Xhosa clan names

Xhosa clan names (isiduko (sing.), iziduko (pl.) in Xhosa) are family names which are considered more important than surnames among Xhosa people. Much like the clan system of Scotland, each Xhosa person can trace their family history back to a specific male ancestor or stock. Mentioning the clan name of someone you wish to thank is the highest form of respect, and it is considered polite to enquire after someone's clan name when you meet them. The clan name is also sometimes used as an exclamation by members of that clan.

When a woman marries she may take her husband's surname, but she always keeps her own clan name, adding the prefix Ma- to it. A man and a woman who have the same clan name may not marry, as they are considered to be related.

Clan names

A few clan names of amaXhosa and related ethnic groups include:

• Bhayi (Khetshe, Mkhumbeni, Msuthu – they belong to the amaVundle people/group)
• Bhele Sikwethu; Mzozo; Nozulu; Mavuso; Notell; Nondela; Bharhodi; Nebhunda; Salaivha;Phei; Kaifur; Kuptar; Mbai; Bhungezi; safi; dez; Pheketha; Mbeko; Ndzikame; Madzikana; Cii; Ciya; Gume; gamle; Ngamlana; Qwiba; Ndizakazi; Ntulo; Siqenduka; Nduku; Mfunisa; Masela; Ndzeku; Lahilathi; Msomi; Mzaku; Ntamonde; Hasheki; Mishekwi; Senzo; Mbidaniso; Rhamente; Mzotho; Mandela; Msuku; Mthengana; mantambo; ntuli; Mthembu; Mtembu; Ntuka; Nteko; Ntoni; Ntonga; David; Favors; Fu; festile; February; Jonnas; Bele; Gontsana; Fakude; Fezela; Gugushe; Gagashe; Mehlomade; Masengi; Nyembe; Maduna; Mqwathi, qwasana; Nxasana; Zwai; Bhala; Shezi; Mbekeni; mathole; mathambo; Mazwai; Fukutha;Gwara; Tshawe; Shumeka; Tamse; Luthuli; Magidela; Mgabadeli; Nxumalo; Ntsele; Ndayi; Nqala; Ludeke; Madikizela; Ngutyana; Mtengwana; Ngcingwana; Khuluza; matumatu; Photshozwayo; Majeke; mtholesi; Nodada; Mfikeni; Mafikeni; Mofokeng; Twala; Thwasa; Mgoma; mMgeza; Mlaba; Jereka; Jere; Jele; Vhoni; Mfeka; Ka Mvumbi ka Ngigame Notha
• Bhukhwana (ooMbara, Mtshobo, Phaphulengonyama, Into ezingaphathwa mntu ngoba zizinkosi ngokwazo)
• Cethe (ooChizama)OoBhurhuma,Ncenceza, Mbambozinomongo, Ootyinyamikrwada
• Cirha (ooNcibane, Nojaholo, Ntswentswe, Qhanqolo, Sihlobo SikaPhalo, Hlomla lidala lineempondo, Ghabha, Nyembezana, MGcaleka) by AD
• Deyi (Ncume, Cume; Cum; Wei; Wayisi; Bhangushe; Bhengu; Cebisa; Deyiso; Dei; Deii; Gabisa; Manzini; Mdeyi; Mtame; Hlathi; Hlabe; Mjoli; Makhoba, Mako; Xolo, Meko; Ngcolosi; Sengwayo; Mthwakazi; Jabavu; Nonina; Dlakana; Ngilana; Ndleko; Vezi; Ndeki; Murr; Mazimba; Nkuna; Mbokazi; Wushe; Khusi; Khusher, Sinyali; Phakwe; Pepu; Mphephu; Babalo; Phaahla; Phoi; Hambashe; Ham; Herr; Nkatha; Nkhatha; Gwabini; Gqwaru; Ngoni; Ngozi; Fusana; Geda; Phephu; Ndudane; Farru; Fini; Finini; Mbelani; Bhekiswa; Bekiswa; Qhakaza; Bekiso; Mase; Manci; Mancini; Noconjo; Zikhali; Mzungulu; Zungulu; Mzungu; Mphafane; Kheswa; Mphafa; Qamata; Qubulashe; Gqigqigqi; Duur; Diya; Diko; Xhonti; Ntoyanto; Xarru; Xhakaza; Xakaza; Shwawu; Mshwawu; Zotsho; Somdeyi; Sukwini; Mahoyi; Motsa; Zungu; Velelo; Valela; Phaala; Mtebele; Lambatha ; Nduli; Mbovu; Xoi; Xarr; Sarru; Soreh; Soi and Noma-Ndzo-Ndzo ka Phika'ne'langa
• Debeza – OoDebeza, ngoJebe, Nonyanya, Nongoqo, Mbeka Ntshiyini Bathi uqumbile, Khonkcoshe Mbokodo engava mkwetsho (These are royalty in the Amampondomse group. Their main concentration is in the former Transkei, in Tsolo, Qumbu and Umthatha in the Eastern Cape.)

