Samkelisiwe

Meaning & Etymology

praiseworthy

praiseworthy

Etymology

Derived from the siSwati verb khuliswa (to be praised) with the prefix sa- indicating ’cause’ and -we as a passive suffix.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Benue-Congo > Bantu > Nguni

Cultural context

In Eswatini, names often reflect the circumstances of a child’s birth or express the parents’ aspirations for the child. ‘Samkelisiwe’ is a name that conveys the idea of being worthy of praise and recognition.

Symbolism

The name symbolises the hope that the child will grow to be someone who is admired and respected in the community.

Naming ceremony

In traditional Swazi culture, the naming ceremony (umhlonyane) takes place several days after birth. The child is introduced to the ancestors, and a goat is slaughtered as an offering. The name is formally announced during this ceremony.

Related names

• Thokozile
• Sibongile
• Nokuthula
• Zanele