113 Most Popular Setswana Names To Help Your Baby Stand Out

Martha Martins
Feb 15, 2024 By Martha Martins
Originally Published on Sep 06, 2022
Edited by Lara Simpson
Fact-checked by Spandana Kantam
Outdoor portrait of a cute young sisters laughing - Names



Setswana or Tswana is a Bantu language that citizens of South Africa use.

Setswana is quite a unique language and some popular Setswana baby names are Modise, Mpho, Neo, Dineo, Dikeledi, Lesedi, Sotho, Boitumelo, and several others. Most Setswana names have common meanings: rain, beautiful, thankful, light, faith, king, joy, beauty, welcome, happiness, wealth, builder, flower, star, and trust.

The list of popular Setswana names includes biblical female names, twin names for girls, unique Setswana names, and more. Do you need a unique and modern Setswana name for your kid? Here is a list of the 113 most popular Setswana names to help your baby stand out.

Setswana Baby Names

Setswana baby names are unique and cool. Here are some Setswana names for boys, Setswana names for girls, and Setswana baby names and their meanings for your perusal.

Itumeleng (Tswana origin) means 'be happy' or 'rejoice'. Itumeleng would be a very optimistic name for your baby.

Mmusi (South African origin), meaning 'governor', is a unique and rare name for boys.

Moagi (Tswana and African origin), meaning 'a builder' or 'resident', is a unique name for boys and is sometimes used as a surname.

Modise (South African origin), meaning 'herder', is a boy's name sometimes used as a surname.

Moeng (South African origin), meaning 'guest', is quite a common name for boys.

Mmoloki (Tswana origin), meaning 'a savior', is not a very common name for boys.

Mogapi (South African origin), meaning 'one who confiscates' or 'victor', is a boy's name but has gained popularity as a surname.

Mogorosi (South African origin), meaning 'one who brings animals into the kraal in the evening', is not a very popular name for boys but it sure sounds unique.

Mokgosi (South African origin), meaning 'a loud call for help', is a unique and rare name for boys.

Molefe (South African origin), meaning 'to pay', is not a very common name for boys but has gained popularity as a surname.

Molefi (South African origin), meaning 'prayer' or 'one who pays damages to another', is quite a popular name for boys.

Mompati (Tswana origin), meaning 'one who accompanies me', is not a very common name for boys.

Mothibi (African origin), meaning 'one who drives animals', represents realism, reliability, and sincerity. It is not a very common name for boys.

Mothundi (unknown origin), meaning 'a smith', is not a very common name for boys.

Mothusi (Tswana origin), meaning 'a helper', is a unique name for boys.

Motswane (African origin), meaning 'good', is not a very common name for boys.

Olorato (African and Tswana origin), meaning 'loving' or 'happy', is not a very common name for boys.

Onkgopotse (South African origin), meaning 'remembered', is not a very common name for boys.

Pono (Hawaiian origin), meaning 'sight', is quite a common name for boys.

Thato (African origin), meaning 'will', is a common name for boys.

Tapiwa (African origin), meaning 'gift', is a common gender-neutral name.

Topologo (unknown origin), meaning 'relaxation', is a not-so-common name for boys.

Tau (African and Egyptian origin), meaning 'lion', is not a common name for boys.

Thabo (African origin), meaning 'joy' or 'happiness', is one of the most popular gender-neutral Setswana names.

Tshepo (African origin), meaning 'trust' or 'hope', is a unique and popular gender-neutral name.

Teulo (unknown origin), meaning 'payment', is a unique and rare baby name for boys.

Khumo (Tswana origin), meaning 'wealth', is a unique name for girls and is sometimes used as a surname.

Leago (Tswana origin), meaning 'to build', is a commonly used baby name.

Lebogang (African origin), meaning 'be thankful', is a common name used for girls.

Lerato (African and Tswana origin), meaning 'love' or 'song of my soul', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Montsho (African origin), meaning 'black', is quite a popular Setswana name for girls.

Mpho (African and Botswana origin), meaning 'gift', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Pulafel (unknown origin), meaning 'only rain', is not a common name for girls.

