Lethabo and Onalerona among SA’s favourite baby names for 2023

South African culture continues to remain a strong factor in deciding names for newborns, says Stats SA in its latest birth report. 

A total of 932,138 births were registered with Home Affairs last year.

When it comes to names, there were some clear favourites.

For boys, Lethabo was a favourite, while Onalerona was a top pick for girls. 

Stats SA says these name choices carry deep personal and cultural meanings. 

“[It] represents the hope, values, and aspirations parents have for their children.” 

Here are the top 10 girl and boy names for 2023:

Top 10 girl names for 2023

• Onalerona (2,836)
• Melokuhle (2,463)
• Lisakhanya (2,298)
• Zanokuhle (2,273)
• Lethabo (2,093)
• Lesedi (2,010)
• Omphile (1,909)
• Amahle (1,778)
• Naledi (1,771)
• Nkanyezi (1,694)

Top 10 boy names for 2023

• Lethabo, (2,965)
• Nkazimulo (2,377)
• Lubanzi (2,249)
• Nkanyezi (1,890)
• Langelihle (1,874)
• Lethokuhle (1,656)
• Junior (1,640)
• Melokuhle (1,614)
• Siphosethu (1,607)
• Omphile (1,606)