91 Popular Sotho Names For Girls And Boys

Nishtha Dixit
Feb 16, 2024 By Nishtha Dixit
Originally Published on Apr 17, 2023
Edited by Shadiya Ahammad
Portrait of a young Basotho tribesman in Lesedi Cultural Village, South Africa.
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Age: 0-99
Read time: 11.3 Min



Anyone interested in African studies, could not help but be mesmerized by the meanings of different Sotho names for boys and girls.

If you speak Sesotho language, then you will certainly want to select Sesotho names with deep meanings for your kids.

Some of the most popular Sesotho names are Ditsheho (laughter), Ditswanelo (suitable things), Dikeledi (tears), Dikgang (arguments), Nthabiseng (make me happy), Nthati (one to love me), Relebohile (we are grateful), Remaketse (we're surprised), Likhang (arguments), Likhapa (tears), Mmalefu (mother of death or illness), Mmalesotho (mother of Lesotho), Bokang (rejoice), and Bongoe (oneness).

Other popular names in Sesotho are Diboko (praises), Dikeledi (tears), Liboko (praises), Liepollo (revelations), Leauoa (to be advised), Leba la ka (my pigeon), Lintle (beauty), Lipalesa (flowers), Lisebo (whispers), Dintle (beauty), and several others.

Sotho Girls Names

Sotho, also known as Basotho, speakers are people living in the northern part of South Africa, Lesotho, and Botswana. Sotho is the official language of the people of Lesotho. Sotho people believe in the supreme being called 'modimo'. Their language is beautiful.

Some of the most popular names are Thapelo (prayer), Dipalesa (flowers), Disebo (whispers), Reaboka: We are full of praise, Realeboha, Makhotla: Courts of law, Malefane: One who pays, Realeboha: We are thankful, Reaotlotla: We praise His name, Lebohang: Be thankful, Lebona: The one who sees, Motlalepule: The rain bringer, Mohlomi: One of the wisest leaders, Mafatla: bald head, Mosela: long-awaited last child.

Down in the list presenting you some of the popular baby girl names.

  • Bonolo (Sotho origin) means ‘ease’. If you are one of those parents searching for a unique and pleasant-sounding name, then bonolo is for you.
  • Benya (Sotho origin) means ‘to shine and to be bright’. The name is so positive sounding, you would definitely wanna consider this for young girls.
  • Ruthe (Sotho origin) means 'the admiration of ruth in the bible'. In fact, the English translation of the name is also ruth.
  • Baatsheba (Sotho origin) meaning ‘only daughter of the oath'. Bathsheba also happens to be the name of King Solomon's mother.
  • Matsimela (Sotho origin) means ‘root’. This is the best name if you're looking for something unconventional from Southern Africa.
  • Amoheland (Sotho origin) means ‘receive’ in some South African origins. This is a unique name to actually call your baby girl and inspire her to be a future female leader.
  • Serene (Sotho origin) means ‘Steyn’ in English. It is the name used for a long time in Basotho culture.
  • Letsatsi (Sotho origin) means ‘sun’ simply in the Basotho language. The name excludes a sense of power and confidence which can be very important for your baby girl.
  • Litsehoana (Sotho origin) means ‘little laughter’. It is one of the most popular names and yes for all the right reasons. We suggest you definitely consider this one as it is beautiful and appealing.
  • Fenya (Sotho origin) means ‘conquerer’. Although as you might think the name sounds a bit masculine, it also happens to be popular among girl children. One of the best Sepedi baby names.
  • Rethabile (Sotho origin) means ‘we are happy’ what better name do you need than this one? It conveys your happiness in creating such a beautiful child.
  • Tumisang (Sotho origin) means ‘praise to god’. If you are a devoted believer in the supreme being, this name goes pretty well with your standards. An impressive Afrikaans surname.
  • Atile (Sotho origin) means ‘increasing family’. You can shorten the name as attire, you know you are thinking it too, it makes for the best baby girl names.
  • Nykallo (Sotho origin) means ‘joy’. A simple name yet it excludes such happiness, definitely consider this one.
  • Mosa (Sotho origin) means ‘grace’. Whenever you hear this name, they imagine a serene and soft-looking image.
  • Bina (Sotho origin) means ‘dance or freshness’. The popularity of this name is steadily increasing among people.
  • Disebo (Sotho origin) means ‘whispers dithole’ in Sotho. The name derives its origin from Sotho ancestry.
  • Bertha (Sotho origin) means ‘bright’. It is one of the prominent names in many regions of South Africa and it is also considered to be a sapedi moniker.
  • Puleng (Sotho origin) means ‘in or during the rain’. The nickname version is pula, it does not sound bad at all, does it?

Sotho Male Names

Did you know in Sotho culture it is compulsory that when the first kid turns out to be a baby boy, it is mandatory for the boy to take a beating with the stick? Down in the list, we present you some of the popular baby boy names.

