Mandela

Meaning of Mandela

Mandela is a male name with origins in both Zulu and Xhosa languages. In Zulu, Mandela is pronounced as man-DEH-lah (/mɑn-ˈde-la/), while in Xhosa it is pronounced as man-DEH-lah (/mɑnˈdɛlɑ/). The name is associated with great historical significance as it is the surname of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and a symbol of peace, justice, and equality. The popularity of the name Mandela has been steadily increasing in the United States. In recent years, it has ranked among the top 10,000 names for newborn boys. It peaked in popularity in 1990 when it reached its highest rank at 36. With its rich cultural background and inspiring associations, Mandela is a meaningful choice for parents seeking a powerful and unique name for their baby boy.

Pronunciation

Zulu

• Pronunced as man-DEH-lah (/mɑn-ˈde-la/)

Xhosa

• Pronunced as man-DEH-lah (/mɑnˈdɛlɑ/)

• Nelson