'Dikela' Mqwathi, yongose, noni, mfuyo, ntswayibane LINDILE THUTHANI MDANTSANE

• Dlamini (Sibakhulu; Senzeni; Puten; Henkem; Gqibheto; Gilbet; Wiffen; Vudem; Lem; Luku; Lukha; mesizwaphe; Swakwam; Von; Simsun; Roijankan; Mankuthu; Paz; Robinson; Duke; Jones; Edmonds; Tetum; Blaire; Debesi; Vakasheli; Ndosile; Leki; Ndasuka; Mziyaso; Sokhanyile; Madinga; Susela; Ndosi; Mlotshwa; Ndabazabantu; Mpangazitha; Seku; Mabhida; Peleng; Sokhula; Shange; Nxasabe; Nkulukazi; Mkhiza; Mzizi; Sejamu; Sejadu; Jinineka; Mjele; Jaziya; Jali; Mawawa; Ngubengu; Sonci; Qhineba; Ndelekana; Nyathi; Ngwcabe; Ndasa; Fuleka; Sifumba; Ndlambe; Mjevu; Jevu; Jambasile; Ndalasi; Ntesi; Tyesi; Mbele; Ntume; Nibe; Mcube; Ngcobo; Gumede;Hoffman; Sesesako; Mbusiye; Hadebe; Sibaya; Williams; Buleki; Mtshengo; Nduna; Ntlanga; Mfolosa; Lefifi; Mpuluka; Zondi; Mjeleku; Sabani; Langasika;Khabazela; Nyuzwa; Fanana; Mbeko; Mbingwa; Ntokuza; Ledimo; Leremi; Manyathela; Mashile; Mashaba; Dhlamini; Ngonyama; Mkize; Nzimakhwe; Shenge; Ngwenya; Solomons; Khumalo; Sabelo; Kelso; daniels; Mzimba; Mndzima; Msebendzi; Ntshona; Ndlovu; Mbeki ka Nkomo ka Vungwana
  • Dodo yirha, mzondi,sambu ziyeka, thambo lenyoka lihlaba elimzondayo Dlomo (different lines, Thembu or Hlubi subgroups)
• Dontsa- oNoDlidlu, oNoDlabathi, oSwahla, oMntungwa uNdukuMkhonto, uShembe, bath' uDontsa akananyongo kant' abay'bon' uba igqunywe ngesbhadlalala so mhlehlo... (Hlubi clan)
• Dzana khatsini, Mkhuma omnandi njenge zambane, Ncwabe, Nomayeye, Nxgabalala'simamkele nkushubana'(amabhaca)
• Dzanibe (Nqolo,Gaba kaThsayisa, Mntu wasemanzini,Ndzabedvolo, abakhibexonya-bengalaluki, ningayiqabi mpobovana nizawudlula nabadluli bendlela, Ndzathsane, Mahlambahlaletyeni, Nomvalo etc
• Faku (Nyawuza, Thahla, Ndayeni, Ziqelekazi, Ngqungqushe, Dakhile, Mpondo, Hlamba ngobubend'amanz'ekhona)
• Gaba (Mgweba, Mngqosini, Mjobi, Thithiba, Cihoshe, Nozinga, Mnt'womlambo, Thikoloshe, Ndoko, Mbokodw'emnyama Kahili, Msuthu, OoLoyiso, Ntembeko, Nompumezo,Nosimiso, nditsho OoSiphelo, NooMakdu)
• Gadluma (Cekwana, Ndulini, Gando, Tshutsha, Tyhopho, Mbomb'emfene, Izinto ezadla igusha zabelungu zathi ziziduli zethafa)
• Gambu (Memela, Msuthu Nontuli, Ngwekazi)
• Gamede (or Gamedze) (Nogele, Skhutyana, Phosibe), Mzamani, Ngonyama, Silwa kaMasikani, Nomasi, Gele, Mphubani, Maqaqasi, Mbew'enkulu engahlungulwa, etc.
• Ganu
• Gatyeni (Mamali, ndondela, nkomo zibomvu, nywabe, indoda uyivumi nepokoto, ocubungu)
• Gcina, Helushe, Xhamela Ncancashe, Magwebulikhula, Malambedlile, Nokwindla, Thyopho (Bahamba bepheth'isali – ihashe bakulifuman'emlungwini. The Gcina clan is originally from Lady Frere in the Eastern Cape. The amaGcina are thought to be kings of Lady Frere as they are the dominant clan. OR Amagcina Amarhula(Xhamela Ncancashe, Nogawul'ikhula, Malambayendle elambel'inyama yenyamakazi, nokwindla, uthyopho,uhamba epheth'isali ihashe ulifumana emfengwini, izinto zabantu abazibi koko bayazigcina, bathi iigusha ziziduli zethafa, ibhokhwe ngumnqabaza wehlathi,Isizukulwana sika Nomagwayi, umbon'obomvu wase mbo.
• Gebe (a Bomvana clan name)
• Godlwana (Nompunzi, Gcodi, Lusalu, Catala ka Qoyi, mbumbulu inye zingabambini ziyadubulana)
• Gqunu
• Gqwashu (with Khoikhoi ancestry)
• Gqwarhu – Deyi, omhlophe, Khawu, ngoszi, Mtabasa ka Dingana, cebisa
• Gxarha, Cwerha, Vambane, Mahlahla, Mlawu, Potwana (Mpodomise subgroup clan name)
• Hegebe
• Jali
• Jola SingaMampondomse ngohlanga, ooJola, ooJoliNkomo, ooMphaNkomo, ooQengeba, OoNgwanya, nomakhala, njuza, sthukuthezi, sithandwa mhla kukubi, hoshode, hakaha, mfaz' obele 'nye omabele made, oncancisa naphesheya komlambo (The royalties of the Mondomise)
