Lesotho, known for its rich culture and heritage, has a beautiful naming tradition deeply rooted in Sesotho culture. Names in Lesotho often carry significant meanings, reflecting virtues, aspirations, and family values. Here is a curated list of 100 popular Sotho names from Lesotho, categorized by gender and their meanings where applicable.
50 Popular Sesotho Names for Boys
1. Teboho – Gratitude
2. Katleho – Success
3. Mokete – Celebration
4. Thabo – Joy
5. Phehello – Perseverance
6. Khotso – Peace
7. Tumelo – Faith
8. Lerato – Love
9. Motlatsi – Successor
10. Nthabeleng – Be happy
11. Rethabile – We are happy
12. Tsepo – Hope
13. Phakiso – Comforter
14. Lesego – Blessings
15. Lefu – Life
16. Bokang – Praise
17. Nts’epeng – Trust
18. Kabelo – Gift
19. Lebohang – Be thankful
20. Tsietsi – Trouble (often to signify overcoming difficulties)
21. Moeketsi – One who multiplies
22. Lefu – A reminder of life’s fragility
23. Nts’epo – Trust
24. Malefane – Reflection of ancestry
25. Pule – Rain
26. Mpho – Gift
27. Boitumelo – Happiness
28. Morena – Lord or chief
29. Sekonyela – The one who brings unity
30. Thuso – Help
31. Refiloe – We are given
32. Matla – Strength
33. Tshepo – Hope
34. Lesiba – Feather (symbol of gentleness)
35. Molibeli – Shepherd
36. Likhomo – Wealth
37. Mahlatse – Fortune
38. Ntate – Father
39. Tseliso – Guidance
40. Sello – Cry (often to signify overcoming grief)
41. Lehlohonolo – Good luck
42. Thato – Will or wish
43. Letlatsa – Protector
44. Phoka – Dew
45. Molefi – Compensation
46. Mahlohonolo – Blessings
47. Limo – Harvest
48. Tau – Lion (symbolizing bravery)
49. Tlotliso – Honor
50. Bohlale – Wisdom
50 Popular Sesotho Names for Girls
1. Nthabiseng – Make me happy
2. Lerato – Love
3. Tumisang – Praise
4. Mapaseka – Grace
5. Refilwe – We are gifted
6. Boitumelo – Joy
7. Mpho – Gift
8. Puleng – Of the rain
9. Palesa – Flower
10. Thato – Will or wish
11. Lebogang – Be thankful
12. Tlhokomelo – Care
13. Thandeka – Loved one
14. Retselisitsoe – We have been provided for
15. Morongoe – Angelic
16. Matshidiso – Consolation
17. Keneuwe – I have been given
18. Bongiwe – We are grateful
19. Ts’epang – Trust
20. Khothatso – Encouragement
21. Mohau – Grace or mercy
22. Mankholi – One who brings prosperity
23. Qenehelo – Sympathy
24. Liteboho – Thankfulness
25. Malebohang – Thankful
26. Moselantja – Defender
27. Nokuthula – Peace
28. Masego – Blessings
29. Neo – A gift
30. Mahlatse – Fortune
31. Naleli – Star
32. Motlotlo – Proud
33. Tebello – Expectation
34. Seipati – Traveler
35. Bontle – Beauty
36. Matla – Strength
37. Nolwazi – Knowledge
38. Litlhare – Medicines or remedies
39. Tsoanelo – Deserving
40. Botho – Humanity or kindness
41. Phomolo – Rest
42. Khotso – Peace
43. Litlhokomelo – Care and attention
44. Mahlape – A herd (symbolizing abundance)
45. Mosali – Woman (honoring femininity)
46. Puseletso – Return or restoration
47. Lesedi – Light
48. Khanya – Radiance
49. Tlotliso – Honor
50. Nkele – Take me
Conclusion
These names reflect the beauty and depth of Lesotho’s cultural heritage, often encapsulating profound values and aspirations. Naming traditions in Lesotho continue to be a source of pride, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and the values its people hold dear.
