Find out how popular the first name Zolani has been for the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A masculine South African Xhosa name meaning "be patient" or "wait".
Based on the last 5 years of data, Zolani is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zolani.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2023 | 0 | 15 |
2022 | 0 | 13 |
2021 | 0 | 7 |
2020 | 0 | 6 |
2019 | 0 | 6 |
The name Zolani originates from the Xhosa language, which is one of the official languages of South Africa and is spoken primarily in the Eastern Cape province. The name has its roots in the Nguni language group, which includes Zulu, Xhosa, and Swati, among others.
Zolani is a Xhosa name that means "to be peaceful" or "to bring peace." It is derived from the Xhosa word "uxolo," which translates to "peace." The name is believed to have been in use among the Xhosa people for centuries, as the concept of peace and harmony has long been valued in their culture.
While there are no specific historical references to the name Zolani in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is likely that the name has been used by the Xhosa people for generations. The earliest recorded examples of the name are difficult to pinpoint, as written records of Xhosa names were not widely kept until more recent times.
One of the most notable individuals with the name Zolani is Zolani Mahola, a South African singer and songwriter born in 1981. She is the lead vocalist of the popular South African rock band Freshlyground and has gained recognition for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.
Another prominent figure is Zolani Petelo, a South African rugby union player born in 1989. He played as a prop for the South African national team, the Springboks, and various domestic teams, including the Lions and the Golden Lions.
Zolani Mkiva is a South African politician and member of the African National Congress (ANC). He has served as a member of parliament and has held various leadership positions within the ANC.
Zolani Tete is a South African professional boxer who has held multiple world titles in the bantamweight and super-flyweight divisions. He was born in 1988 and is known for his exceptional skills in the ring.
Zolani Mahola, a South African writer and activist, is another notable figure with the name Zolani. She has published several books and has been involved in various social and political movements, advocating for human rights and equality.
These individuals, spanning different fields and eras, exemplify the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of those who bear the name Zolani, a name deeply rooted in the Xhosa culture and associated with the concept of peace and harmony.
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 Zolani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Zolani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 13, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/zolani-meaning-and-history/.
"Zolani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/zolani-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 13 June, 2025
Zolani first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/zolani-meaning-and-history/.
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