Lethabo
Meaningjoy · Sotho
Lethabo is an African gender-neutral name meaning “joy”, with Sotho roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- Word funLethabo doesn't repeat a single letter: 7 letters, all different.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Lethabo would score 12 points, thanks largely to the H (worth 4).
Fewer than 5 US babies a year get this name, so SSA doesn't list it. That makes it truly rare.
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Lethabo
Lethabo is a gender-neutral name of African origin meaning “joy”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Lethabo at school. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:African names
More African names
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Lethabo
What does the name Lethabo mean?
Lethabo means “joy” and comes from Sotho. Names built around “joy” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Abigail (“my father is joy”), Winston (“joy stone”), Joy (“joy”) and Beatrice (“she who brings joy”).
What is the origin of the name Lethabo?
Lethabo is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sotho. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).
Is Lethabo a boy or girl name?
Both. Lethabo is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
What names are similar to Lethabo?
If you like Lethabo, you might also like Abigail, Winston, Joy and Beatrice.
What should I know before naming my baby Lethabo?
Lethabo is an African gender-neutral name meaning “joy”, with Sotho roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.