Tulani first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Tulani has been for the last 13 years (from 1975 to 1987) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Tulani

Feminine name of African origin meaning "to achieve high standards".

Popularity of Tulani by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Tulani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1987, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tulani.

Year Male Count Female Count
1987 0 6
1983 0 6
1981 0 6
1980 0 7
1979 0 11
1978 0 8
1977 0 7
1976 0 7
1975 0 5

The history of the first name Tulani

The name Tulani originates from the Zulu language, which is spoken mainly in South Africa. It is believed to have emerged in the 16th century during the reign of the powerful Zulu nation. The name is derived from the Zulu word "tulu," meaning "to arise" or "to be born," combined with the suffix "-ani," which denotes a person or thing.

Tulani was a popular name among the Zulu people, as it symbolized the birth of a new life and the hope for a bright future. It was often given to children born during times of celebration or significant events within the community.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tulani can be found in the oral traditions and folktales of the Zulu people. These stories were passed down through generations, preserving the cultural significance and rich history of the name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tulani. One of the earliest recorded figures was Tulani ka Ndaba, a respected Zulu chief who lived in the late 18th century. He was known for his leadership skills and his efforts to maintain peace and unity among his people.

Another prominent figure was Tulani Dlamini, a renowned Zulu author and poet who lived in the early 20th century. He is celebrated for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Zulu literature and culture.

In the realm of sports, Tulani Mbenge, a South African rugby player, made a name for himself in the late 20th century. He represented the national team and was admired for his athleticism and dedication to the sport.

Tulani Nkosi, a South African actress and TV personality, gained recognition in the 21st century for her roles in various popular television series and films. Her talent and charisma have made her a household name.

Tulani Mavuso, a prominent South African businessman and philanthropist, is another notable figure who has carried the name with pride. He is known for his contributions to various charitable organizations and his efforts to uplift underprivileged communities.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Tulani throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich cultural heritage associated with this name.

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

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

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"Tulani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 8, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/tulani-meaning-and-history/.

"Tulani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/tulani-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 8 July, 2025

Tulani first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/tulani-meaning-and-history/.

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