Reneliwe (African origin), meaning 'given' or 'blessing from God', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Sogomotso (unknown origin), meaning 'comfort', is an uncommon Setswana name for girls.

Sethuya (unknown origin), meaning 'a flower', is a unique and rare Setswana name for girls.

Setswana Godly Baby Names

Some Setswana baby names may appear godly. Some Setswana godly baby names are amongst the most popular Setswana names for babies. Below are some popular Setswana names and meanings for you to choose from.

Baboloki (Tswana origin), meaning 'savior', is a name appropriate for a brave warrior.

Omphile (South African origin), meaning 'God-given gift', is a unique and rare name for boys.

Goatsemodime (South African origin), meaning 'God knows', is not a common name for boys.

Godiraone (South African and Tswana origin), meaning 'it is God who does', is a unique name for boys. This is one of the most popular Setswana names.

Goitsemodomo (unknown origin), meaning 'God knows', is a unique and rare name for boys.

Goitseone (South African origin), meaning 'it is him who knows', is a boy's name and is sometimes used as a surname.

Gofaone (Botswana and African origin), meaning 'it is God who gives', is one of the rare Setswana names for boys.

Atasaone (unknown origin), meaning 'God’s hand', is not a very popular name for boys.

Goitsemedime (unknown origin), meaning 'God knows', is one of the common Setswana names for girls.

Boatametse (unknown origin), meaning 'God's kingdom drew near', is a unique baby name for a boy.

Warona (Lesotho origin), meaning 'ours', 'our child', or 'our blessing', is a common Setswana name.

Kagoentle (South African origin), meaning 'beautiful creation', is a unique name for girls.

Alebakwe (unknown origin), meaning 'let's praise God's name', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Gaolathe (unknown origin), meaning 'God doesn't desert', is an uncommon name for boys.

Anele (South African origin), meaning 'God's blessings poured on us' or 'be enough', is a unique name for girls.

Kopano (African and Breton origin), meaning 'united universe', is quite a popular name for boys.

Barulaganye (African origin), meaning 'come immediately', is a female name that is very whimsical.

Letsego (Botswana origin), meaning 'armament', is a very popular name for boys.

Afeloteng (unknown origin), meaning 'change it', is one of the rare Setswana names.

Agang (South African origin), meaning 'build', is amongst the most popular Setswana names for boys.

Boboloki (unknown origin), meaning 'savior', is a unique baby name for a boy.

Boikanyo (South African origin), meaning 'dependence' or 'trustworthy', is a good name for boys.

Sylvanella (unknown origin), meaning 'little forest', is a popular name for girls.

Tshepiso (African origin), meaning 'wish' or 'promise', is quite a common Setswana name for girls.

Tshweu (African or Lesotho origin), meaning 'white', is a unique and rare Setswana name for girls.

Tale (German origin), meaning 'green' or 'noble', is a creative and very uncommon name for girls.

Tsholofelo (African origin), meaning 'hope', is an uplifting name for your baby girl.

Unique Setswana Names

Some Setswana names are more unique than others. A few unique Setswana names and name meanings are listed down below.

Wakamoso (unknown origin), meaning 'the future one', is a unique and uncommon name for girls.

Wame (Scottish origin), meaning 'mine' or 'belly', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Mooketsi (Tswana origin), meaning 'one who is growing',  is quite a popular name for boys.

Moremi (African origin), meaning 'one who cuts with an ax', is a unique male name and a popular surname.

Moreri (Tswana origin), meaning 'preacher', is a very popular name for boys.

Mosegi (Egyptian origin), meaning 'tailor', is a unique and very rare name for boys.

Moseki (African origin), meaning 'one who appears before a court', is quite a popular surname and is sometimes used as a boy's name.

Moswen (Egyptian origin), meaning 'light in color' or 'light skin', is quite a common name with a unique meaning for boys.

Opelong (Lesotho origin), meaning 'in my heart', is a unique name you can give to your baby.

Kefilwe (South African origin), meaning 'I was given', is a very popular gender-neutral name.

Kealeboga (African and Tswana origin), meaning 'thank you', is not a very popular name for boys.

Kefetse (unknown origin), meaning 'conquer', is quite a common name for boys.

