Kizito (surname)

Kizito is a surname of Ugandan origin, derived from the given name of Saint Kizito, who was one of the youngest martyrs canonised in the Roman Catholic Church. The name is popular among the Baganda ethnic group of Uganda and is often passed down through generations as a surname.

Etymology: The name Kizito is of African origin, and in Luganda, a Bantu language spoken in Uganda, it means "a gift". It is a unisex name and reflects the cultural significance of giving and receiving in the Baganda community.

History: The history of the Kizito surname is closely tied to the spread of Christianity in Uganda. Saint Kizito, a young Ugandan martyr, was one of the 22 Ugandan Christians who were tortured and killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887. His strong belief and courage in the face of persecution made him a symbol of faith and resilience, and his name became popular among Ugandan Christians. As a result, the name Kizito was adopted as a surname by many families, especially within the Catholic community.

Distribution: The surname Kizito is primarily found in Uganda, particularly among the Baganda people. With the Ugandan diaspora, the name has also spread to the United Kingdom and other parts of the world where Ugandan communities are present.

Notable Individuals:

  • Dr. Kizza Besigye Kifefe Kizito - Ugandan politician and former presidential candidate.
  • Doreen Kizito Mitali - Ugandan author and poet.
  • Alice Kizito Musongole - Ugandan-British actress known for her work in theatre.

The surname Kizito carries with it a sense of heritage, faith, and cultural pride for those who bear it, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the Baganda people of Uganda.

There are approximately 124 people named Kizito in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Kizito.

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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