• Jwarha (Vongwe, Mtika, Mazaleni, Jotela, Khatiti, Mnangwe, Mayarha, Tiyo, Soga, Mnguyane, Mbelu, Ndabase, Bantw'abahle noba bapheth' izikhali, Ntame'nemida njengeye nkunzi, mabujwe'bhidlika njengodaka)
• Khawuta
• Khiwa (Qwebeda) (Khonjwayo, Chithwayo, Ngcekula, Ndzondela, Hlaka, Ngetu, Phoswa, Silwanyana, Makalanyana, Sikhehlana a Pondo clan)
• Khonjwayo Isizwe noMnombo (Tribe Genealogy): Sizakuwubeka ngokokuzalwa kwabo, sithatha nje iintloko zabo,,,,uChithwayo uzala uKhonjwayo, uKhonjwayo azale uKhiwa, uKhiwa uzele uNgcekula kwiGreat House, kwiRight house wazala uNdanya,(amaNdanya akhokelwa nguNkosi uVelile Mkono)waza kwiQadi wazala uTshizi, indlu kaTshizi ikhokelwa nguSiqukwana.(Inkosi eyayiphethe ngexesha lakudala ihlonitshiwe nguNgcekula)uNgcekula uzele uNdzondela kwindlu yakhe enkulu(Great House) ,noNtsikinyani ekunene(Right House).UNdzondela wazala uHlaka, uHlaka wazala uNgetu, uNgetu wazala uPhoswa, uPhoswa wazala uSilwanyana, uSilwanyana wazala uMakalanyana, uMakalanyana wazala uSikhehlana, uSikhehlana yena uzala uTatana. Ngoku singena kwinzala yendlu yasekunene kaNgcekula, uNtsikinyana uzele uMakhanda, uMakhanda wazala uNogemane kwiGreat House, kwiRight house wazala uThungana. Masiqale kwindlu enkulu, uNogemane uzele uGwadiso(Dumile), uGwadiso wazala uGodloza, uGodloza yena wazala uNtenteni, uNtenteni wazala uGobizithwana(uZwelidumile) waza ke yena uGobizithwana wazala uDumisani inkosi enkulu ephethe isizwe samaKhonjwayo ngoku. Kanti ke uThungana yena wobunene buka Makhanda uzele uSithelo, uSithelo wazala uPhonyela, uPhonyela wazala uMakhizinyani, uMakhizinyani yena wazala uHlathikhulu, uHlathikhulu yena uzala uThulani.
• Khumalo (Mfengu clan name)
• Khwetshube(Xhanga, Ngcawukana,Thamse, Bipha,Bhongxa,kaXhanga; Mhlang'olal 'intake Kaz' utshile nje zolala phi! Ndlu kaYokazi.(Mabude, Ndelemane, Detshe, Njenjani,) (Mpondo clan name)
• Kwayi (Ngconde, Togu, Ubulawi, Ngcond'oneentshaba, etc.)
• Madiba (the clan name of Nelson Mandela, a Thembu. Important rulers and chiefs include Mthikrakra, Ngangelizwe, Dalindyebo, Joyi, Jumba, Sabatha, Buyelekhaya)
• Maduna (Gubevu, Nokhala, Jiyana, Tiba, Msuthu, Umnt'owaw'edakeni kwathi nqa abantu)
• Majola (see Jola)
• Mambi (Nxontsa ka Xesibe, , uBhulingwe kuvele imamba, uNtabazikude zikuMganu,Mntshontsho uSabela uyabizwa emazibukweni)
• Manci(Mbali, Wabane, Tshitshis'intaba, Mdludla , Zinde Zinde Zinemiqala)
• Mahlangu/Hlanga(Hlanga,Nobetha,Mqiya,Mndlovu,Mntada,Xhinela,Maleku,Nxeko,Dlangamakhandlela,Yokhwe,Maphuza,Mgweleta,Zilenzi,uMfaz'obelenye phesheya komlanjana)Thembu clan
• Matshaya Mbathane
• Mbanjwa, Gebane, Mpethwane, Gubulundu, Nongoma, Ntimela, Mhlabeka, Mantiyantiyane
• Mbatha
• Mbotho (Myalo, Ntombi evuka ithi ndizeke)
• Mdlane, Tutuse, Nomdimba, Qandashe, Mbomboyi, Ntlokwan'ibanzana, Ngubengcuka, Mtikrakra, mThembu
• Mdlangathi: Mome mome Sirhama Somntwana, Juta, Ngwenduna, Mencwa, ntshozina, Nobhedu, Ntaba ayikhonjwa ikhonjwa Ngamadlangathi odwa
• Mfene Lisa, Jambase,Hlathi,Msuthu, Buswayo, Canzi, Sanzanza
• Mgiqwa, Magele, Thotywayo, Jikijwa, Mvaba,Nkosana,Tshobo,Ntshinga ka Khwaza,Ntiya, Bambani
• Mhaga (noSabe, Amawel'ukuzana, uQwetha no Gqubushe)
• Miya, Gcwanini, Sibewu, Sijekula, Salakulandelwa
• Mjoli (Deyi, Shishi, Qubulashe, Wushe, Ngilana, Nonina, Bharhuzi, Fusani, Khusi,Bhedle, Mpulana, vebi,Zulu,)
• Mkhwane -Mwelase, Sigasa, Ntukela,Mlalase,Cikilili,Ngwekazi,)

