NGANGA
Also recorded as Ng'Ang'A, Ng'ang'a
Nganga
Nganga is a British surname of African origin that has its roots in the Bantu language. The name is predominantly found among the Kikuyu community in Kenya, where it is often used to refer to traditional healers or spiritual leaders.
Origin and Meaning
The surname Nganga derives from the Kikuyu word "ng'anga", which loosely translates to "medicine man" or "healer". Historically, Ngangas held a revered position within the community as practitioners of traditional medicine and spiritual guidance.
Distribution
While the surname Nganga originated amongst the Kikuyu people, it has also spread to other parts of East Africa and beyond, including countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, and the United Kingdom. In the UK, individuals with the surname Nganga can be found in various regions, particularly in cities with significant African diaspora populations.
Notable Individuals
- John Nganga: A British-Kenyan entrepreneur known for his work in promoting African culture and heritage in the UK.
- Alice Nganga: An academic and researcher specialising in African traditional healing practices and their impact on modern healthcare.
Cultural Significance
The surname Nganga carries cultural significance, symbolising the importance of traditional healing practices and spiritual beliefs within the Kikuyu and broader African communities. It reflects a sense of heritage and identity for those who bear the name, connecting them to their ancestral roots and traditions.
There are approximately 153 people named Nganga in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Nganga.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Charles
- Henry
- James
- John
- Joseph
- Kenneth
- Martin
- Nicholas
- Samuel
Female
- Elizabeth
- Eunice
- Grace
- Helen
- Jane
- Joyce
- Lucy
- Mary
- Purity
- Rachel