  • Khosi (Sotho origin) means ‘king’. Every parent wants their kids to be royal in some way or another. So keeping this powerful-sounding name for your baby boy is the best thing you can do.
  • Tuma (Sotho origin) means ‘immortal’. It is a friendly and pleasant-sounding name that has strong roots in the Sotho culture. A good choice when it comes to baby names for boys.
  • Kananelo (Sotho origin) means ‘appreciation’. Undoubtedly it is one of the most popular names in Sotho. Babies are bundles of joy and they should be treated that way.
  • Moshoeshoe (Sotho origin) means ‘South African king’. It is one of the noblest sounding nicknames, although it sounds a little ancient and heavy, you can consider this for your male child.
  • Nku (Sotho origin) means ‘sheep’. This is an easy-to-spell and uncomplicated name. You can go for it.
  • Teboho (Sotho origin) means ‘gratitude’. It is a masculine-sounding name and in Sotho culture, it is regarded as being unique and popular.
  • Tumelo (Sotho origin) means ‘believe or faith’. The name can also be shortened to Timmy to be called a nickname.
  • Pheija (Sotho origin) means ‘youngest child’. You can keep this name for your youngest child indeed, it is the authentic Sotho name.
  • Mostumi (Sotho origin) means ‘the seeker’. This is one of the fascinating names among the people of Sotho.
  • Tsietsi (Sotho origin) means ‘predicament’. This name is considered to be the most unusual by Sotho people. So grab your chance in giving this fascinating name to your child.
  • Pule (Sotho origin) means ‘in the rain’. This is a gender-neutral name, so either for a boy or a girl it doesn't matter.
  • Tlali (Sotho origin) means ‘lightning’. This badass and strong-sounding name is not just uncomplicated to spell but super easy to understand as well.
  • Kamehelo (Sotho origin) means ‘acceptance or welcome’. It is a sweet name to consider keeping for your precious baby boy.
  • Thapelo (Sotho origin) means ‘help’. This name is currently popular in the Sotho culture and can also be an amazing-sounding middle name.
  • Lebohand (Sotho origin) means ‘be thankful’. This name oozes a sense of gratitude and also it possesses a sophistication that cannot be replaced by any other average-sounding name.
  • Rapula (Sotho origin) means ‘the giver of the rain or the father of the rain’. This is a mother nature-inspired name. Rapula is a masculine-sounding name that invariably suits best for male babies.
  • Sello (Sotho origin) means ‘wailing’. Although it is a bit sad-sounding name, the pronunciation of the name itself is not sad and it is pleasant sounding. One of the most impressive baby names for boys.
  • Reaotlotla (Sotho origin) means ‘we praise his name’. If you are raising a devoted Christian baby and thinking about a sweet name, Reaotlotla is best for you.
  • Lerumo (Sotho origin) means ‘the edge of a spear’. This is a powerful and dangerous-sounding name and suits best both baby boys and girls.
  • Letsatsi (Sotho origin) means ‘sun or day’. Although it is a known fact that a mere sounding of the name says whether it is masculine or feminine. This name denotes both of these energies.
  • Kweda (Sotho origin) means ‘crocodile’. It is a popular male name in the Sotho culture.
Old Basotho woman standing in front of her traditional house.

Traditional Fable Names From Stories And Legends

In the Sesotho culture, names are more than just words. The name also plays a part in the identity of the person.

A traditional fable name is amongst the most preferred Sotho baby names. Some of the popular options are Mmampe : Mother of ugliness Mmaseretse : Mother of mud, Ntswaki: only daughter of the father, Ratsebo: knowledge, Mmathapelo : Mother of prayer,

Presenting you down in the list is some of the traditional names derived from Sotho stories and legends to help you select the traditional fable name.

  • Ntswana tsatsi (Sotho origin) means ‘the place where the sun rises’. This is the place where Basotho people came from.
  • Ditshomo (Sotho origin) means ‘legends’. It is the name that literally signifies the meaning of legend. Make sure to consider this one for your baby.
  • Morena (Sotho origin) means ‘brown or brown-haired’. This is the female-sounding name apt for baby girls.
  • Tselane (Sotho origin) means ‘little path’. The name also happens to be the title of the traditional Sotho folk tale.
  • Masilo (Sotho origin) means ‘destiny’. It is one of the best-sounding names and it is derived from one of the best South African folk stories.
  • Lumene (Sotho origin) means ‘family name’. Lumene also happens to be the name in the South African story of the roaqo, the woman who ate people.
  • Che (Sotho origin) means ‘god will increase’ in the Spanish language. It is also the name most extensively used in the Sotho nomenclature.
  • Arabang (Sotho origin) means ‘reply’. It is a pleasant feminine-sounding name that suits best for baby girls.
  • Jeso (Sotho origin) means ‘God is my salvation. As you might have already guessed, this is the name that suits best for conventional devoted Christians. It is a masculine-sounding name.
  • Makalo (Sotho origin) meaning ‘surprise’. If you believe that your child was a pleasant and beautiful surprise for your family, then consider it.
  • Mantso (Sotho origin) means ‘the dark one’. This name is regarded to be particularly popular in the Sotho culture and other South African tribes.