• Mkhwemte Dabane Sgadi Mekhi Ntwentswe Fulashe Nojaholo Ncibane Qhanqolo Ntlokwenyathi Ngququ venge
• Mngxongo (oYem-yem, oSophitsho, oNgqolomsila, oVelebem'bhentsele, oZondwa zintshaba zingazubenza nto, oMthikrakra (Descendants of the AbaThembu, see Madiba, Dlomo, Mmaya)
• Mmaya (oYem-yem, oSophitsho, oMagwa, oNgqolomsila, oBhomoyi)
• Mlambo(Hlubi, oMbinga, Onoxhaka, oDladla, oLubisi, oSenene, Mlambo ongawelwayo owelwa zinkonjane zodwa pho nazo ukuba zinempiko) siszalo sika Gxiva
• Mpangela, Mvinjwa, Rhoshana, Ndlazi, Dlomo, Sibetho, Magwala, Gwadzi elisilika bubuhle.
• Mpehle : Cabashe, Dikane, Notyedo, Goc' iNyonga, Masila, Nkomo z'bomvu( a Mpodomise clan name)
• Mpemvu : uJali ,uJuda, uNtlotshane, Bumela, uNgciva(a Thembu clan name)
• Mpinga,Mawawa, Mbolokoqoshe, uSenzwa, Sineka Mbetshane, Hlahla lamsik' umntu es*ndeni, ngceza, Sintila, Nyaw' zinoshukela, mzukulu kaSityulu, kheth 'omthandayo, Mawawa, ): the clan of Enoch Sontonga, author of "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika", part of National Anthem of Republic of South Africa.
• Mqwambi, Holomi
• Mtakwenda (Leta, Libele, Tyebelendle, Ngcwadi, Kwangeshe, Mentuko, Mboyi, Solizembe)
• Mthunzi (Nyukwana, Homposhe, Njifile, Ntibane, Pepepe, Nkayi, Thambo lihlab'elimzondayo, Qabel'eliweni, Mthwakazi)
• Mvulane (Ncilashe, Msuthu, Sizila, Marhula, Papashe, Gwadela - Separate from the amaVundle)
• Mweli (Jili, Msingawuthi, Ngqambela, Masengwa, Mchemane, Sibakhulu, Mkhont’ obomvu, Ntlangwini's enebatha yaseMakhuzeni)
• Myirha Mzondi Sampu Ziyeka (Ithambo lenyoka lihlaba elimzondayo)
• Nala ( Ndokose , Mpembe , Nomgquma , nojakadelana, ozila zimkhonto zimangqangqase, inkomo enhle yaphiwa amaNala nobuhle bayo , osibhekuza baboNzima, bona abaphembela umlilo emanzini uvuthe , omakhanya ehlungwini kuhlwile : amaHlubi)
• Ncuthu
• Ncobeni(Mthunzi, Gema, Sibakhulu, Thabethe, Dlekedle, Tiba, Khuze)
• Ndaba (Tshibase, Bhadela, Mntungwa, Nonunu, Nomangcangca, Nogubela, Nzipho zimnyama kukuqhwaya)
• Ndala (Ndala ka Momamana, uMncotshe, Msunu Sdumbu, Thole, Ngxunga Smukumuku, Ndithinina )
• Ndlovu Mntungwa Gengesi Malunga Mancoba (zidlekhaya ngokuswela umalusi)
• Ndlela (sibhekuza,nodabekhula,nodada,nala)
• Ndungwane (Bhejula, Velabambentsele, Yem yem, Bukhali bentonga, Sophitsho, UKrali, uSoze, Ngibiselwano, Isagweba esavala iindonga kukubi, uSandla senkosi, uMsimelelo, uNgqolomsila, Buhle bendoda ziinkomo, Themba lamagwala.)
• Ndzaba (Msuthu, Bhili, Mancoba, Gase, Mwelase) into ezehla ezintabeni/ezinkahlambeni zishubele ngenqatha lehashe...
• Ngcitshane(Sigcongoma,Nkwenkwezana,Mev'amhlophe,Mal'iyavuza)
• Ngxabani(Meyiwa,Rhibela,Bhabha nomhlehlo,ooMdatshi,ooMabodi,ooMabhengu,Nontwenja yinkongolo)
• Ngwanya (see Jola)
• Nkomo (Mntungwa, Khumalo – amaMfengu. They are originally Ndebele from Natal and arrived as refugees in Thembuland in 1828 during the time of the Mfecane wars.)
• Nkwali (Mfengu/Hlubi clan name: bhukula, Mkhwanazi, Nkwali ye Nkosi). The Nkwalis’s were born ebukhosini (kingdom) buka Ndwandwe and they were famous during the rule of Dlomo the Thembu king. Nkwali originate from Mkhwanazi ka Ndwandwe. Nkwali joined the amaHlubi tribe. Nkwali gave birth to Mlabatheki who gave birth to Bukula. Same as Bukula, Maphela also comes from Nkwali. Mapela (Xhosa name for cockroach) got the name because he was so wealthy that his wealth was all over like cockroaches.

