'Thato' meaning: The origins and significance of this unique name
An individual's name has much significance, with many choosing their children's names for their meaning, which families may hold close to them. Thato is a standard South African name that names significance beyond an appealing name. What does the name Thato mean? Here, we discuss 'Thato's' meaning, the name's origins, and other names commonly associated with Thato and their meanings.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
South Africa is a melting pot of culture, with 11 official languages and many more associated cultures, traditions, and religions. Many locals choose their children's names considering what the name may mean to the family and their hopes for their future child.
Many African people across the country's diverse cultures carefully select their children's names to reflect the family's beliefs. The name Thato is no exception, with various positive connotations. What is the meaning behind the beautiful feminine name?
Thato meaning in English
So, what is the meaning of Thato? Sources vary, but according to The Meaning of Names website, Thato means 'the will or love of God'. Hostziza mentions the name holds significance regarding 'wish, 'will,' and 'desire' and is considered a 'peacemaker'.
Most online sources report the same meaning: peace, love of God, desire, wish, and will. However, Meaningslike mentions that the name could represent independence, innovation, courage, determination, courage, and sincerity.
Thato meaning in Zulu
The meaning of Thato in Zulu is considered the same as the direct English translation. It is associated with God's love, strong will and desire for peace. The Thato meaning in Xhosa has the same associations.
Thato meaning in Sotho
Regarding the name's origins, Babynology reports that Thato has roots in Sotho and Sepedi. The article also states that many strongly gravitate to the meaning of being 'a peace maker' regarding its Sotho and Sepedi origin associations.
Source: Getty Images
Thato meaning in Tswana
The name's meaning slightly differs when used in Tswana. Askhub states that Thato may mean 'rejoice' or 'happiness.'
How do you pronounce the name Thato?
Thato is considered an accessible name to pronounce. Various online sources showcase how to pronounce it, including a detailed explanation from How to Pronounce's website for those who want to know as much as possible and a more fundamental explanation on NamesOrg's YouTube channel.
Who is Thato in the Bible?
With Thato's meaning having a strong religious connotation, there is curiosity regarding whether there is an individual with the same name in the Bible. Despite this curiosity, nobody with that name is mentioned in the Bible.
Other name meanings
Thato is not the only highly significant South African name. According to online sources, plenty of local names have admirable meanings. Still, the following names are most commonly associated with Thato, and what local language it is associated with.
What is the meaning of Luyolo?
Luyolo is commonly associated with Thato due to its South African origins and positive connotation. The Meaning of Names states that Luyolo means 'bliss or joy'.
Source: Getty Images
What is the meaning of the name Latosha?
Latosha is not a standard South African name. Still, according to Google search, it is closely associated with Thato online due to its usage among African-Americans living in the USA. According to The Black Names Project, it stems from African-American culture and is derived from Natasha.
What is the meaning of the name Maytham?
Maytham is associated with Thato online, but according to various sources, the name has Arabic origins. Behind the Name reports that Thato means 'crushing' in Arabic, but The Meaning of Names says it means 'something that burns fire'.
What are the most common names in South Africa?
We know that Thato is a commonly chosen name for South Africans, but what are some of the top-chosen names nationally? According to Stats SA, Melokuhle, Lethabo, and Lethokuhle were the most popular South African names for baby boys and girls in 2021.
Many South African names are unisex, but the top male names in the country were Lethabo, Lubanzi, and Melokuhle. The top female names are Melokuhle, Omphile, and Iminathi. Melokuhle, Lethabo and Lethokuhle made the top ten list for baby boys and girls.
What are the most popular English names in South Africa?
What are the most common South African English names? Forebears states an estimated 1,562,537 unique forenames are in the country, with an average of 35 people per name. The following table shows the top 10 English names in South Africa:
| Rank | Gender | Name | Incidence | Frequency |
| 1 | 100% male | Johannes | 329,614 | 1:165 |
| 2 | 100% female | Maria | 321,362 | 1:170 |
| 3 | 100% female | Elizabeth | 259,882 | 1:210 |
| 4 | 100% male | David | 209,733 | 1:260 |
| 5 | 100% female | Anna | 194,096 | 1:281 |
| 6 | 100% male | John | 192,059 | 1:284 |
| 7 | 100% male | Michael | 181,891 | 1:300 |
| 8 | 93% female | Sibongile | 173,947 | 1:314 |
| 9 | 100% female | Johanna | 167,560 | 167,560 |
| 10 | 99% male | Sipho | 166,880 | 1:327 |
Source: Original
Other popular names
If you do not want to use any of the most common names, here are some other beloved baby boy and girl names and meanings, as reported by Legit:
- Anathi: They are with us
- Abebi: We asked and got her
- Ade: Princess
- Nomasonto: Mother of Sundays
- Philisiwe: Healed
- Mieke: Water
- Zonke: All
- Enzokuhle: Do good or do the right thing
- Liambe: To request or to ask for
- Kaikura: Ground
- Kamogelo: Acceptance
- Lethabo: Happiness or joy
- Anathi: They are with us
- Jaivyn: Light spirit
The 'Thato' meaning shows that the name is ideal for parents who want their child's name to reflect their love of God. It is also an excellent choice for those who want their child's name to reflect someone who is passionate about justice and peace.
READ ALSO: 75 cool questions to ask kids to make family time fun
Creating new and exciting games to play with family members may become challenging as you run out of ideas or fun activities. Briefly.co.za wrote about how you can keep the children entertained.
What can you do to keep your kids entertained in a family bonding activity? Here are 75 cool questions to ask your children to keep family time fun and engaging.
Source: Briefly News
