Find out how popular the first name Xolani has been for the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Xolani by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Xolani is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 91% of people named Xolani being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 176 female babies and 11 male babies born with the name Xolani.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 11 baby boys were named Xolani in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Xolani

The name Xolani has its origins in the Xhosa language, an indigenous Bantu language spoken by the Xhosa people in South Africa. The Xhosa are one of the major ethnic groups in the country, with a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries.

The meaning of the name Xolani is often translated as "to be at peace" or "to be calm." It is derived from the Xhosa word "uxolo," which means peace or calmness. This name is believed to have been given to children with the hope that they would grow up to be peaceful and serene individuals.

While the exact origins of the name are difficult to pinpoint, it is likely that Xolani has been used among the Xhosa people for generations. However, there are no known historical records or ancient texts that specifically mention this name.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Xolani dates back to the late 19th century. Xolani Dingana (1871-1935) was a prominent Xhosa chief and leader who played a significant role in the resistance against colonial rule in South Africa.

Another notable figure with the name Xolani is Xolani Kunene (born 1965), a South African actor and playwright who has appeared in numerous television shows and films. He is known for his work in promoting Xhosa language and culture.

Xolani Masebeni (1935-1962) was a South African activist and member of the African National Congress (ANC) who was executed by the apartheid government for his involvement in the struggle against racial segregation.

Xolani Gwala (1975-2018) was a South African radio personality and TV presenter who was known for his work on popular shows such as "Isidingo" and "Rhythm City."

Xolani Nkosi (born 1986) is a South African rugby union player who has represented his country in international competitions, including the Rugby World Cup.

While the name Xolani has gained popularity beyond the Xhosa community in recent decades, its roots remain deeply connected to the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Xhosa people in South Africa.

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

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

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