“…Abakwa Nkwali bazalwa ebukhosini, kunjalo nje baduma kakhulu ngolawulo likaDlomo. UMlabatheki wayengumfo wakwaNkwali; yena uzala uBukula, lo ufungwayo ngabo. uBukula ngulo wamisela uNtsele kubukhulu bamaHlubi, gokusuka amkhelele amanzi ngophondo ukuba awase kuise-mkhulu uDlomo. AbakwaMaphela isekwa ngabakwaNkwali. Balifumana eli gama kuba ubutyebi babo buska banyakasela ngokwamaphela, kwaba se kusithiwas ngabakwaMaphela. “Ngabakwa Nkwal’ enkosi, Enyon’ engadliwa ngabafokazana idliwa ngamakhosi. Ngabakwa Buz’ elikhul’ elagedl’ umhlanga, Kwavel’ amaBuz’ abuzwana. NgabakwaNongubo-ntloko. Abanye bazitetil’ abanye bazithwele. Inkwali yintak’ engcondo zibomvu Edla ikhethe lomfula”…” Source: IZiduko zama Hlubi, ngu Henry Masila Ndawo. Published by Lovedale Press, 1939. Found at Rhodes University Library. Last updated 12/03/2013 nguNkwali, uBukula, uThando wakwa Mjebeza kaNokuni ozalwaNgumsithi yena ozalwangu Mjebeza eGobozana eQonce.

