Surname Turkwane - Meaning and Origin
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Turkwane: What does the surname Turkwane mean?
The last name Turkwane is of African origin. The origins of the name are uncertain, though some experts believe that it may derive from a word of the Congo language meaning 'elder brother'. There is also a possibility that the name originated with the East African Tswana people, in which case the name means 'land of the headman'.
In Zulu, the word Turkwane is used to refer to a tribal leader. Historically, the name would have been used to describe someone who was a political leader or head of a community. It is still frequently seen in South Africa today, particularly within the Indian-South African and Coloured populations of the country.
The Turkwane surname is found in many different countries of the world. Families with this last name are found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia,Brazil, and the United States.Wherever the surname is found, it is considered a proud heritage and an indication of good character in regards to their leadership abilities.
Order DNA origin analysisTurkwane: Where does the name Turkwane come from?
The surname Turkwane is commonly found today primarily in South Africa. It is likely of British origin, stemming from the country’s colonial past. During the 19th century there was a widespread British migration to the country, meaning that many British surnames became part of South African culture.
In addition to South Africa, the surname Turkwane is also found in Zimbabwe and areas of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Within South Africa the surname is found mainly in the northern provinces of Gauteng, North West and Limpopo.
Although the Turkwane surname is more common in South Africa, it is also found sporadically in countries around the world. Countries such as the UK, the US, India and Canada have reported cases of the Turkwane surname being present.
In recent times, the surname Turkwane has been connected with prominent figures in the South African community. These figures include members of the Turkwane family, particularly in business, politics and civil service roles. Some famous members of the family include: Tefo Turkwane, a South African diplomat appointed as UN ambassador; Percy Turkwane, a founding member of the African National Congress; and Kebaile Sunshine Kekana, a South African artist.
The Turkwane surname’s notable presence in Africa has been constant and longstanding, existing for centuries. In 2021, it is still a widely popular surname, especially in its birthplace of South Africa. It is likely that the surname will continue to stay within the wider population for many more years to come.
Variations of the surname Turkwane
The surname Turkwane is of Afrikaans origin with several variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin. The most common variants of the surname Turkwane are Turckwane, Turkwan, Turckwan, Tircwane and Terckwane.
Other variants of the surname Turkwane can be found in the Netherlands, primarily based on regional variations and spelling errors. These include Tirkwane, Tirckwane, Turckwanen, Turkwanen, Turckwein and Turckwien.
In addition to this, various surnames have evolved from Turkwane in the United Kingdom, including Turckwain, Turckwayn, Titckwane, Turncwain and Thorkwane.
Surnames with similar origins include Turkmen, a surname originating from Turkmenistan, and Turkney, a surname which is derived from an Irish place name.
It should be noted that although the name Turkwane has common origins, each variant has its own unique origin specific to the region in which it is found. As such, some spellings may represent a distinct family, as opposed to those that originate from a single family. Consequently, research into each variant is necessary in order to determine its true origin.
Famous people with the name Turkwane
- Thabang Turkwane: South African hip-hop recording artist, songwriter, and music producer, also known as Chef Titan. As a relatively new artist, he has rapidly developed a large following and a considerable buzz in the hip-hop music community.
- Phuti Turkwane: South African football (soccer) player who currently plays for the team Bloemfontein Celtic.
- Zelda Turkwane: Notable South African politician. She has served as a Member of the Executive Council in the Department of Health for the Gauteng Provincial Government from 2002-2004 and was a Member of the Provincial Legislature from 2004-2009.
- Zakhele Turkwane: A South African jazz pianist, composer, conductor, and arranger. He has released several albums, including ‘Journey’ in 2014 which was nominated for a South African Music Award in the Jazz Album of the Year Category.
- Thato Turkwane: South African actor and musician. He is best knows for his lead role in the 2014 movie Beyond the River and his appearances on several TV shows, such as Isikizi.
- Norah Turkwane: Renowned South African calisthenics expert, known for her incredible strength and ability to elevate the sport of calisthenics in South Africa. She has appeared in numerous international events focused on the sport.
- Lindiwe Turkwane: South African actress and playwright. She has had leading roles in several stage productions, including Hike, which won the Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award for 2017.
- Daniel Turkwane: South African comedian and impressionist. Known for his amusing skits and popular impressions of well-known South African politicians, Turkwane is widely recognized for his comedic talents.