Find out how popular the first name Zenani has been for the last 35 years (from 1990 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zenani by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Zenani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zenani.

The history of the first name Zenani

The name Zenani originates from the Zulu language, which is one of the major Bantu languages spoken in South Africa. The Zulu people are an ethnic group that traces its roots back to the 17th century in the southeastern region of what is now South Africa.

Zenani is derived from the Zulu word "zenzele," which means "to do for oneself" or "self-reliance." The name is believed to have emerged during the era of King Shaka Zulu, the legendary monarch who ruled the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century. Shaka Zulu was known for his emphasis on self-reliance and independence, values that were deeply ingrained in the Zulu culture.

In Zulu tradition, names often carried significant meanings and were carefully chosen to reflect the desired qualities or aspirations for a child. The name Zenani was likely given to children as a way of instilling the values of self-reliance and determination from an early age.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Zenani can be found in the annals of the Zulu Kingdom during the reign of King Cetshwayo kaMpande, who ruled from 1872 to 1879. Zenani kaSithole, a prominent Zulu warrior and advisor to the king, played a crucial role in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zenani, including:

1. Zenani Mandela (1959 - 2023), the eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who was an activist and ambassador for various humanitarian causes.

2. Zenani Dlamini (born 1959), a South African politician and member of the National Assembly, who served as the Minister of Social Development from 2009 to 2014.

3. Zenani Tshabalalela (born 1964), a South African diplomat and former ambassador to Italy, who has also held diplomatic positions in several other countries.

4. Zenani Dlamini-Mandela (born 1987), the eldest granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who is involved in various charitable initiatives.

5. Zenani Griffiths (born 1980), a South African journalist and television personality, known for her work as a news anchor and presenter.

These individuals, among others, have carried the name Zenani throughout history, representing the enduring legacy of the Zulu culture and the values 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 Zenani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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