• Nozulu (Deyi, Kheswa, Mpafane, Mchumane, Mpangazitha, Macocobela, Mzimkhulu,Ndokoma, Dosini, Thukela) by AD
• Nqarhwane (ooZduli, ooHintsabe, ooMaqhula, ooHlabilawu)
• Ntshilibe (Bhanqo,Ndize,Langa,Mdumane,Bobese,Ntshontshololo,Mgcaleka, senior Counselors in the Xhosa Royal House, and believed to have had independent chieftaincy amongst the abaThembu, which they lost during wars and started to pay allegiance to the Xhosa Kings)

" Ngcwangule"( Mpondo clan name, Tita , Phelwani, Nqashiya, Sikhuni somga nesomthole, mfazii obelelinye owaliphosa phesheya komlanjana bahlutha bonke abasemangcwaguleni, ntombi ziyamlilela zithi Bhuti usishiyela ntoni sikhuthanda nje, Ntombi zithi ndizeke Bhuti noba awunankomo, umntu awagwazumntu emasendeni

• Ntshiza, Gubha, Mbamba, Ngonyama, Simelela, Mpumlonkulu, Manqashe, Malilelwa zintombi zithi "Bhuti andina mama andina tata ndizeke ndingowakho".
• Nxasana, Thaba, Dunjane, Skhonze,Mkhiwa,Totoba,Malilelwa zintombi zithi ndizeke noba andinamali,
• Nxotwe (Gabazi, Qamkazi, Mfuza afulele okwelifu lemvula, Mpondomise)
• Nxuba (Mduma, Rhudulu)
• Nyawuza (Faku, Mpondo ruling line, chiefs including Faku, Sigcau, Bokleni, Ndamase)
• Nzothwa
• Mqadi Ngqwili Nondlobe,Ngcwina,
• Qhinebe – Gqugqugqu, Zithonga-zthathu, Haha, Mlunjwa, Mkhomanzi, Duka namahlathi,konjanémnyama idlalémafini.
• Qocwa (Deyi, Zikhali, Mazembe, Jojo, Tiyeka, Butsolo Beentonga Mbizana, Mabombo, Ngcolosi)
• Qoma (Qomukuyitya,ooMvand'inyama, Nyohela, Nwaba ndikwenze, ooSigqo, Sisiqobo eso)
• Qithi (Ndinga, Nkomo ayizali izala ngokuzaliswa, Yem-yem, Sopitsho, Ngqolomsila, Velabembhentsele, Zondwa, Thembu)
• Qwathi – Iinkomo zikaXesibe, zikaJojo, zikaMtshutshumbe, ogqaz'indlel'ebhek'ebuNguni. (The amaQwathi are not a clan but an independent nation founded by Mtshutshumbe kaMthetho who split from the amaXesibe nation and settled in the Mqanduli area in Thembuland some 350 years ago. Later they settled in their present capital of Engcobo during the reign of King Dlomo of abaThembu, about 1680. This small but fiercely independent and anti-colonial nation divides into several clans: amaDikela, amaTshaba, ooSdindi, ooBhlangwe, ooBhose, amaNzolo, imiNcayi, amaNtondo, amaKhombayo, ooMkhondweni, amaVumbe, ooKhebesi, amaBangula, amaDumba, ooMhotho, ooCakeni, ooBhabha, amaMvala, amaDabisa, ooS'ximba, etc. Prominent chiefs include the anti-colonial Stokwe ka-Ndlela, Dalasile kaFubu, Fubu himself (who fought and killed both Rharhabe and his son Mlawu in 1782, defended his capital and defeated Madzikane of the Bhaca in 1824 and Matiwane of Ngwane in 1828 during the Mfecane wars triggered by Shaka, etc.), Zwelakhe (present chief))
• Rhadebe Ndambe; Fafa; Rhudulu; Teyise; Mfunguma; Goduka; Sandali; Thole; Ncayiyana; Thetho; Holomika; Jambase; Mthimkhulu; Ngqeleni; Mkhence; Mafahla; Joseph; January; Mphela; Ndumazi; Bhaziya; Ncuthu; Rheme; Jayiya; Zusana; Ngwana; Molomeka; Malema; Fandesi; Sethima; Sidima; Ngconde; mkhabela; Ncusamba; Xesibe; Mfikazwe; Masinga; Msiza; Yawa; Yaso; Ohoiwa;Dyani; Qoqoba; Ntsunde; Bandezi; Mqikela; Mqhayi; Mkabani; Sonto; Mai; Vrekke; Damane;Jiyaso; Ntsima; Ndeze; Zenzile; Maphanga; Zuma; Jombose; Ndayisa; Fe; Ndila; ndzimande; Bhodlo; Mzimkhulu; Mbotho; Doseni; Dosini; mMqinase; Coko; Vilane; Njanya; mzoyiyana; Mzozoyana; Tuni; Tau; Baloyi; Valoi; vabooi; Booi; Saliso; Mndima; Mdingi; Ndlobeni; Ndlovukazi; Ndaba; tshaziya; tshaka; lembe; Nemba; Lemba; Bhekuzulu; Bhekezulu; Mantantayise; Sesulu; Sisulu; Ngiba; Ngidi; Goreh; Ngcandana; Mtsamai; Bereng;Tsaitsai; Ncede;Zukulu; Mkhonde; Chitwayo; Ndengane; Feketha; Ndala; Bhubesi; Lamaani; Ndrishan; Drouze; Fulmake and Solika ka Ndebela Mande