Famous Sotho Clan Names

South Africa is a country that prides itself on having eleven official languages, Sotho being one of them. The people belonging to this culture also go by the name of both.

There are various clans one can find in this interesting society. Down in the list, we present you with some of the popular Sotho clan names you can consider keeping for your baby.

  • Dihoja (Sotho origin). The name has no specific meaning but it is considered to be one of the prominent clans in the Sotho community.
  • Maphetla (Sotho origin) means ‘geographical name’. The people belonging to this clan were the founding members of the Basotho nation.
  • Bakwena (Sotho origin) means ‘those who venerate crocodiles’. They are one of the largest clans in South Africa.
  • Mapolane (Sotho origin) means ‘descedents of morolang’. They are one of the significant clans following the western religion.
  • Dikgang (Sotho origin)means ‘arguments’. An impressive Afrikaans surname.
  • Nthabiseng (Sotho origin)means ‘make me happy’. We suggest you definitely consider this one as it is beautiful and appealing.
  • Motlalepule (Sotho origin)means ‘The rain bringer’. It is a good name option for a boy.
  • Mohlomi (Sotho origin)means ‘One of the wisest leaders’. It is a cool name choice.
  • Mafatla (Sotho origin)means ‘bald head’. It is a good name option for a boy.
  • Mosela (Sotho origin)means ‘long-awaited last child’. It is one of the best names you can consider.
  • Nthati (Sotho origin)means ‘one to love me’. A name to inspire your girl to be a future female leader.
  • Relebohile (Sotho origin)means ‘we are grateful’. One of the best Sepedi baby names.
  • Remaketse (Sotho origin)means ‘we're surprised’. It conveys your happiness in creating such a beautiful child.
  • Likhang (Sotho origin)means ‘arguments’. It is also considered to be a sapedi moniker.
  • Likhapa (Sotho origin)means ‘tears’. Keeping this powerful-sounding name for your baby boy is the best thing you can do.
  • Realeboha (Sotho origin)means ‘We are thankful’. It is a fine name option.
  • Reaotlotla (Sotho origin)means ‘We praise His name’. It is a cool name choice.
  • Lebohang (Sotho origin)means ‘Be thankful’. It is surely a good choice for a name.
  • Lebona (Sotho origin)means ‘The one who sees’. It is one of the best names you can consider.
  • Mmalefu (Sotho origin)means ‘mother of death or illness’. A good choice when it comes to baby names for boys.
  • Mmalesotho (Sotho origin)means ‘mother of Lesotho’. although it sounds a little ancient and heavy, you can consider this for your male child.
  • Bokang (Sotho origin)means ‘rejoice’. Babies are bundles of joys and they should be treated that way.
  • Thapelo (Sotho origin)means ‘prayer’. It is a good name option for a boy.
  • Dipalesa (Sotho origin)means ‘flowers’. It is a cool name choice.
  • Disebo (Sotho origin)means ‘whispers’. It is a fine name option.
  • Bongoe (Sotho origin)means ‘oneness’. Do grab your chance in giving this fascinating name to your child.
  • Diboko (Sotho origin)means ‘praises’. It possesses a sophistication that cannot be replaced by any other average-sounding name.
  • Dikeledi (Sotho origin)means ‘tears’. It is a masculine-sounding name that invariably suits best for male babies.
  • Liboko (Sotho origin)means ‘praises’. It is one of the most impressive baby names for boys.
  • Liepollo (Sotho origin)means ‘revelations’. It suits best from both baby boys and girls.
  • Leauoa (Sotho origin)means ‘to be advised’. This name denotes energy.
  • Leba la ka (Sotho origin)means ‘my pigeon’. Make sure to consider this one for your baby.
  • Lintle (Sotho origin)means ‘beauty’. It is derived from one of the best South African folk stories.
  • Lipalesa (Sotho origin)means ‘flowers’. It is a masculine-sounding name.
  • Lisebo (Sotho origin)means ‘whispers’. It is one of the best names you can consider.
  • Dintle (Sotho origin)means ‘beauty’. It is surely a good choice for a name.
  • Reaboka (Sotho origin)means ‘We are full of praise’. It is surely a good choice for a name.
  • Makhotla (Sotho origin)means ‘Courts of law’. It is one of the best names you can consider.
  • Malefane (Sotho origin)means ‘One who pays’. It is a good name option for a boy.

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Sources

https://www.news24.com/parent/pregnant/baby-names/sesotho-baby-names-for-boys-and-girls-20170517

http://www.sesotho.web.za/ditshomo.htm

http://www.lesedifm.co.za/sabc/home/lesedifm/notices/details?id=5e9055d2-b7c8-4615-a839-c16d6cb1c77a&title=The Origin of the Basotho Nation

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/sotho-baby-names-for-girls-and-boys_00403058/

https://www.behindthename.com/submit/names/usage/sotho

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Written by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha Dixit picture

Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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