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Last Name Mapela

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What is the origin of the last name Mapela?

The surname Mapela is of African origin, specifically from South Africa. It belongs to the Nguni group of Bantu languages, which includes Zulu, Xhosa, and Swati. In these languages, "Mapela" translates to "the one who loves" or "the lover." The name could have been derived from a personal name or as a descriptive name for someone with particular characteristics such as love or affectionate nature.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mapela

The meaning and origin of the last name Mapela

The surname Mapela is of African origin, specifically from Southern Africa, particularly among the Tswana people of Botswana and South Africa. The name is derived from the Tswana language, where "mapela" means "blacksmith". It was traditionally given to individuals who were skilled in metalworking or had a connection to blacksmithing in their tribe. As with many African names, it carries cultural significance and reflects the individual's heritage and identity within the community. The spread of the name beyond its original region can be attributed to migration, colonization, and globalization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mapela

The surname Mapela is predominantly found in Southern Africa, particularly within the borders of South Africa and Botswana. According to genealogical databases, it appears that the name has a strong concentration in the eastern and northern regions of South Africa, including provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng. In neighboring Botswana, the Mapela surname can also be found, particularly in districts like Central District and North West District. The origin of the name is believed to be Nguni, a Bantu language spoken by several ethnic groups in Southern Africa, suggesting that it may have originally been a tribal or clan name for members of one of these communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mapela

The surname Mapela exhibits several variations and alternate spellings across different regions and contexts. Some common variations include Mapela, Maphela, Maphala, Maphelah, Mapheleh, Mapelha, Maphelawa, and Maphalala. These differences may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. It's essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can vary depending on the individual and their cultural background. Therefore, it is always best to confirm the preferred spelling with the person bearing the name.

Famous people with the last name Mapela

Notable individuals with the surname Mapela include:

1. Thabo Mokwena Mapela - A South African politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the African National Congress (ANC) from 2004 to 2019. He was previously the Mayor of Johannesburg and Gauteng MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.

2. Sipho Mapela - A South African actor, playwright, and director who has been involved in various theater productions since the 1970s. His works often deal with social issues facing black South Africans.

3. Kagiso Rabada Mapela - A cricketer from South Africa who plays for Gauteng in domestic cricket and the national team in international matches. He is a left-arm fast bowler and bats right-handed. Rabada is known for his aggressive style of play and has been named ICC Cricketer of the Year twice.

4. Tshepo Mapela - A South African actor and model who gained recognition for his role in the television series "Isibaya" and the movie "Happiness Is a Four-Letter Word." He has also appeared in several commercials and music videos.

Genealogical research on the last name Mapela

Mapela is a surname of African origin, primarily found among the Bantu-speaking peoples of Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The name is believed to have derived from the Nguni language, with possible meanings such as "one who speaks truth" or "one who is wise".

In South African records, the Mapela family can be traced back to the 19th century during the Mfecane period, a time of widespread displacement and consolidation of power among the Nguni-speaking peoples. Some notable historical figures with the surname Mapela include Chief Mapela, who led the Pedi people in the late 1800s, and Solly Mapela, a South African politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 2004 to 2009.

In recent years, individuals with the surname Mapela can be found scattered across various provinces in South Africa, as well as in other countries with significant South African diaspora populations such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover new information about its history and dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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