Madiba
Bantu/Xhosa · Boy · 3 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Madiba
Madiba is a Xhosa name meaning "father" or "respected elder," derived from the Bantu linguistic root referring to paternal authority and wisdom.
This meaning was compiled with AI assistance and is awaiting community review. Know this name well? Help verify or improve it.
Etymology
Madiba is a Xhosa name meaning "father" or "respected elder," derived from the Bantu linguistic root referring to paternal authority and wisdom. The name is primarily used among the Xhosa people of South Africa and gained international prominence through Nelson Mandela, whose clan name was Madiba, making it a symbol of anti-apartheid resistance and reconciliation.
Madiba currently ranks #13,305 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 2014.
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Sibling name ideas
Xhosa names that sit beautifully beside MadibaSimilar names you might like
Names starting with MMore names starting with M
- Madelin
- Madoc
- Mable
- Maddyn
- Macarther
- Madelyne
- Maanya
- Maanvi
- Madani
- Madhumitha
- Mabry
- Madeeha
- Mabinty
- Madyan
- Maariyah
- Madely
- Maddix
- Maari
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Names that sound like Madiba
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