• Rharha-(Rharh'orhalayo ongarhaleli nto yamntu, Nokhwel'thole, Vuyani, Ndulwini, Tshwentshwe, Mfaz'obele'linye phesheya komlanjana)
• Rhoyi (Ntanzi, Dedeza, Mhlambiso, Sakhele, Ndima, Ndzube)
• Shweme, (Shweme, Limakhwe, Nolundi, Nogqagqa, Malilelwa Zintombi zisithi bhuti ndizeke, Zilamkhonto)
• Sithathu –means 'third', the third Khoi-khoi ancestry clan, the two other ones are Gqwashu and Sukwini– oChisana, Khopoyi, Ndebe, Hasa, Lawu]
• Skhosana (Skhosana, Novaphi, Mntungwa,phangele,hlubi, Ntuthwana, msikamhlanga, uNtuthu uyeaqhuma zonke izizwe zabikelana zathi ngabakwaSkhosana. Dunga) by Onesimo Langeni
• Skhoji (A group of Xhosa speaking people who mainly occupy the small town called Tsolo on the Tsitsa valley. They are the direct descendants of a Scottish man by the name of William Saunders who befriended a Xhosa girl and later had issue.)
• Shiya
• Sohobese
• Sonani, ntshiza, phokela,ntshantsha ka- mpisi, umabuya,umhlab'ohlul' abafokazana, usndindindi, mfazi omabele made owancancisa amawele ngaphesheya komfula wase leng
• Sukwini (with Khoi-khoi ancestry) – [Deyi, Chwama, Lawu, Dibashe, Somda, Somchiza, Ndlela, Ndlakhwe,Lubisi, Nja-bomvu, Sandlala-ngca, Ithole loMthwakazi]
• Thangana (Krila,Mtengwana, Rhaso, M'bamba, Bodlinja, Gobingca)
• Thiyane (Zengele, Ngele-ngele, Mahlangabeza owahlangabeza iNkosi isiza ngobuso ezweni, Nonkosi, Zulu, Buhlungu Benyoka, Nomphumela, Mpundwana zincinci zingazingongiwa, amaHlubi)
• Thole (Gqagqane, Buzini, Ndlangisa, Mzimshe, Lwandle)
• Tiyana (Mbambalalana,Sigquma-Nkungwini,Tshukuzindlwana,Nhanha,Mpheko,Mlambokhwelintaba,Thahla kandayela,Hlambangobend'amanzekhona,Tshulasi,Nongqwangile) ubukhulu becala esi siduko sifumaneka eMqanduli (the Clan of Xakatha Bonke Zwelobuntu.)
• Tolo (Mfengu clan name – Dlangamandla, Mchenge, Mabhanekazi, Zulu, Vumbalempongo liyanuka)
• Mngwevu (Zulu, Skhomo, Mhlatyana, Rhudulu,Tshangisa, Bhodlinyama, Snuka)
• Tshawe (the ruling house among all the Xhosa. Chiefs include Hintsa, Sigcawu, Sarhili, Xolilizwe, etc.)
• Tshawuza (Mnguni, abahle nangaphantsi konyawo, Maland'amhlophe)
• Tshezi (the ruling Bomvana clan of the Jalamba-Gambushe line, with European shipwreck ancestry)
• Tshomane (with shipwreck ancestry, split from the ruling Nyawuza clan of the Mpondo)
• Tshonyane (The clan name of Chris Hani) -Aphuma kubelungu abatyekezwa yinqanawe) – Chungwa, Dikiza, Sawu, Sido, Saba Tota, Simnke, Khwane, Hani, Mth'uzimele, Gqunukhwebe, Nkomo z'bomvu
• Thwane (Fulela wanetha, Mfazi olivila, Mpemvu,Sabelo, Wuwu)
• Xesibe (AmaXesibe are a nation made up of several clans and tribes but their history is not well documented. Common clan names are: Nondzaba, Mbathane, Tshomela ka Matsho,Matshaya,Makhuma).
• Xhamela (They are also called amaGcina, found in Thembuland).
• Xoko(Mpinga, Mawawa, Ntomtwana, Ngceza...Mostly populated in Bizana and Surrounding areas)
• Zangwa (Khwalo, Ncuthu, Sohobese, oonkuma – amaMpondo).
• Zulu Ntombhela, Lombeki, mtungwa, Sikamade, Mpungose, Mpundzima,Ndabakazi, Mbilingati, Sakhephi, Seme, Ndlovana, Ngwana, Lemba, Phungula,Zulu
• Zoko ( Chatha, Dlokovana, Mathathesuka njeNyamazane, Ngqambashe, , Diya malandelwa yintombi ithi ngizeke noma awunkomo, mntomhle njenjomi, Bekwa, Mafumbatha, Kitana, Gojana, Maniza, Mbhantso, Makhawini, Mazwana, Matana, Mkhosana, Nduluka, Nyumbana, Tseku, Bhokomela)

