Surname African - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
African: What does the surname African mean?
The last name African is one of many surnames that have been derived from the word ‘Africa’, which is a continent located in the southernmost part of the world. Variations of the name can be found in many countries, including France, Germany, England, and Italy. This surname is often linked to families of slave origin, since it was used as a way to identify individuals with African heritage.
The surname African is significant because it identifies individuals who have a long, shared history linked to the continent of Africa and its many cultures. The first known instance of the name comes from England in the 15th century, although its origin is not clear. It could be derived from the nickname ‘Africanus’, which was given to individuals with darker skin or from African countries.
The African surname also has a strong symbolic meaning. It is often used to represent the legacy of African people and their struggles against oppression, colonization, and racism. The continued use of the surname serves as a reminder of the harsh realities African people have experienced, and provides a connection to those who have gone before us.
In short, the surname African is a meaningful way to identify individuals of African heritage. Its history is linked to the struggles of African people and serves as a reminder of a shared history. It is also a way to honor those who have achieved great things in the face of adversity.
Order DNA origin analysisAfrican: Where does the name African come from?
The last name African is common today across the continent of Africa. It is also seen across the African diaspora in the Caribbean and Latin America. In many African countries, the use of surnames can be largely traced to colonization as many European colonizers sought to impose fixed family names upon Africans. Today, many widely-used African surnames have origins in last names from the colonial era, including Osei, Diallo, Bamba, and Sow.
In countries where patronyms (a surname passed down through the male line) are popular such as Nigeria and Ghana, some Africans may still use first names combined with their father’s name as a surname, although this is changing. In other countries, such as in Senegal, it is more common for individuals to use a double last name made from their father’s and mother’s surnames. This convention is becoming increasingly popular among African-Americans as well.
The presence of African surnames is evidence that, in spite of past attempts to erase the traditions and identities of African peoples, there is still a strong presence of African culture and identity worldwide. These surnames are a reminder of the great courage and strength of African people in the face of adversity. African surnames offer a living offering of ancestor remembrance and reflection.
Variations of the surname African
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname African are Afrikaans, Afrikaner, Africain and Afrique.
Afrikaans is the language spoken by many South African, Namibian and other local African people. The spelling of Afrikaans is as the language: Afrikaans.
Afrikaner is a derivative of Afrikaans and is also spoken by many South African, Namibian and other local African people. The spelling of Afrikaner is as the language: Afrikaner.
Africain is a variant of the African surname, and is most often identified in French-speaking African cultures, such as those of French West Africa or French Equatorial Africa. The spelling of Africain is as the language: Africain.
Afrique is another variant of the African surname and is most often identified in French-speaking African cultures as well. The spelling is as the language: Afrique.
All of these variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname African represent the same cultural, historical, and physical background of people who identify as African. Whether one chooses to spell their African surname as Afrikaans, Afrikaner, Africain, or Afrique, they will be referencing the diverse African people who have enriched our world's history with their hard work and contributions.
Famous people with the name African
- William Africano: Former football player who played in the NFL for the New York Jets.
- Christopher Africano: Actor who starred in Night at the Museum 3.
- Jean Africano: Architect and designer who was active in post-Second World War France.
- Rocky Africano: Lead guitarist for the metal band Superjoint.
- Horace Africano: Former Major League Baseball player with the Boston Red Sox.
- Isaac Africano: Award-winning video game designer who created the hit game “Project Z”.
- Charles Africano: Award-winning modern artist whose work is currently held in major museums around the world.
- Rachel Africano: Singer-songwriter who had several hits during the 70s and 80s.
- Aaron Africano: Gospel singer and member of the Grammy Award-winning group The Acappella Company.
- Angie Africano: Musician and producer who released three albums in the 2000s.