Kenosi (South African origin), meaning 'I am alone', is a unique name used for boys and is also a surname.

Kgalefa (Botswana origin), meaning 'brave' or 'strength', is a good name for boys.

Kgomotso (South African origin), meaning 'comfort', is a unique name for boys.

Lesedi (Tswana origin), meaning 'light' or 'woman of light', is a very popular name for girls.

Lesego (Africa origin), meaning 'luck' or 'blessing', is a very common name for girls.

Lorato (African and Tswana origin), meaning 'love', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Malebogo (African origin), meaning 'thanks', is a common Setswana name for girls in Botswana.

Masego (Tswana origin), meaning 'blessings', is derived from the word sego from the Tswana language. It is a popular gender-neutral Setswana name.

Mathase (unknown origin), meaning 'spark', is a girl's name but is sometimes used as a surname.

Mmaabo (African origin), meaning 'their mother', is a very unique and rare name for girls.

Mogau (African origin), meaning 'grace', 'beauty', or 'mercy', is a very rare Setswana name for girls.

Gorata (Tswana origin), meaning 'will', is a unique girl's name and is sometimes used as a surname.

Gouta (Botswana origin), meaning 'gold', is a common surname and is sometimes used as a girl's name.

Kaboentle (South African origin), meaning 'precious gift', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Katlego (African origin), meaning 'success', is a popular gender-neutral name.

Kagiso (Tswana origin), meaning 'peace', is quite a common name for boys.

Karabo (African origin), meaning 'answer', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Setswana Baby Names And Their Meanings

Parents want to know the meanings of Setswana names before deciding to give their babies a name. Below are some Setswana baby names along with their origin and meanings.

Boitumelo (African origin), meaning 'joy', is a name that manifests happiness into your baby's life.

Dineo (English origin), meaning 'gifts', is a popular gender-neutral name with a great meaning.

Ditiro (South African origin), meaning 'acts', is a unique and rare name you can give to boys.

Fenyang (African origin), meaning 'victory', is quite a popular name for boys.

Gosebo (unknown origin), meaning 'lucky', is quite a common name for boys.

Kabo (African origin), meaning 'gift', is a boy's name gaining popularity.

Bontle (African origin), meaning 'beautiful', is among the top baby Setswana names for girls.

Kigosi (unknown origin), meaning 'king', represents intuition and seriousness. It is not a very common name for boys.

Aratwe (Setswana origin), meaning 'to be loved', is an uncommon name for girls with an interesting name.

Agodirwe (unknown origin), meaning 'do it', is not a very common name for girls.

Amogelang (South African origin), meaning 'receive', is a unique and rare gender-neutral name.

Badiri (unknown origin), meaning 'workers', is a very rare name for girls.

Badumedi (unknown origin), meaning 'believe', is quite a popular surname and is sometimes used as a girl's name.

Boipelo (African origin), meaning 'proud', is a unique gender-neutral name. It is one of the most popular gender-neutral names.

Akayang (unknown origin), meaning 'think about it', is a unique and rare name for girls.

Botshelo (South African and Botswana origin), meaning 'life', is a fairly common name for girls.

Dikeledi (African origin), meaning 'tears' or 'filled with tears', is a very popular name for girls.

Dipuo (South African origin), meaning 'talks', is a unique and rare name for girls with an interesting name meaning.

Goitsemang (African origin), meaning 'who knows', is not a very common name for girls.

Gotsmedi (unknown origin), meaning 'the lord knows', is an uncommon name for girls.

Thatego (African origin), meaning 'lovable', is a name that surrounds that baby with love.

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Sources

https://briefly.co.za/53311-100-beautiful-tswana-names-boys-girls.html

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/setswana-tswana-baby-names-for-boys-and-girls_00405209/

https://moneedil.wordpress.com/2015/04/14/setswana-names/

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Written by Martha Martins

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha Martins picture

Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics

Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.

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Fact-checked by Spandana Kantam

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Political Science and Sociology

Spandana Kantam picture

Spandana KantamBachelor of Arts specializing in Political Science and Sociology

Spandana holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Acharya Nagarjuna University. She has a passion for writing and enjoys reading crime and thriller novels while listening to RnB music in her free time.

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