Major Xhosa-speaking nations or groups

Not all Xhosa speaking people belong to the amaXhosa nation whose rulership descends from amaTshawe (the Gcaleka and Rharhabe rulerships. The amaXhosa nation are the descendants of the line of Tshiwo to Phalo who begot Gcaleka and Rharhabe. Some people make the mistake of saying all Xhosa speakers are Umzi kaPhalo. The House of Phalo split into the amaGcaleka and amaRharhabe and the kingdom is presently being fought over between these two Xhosa houses. The issue of a Xhosa kingdom remains unresolved.

These nations or groups include:

• AmaBhaca
• AmaGqunukhweba
• AmaHlubi
• AmaRigwa
• AmaHigwa
• AbaThwa - AmaSan and Khoi
• AmaMfengu
• AmaMpondo
• AmaMpondomise
• AmaBomvana
• AmaFingo
• AmaXesibe
• AmaQadi
• AmaFingwa

The AmaMpondo have their separate lineage that is traceable from Sibiside to Dlemini to Njanya, to Mpondo and Mpondomise (twins) and Xesibe. The descendants of Mpondo are Santsabe, Sukude, Msiza, Ncindise, Cabe, Gangata, Bhala, Chithwayo, Khonjwayo, Ngcoya, Hlamandana, Tahle, Nyawuza and many others. The descendants of Xesibe are Ntozabantu to Ndzuza to Miyana to Bimbi to Nondzaba who begot Hlabe to Mthetho to Mtshutshumbe who founded the amaQwathi nation. Mtshutshumbe begot Mndwana begot Ncobe begot Nkovane begot Ntswayibana begot Dikela. The amaMpondo, amaMpondomise, amaXesibe and amaQwathi nations are related but the amaQwathi settled in Thembuland more than 350 years ago and as a result Qwathi chiefdom is more Thembu in culture and political association.

See also

• List of royal houses
• List of Xhosa Chiefs

Sources

• Mlungisi Ndima (1988). A History of the Qwathi People from the Earliest Times to 1910. MA Thesis. Rhodes University.
• Kirsch et al. Clicking with Xhosa (2001). Cape Town: David Phillips Publishers. p. 22.
• Makuliwe, Mpumelelo T.A. Iziduko zabantu abathetha IsiXhosa: isikhokelo kwintetho yesintu. ISBN 00869862197.