931 in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, and passed away in 2017.

In the realm of literature, Thandi Ntuli is a respected South African author and poet. She was born in 1952 and is known for her works that explore themes of identity, culture, and the struggles of Black South Africans during and after apartheid.

The name Thandi also has a historical connection to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Thandi Modise, mentioned earlier, was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and played a significant role in the fight against the oppressive apartheid regime.

Another noteworthy figure is Thandi Ndlovu, a South African singer and actress who gained popularity in the late 20th century. Born in 1968, she has been praised for her contributions to the South African entertainment industry and for promoting the Zulu culture through her work.

While the name Thandi is primarily associated with South Africa and the Xhosa people, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world, transcending cultural boundaries and serving as a reminder of the rich diversity of names and their meanings.

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

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

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