Rwanda Naming Customs

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In other languages: English | Français | Ikinyarwanda or Runyarwanda

Rwanda

Naming Customs

Understanding customs used in surnames and given names can help you identify your ancestors in records. Learn to recognize name variations and see clues in names.

Online Tools

• Behind the Name: Swahili Submitted Surnames
• Behind the Name: Swahili Given Names
• Most Common Last Names In Rwanda
• Rwandan last names in alphabetical order
• Rwanda Surnames
• Top 500 girl names from Rwanda
• Top 500 boy names from Rwanda
• FamilySearch's surname experience - enter your last name to find its meaning and origin

Given Names

The country's principal language is Kinyarwanda.

• Focus: Child naming (Kwita Izina) in Rwanda
• Aspects of Naming in Kinyarwanda