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South African Clan Names & Praises (Izithakazelo & Iziduko)

Clan praises are recited to honour a family’s ancestors and identity — izithakazelo in Zulu and Ndebele, iziduko in Xhosa, tibongo in siSwati. Find your clan’s praises, their meaning and the surnames that share them.

Clan praises are sacred and vary between families; we publish only well-documented praises and welcome corrections. If your family’s version differs, both may be valid.

Zulu Clan Names

40 clans — izithakazelo (isiZulu)

Xhosa Clan Names

65 clans — iziduko (isiXhosa)

Ndebele Clan Names

61 clans — izithakazelo (isiNdebele)

Swati Clan Names

75 clans — tibongo (siSwati)

Sotho Clan Names

62 clans — diboko (Sesotho)

Tswana Clan Names

66 clans — diboko (Setswana)

Pedi Clan Names

43 clans — diboko (Sepedi)

Venda Clan Names

37 clans — clan names (Tshivenda)