Find out how popular the first name Zenzele has been for the last 6 years (from 1997 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zenzele by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Zenzele is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zenzele.

The history of the first name Zenzele

The name Zenzele originates from the Zulu language spoken by the Zulu people of Southern Africa. It is derived from the Zulu verb "ukuzenzela," which means "to do for oneself" or "to be self-reliant."

In Zulu culture, the name Zenzele carries a strong connotation of independence, self-sufficiency, and self-determination. It was often given to children as a way of instilling these values and encouraging them to be self-motivated and capable of achieving their goals through their own efforts.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Zenzele can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, during the time of the Zulu Kingdom under the leadership of King Shaka. It is possible that the name may have been used even earlier, but written records from that period are scarce.

One of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Zenzele was Zenzele kaMpande, a prominent Zulu warrior and advisor to King Mpande, who ruled the Zulu Kingdom from 1840 to 1872.

In the 20th century, Zenzele Miriam Makeba (1932-2008) was a renowned South African singer, actress, and civil rights activist who used her music to spread awareness about apartheid and the struggle for racial equality in South Africa.

Another notable figure was Zenzele Cecilia Radebe (1901-1976), a South African nurse and midwife who played a significant role in promoting maternal and child health in her community.

Zenzele Mashinini (1927-2003) was a South African trade unionist and political activist who fought against apartheid and advocated for workers' rights.

Zenzele Ncobo (born c. 1975) is a contemporary South African artist known for her vibrant paintings and mixed media works that explore themes of identity, culture, and spirituality.

While the name Zenzele is most commonly found among the Zulu people, it has also gained popularity in other parts of South Africa and beyond, as it resonates with values of self-reliance and personal strength that are universally admired.

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

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

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