The baby name Kudzai is a Unisex name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced koo-DZAI (IPA: /kuˈdzai/).
Kudzai is Shona in Origin.
The baby name Kudzai is a Unisex name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced koo-DZAI (IPA: /kuˈdzai/).
Kudzai is Shona in Origin.
Kudzai is a Shona (Bantu) given name from Zimbabwe, derived from the verb kudza, “to honor, respect, or esteem.” In Shona grammar, kudzai is the imperative/polite plural form - literally “honor!” or “show respect!” - so the name conveys a wish that its bearer live by reverence and humility. It is widely used among Shona speakers and throughout the Zimbabwean diaspora, and functions as a unisex name.
Usage expanded in the late 20th century as families favored indigenous virtue names alongside or instead of English Christian names. Variants include the fuller Kudzanai, with Kudzi a common diminutive; related names built on similar moral imperatives in Shona include Tendai (“give thanks”) and Rumbidzai (“praise”). Notable bearers such as singer‑actress Kudzai Sevenzo and actor‑activist Kudzai Chimbaira have helped carry the name into the diaspora.
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA | 0 | #31 | 3 | 2,537 | |
| QA | 0 | #106 | 1 | 7,011 | |
| BW | Girls | 0 | #135 | 14 | 4,216 |
| BW | Boys | 0 | #136 | 14 | 4,685 |
| HU | Boys | 0 | #174 | 1 | 3,954 |
| AE | 0 | #187 | 1 | 10,220 | |
| PL | 0 | #212 | 1 | 2,600 | |
| IR | 0 | #231 | 1 | 4,221 | |
| NA | Girls | 0 | #232 | 6 | 7,146 |
| NA | Boys | 0 | #247 | 7 | 6,830 |
| CN | Boys | 0 | #326 | 6 | 9,639 |
| CN | Girls | 0 | #354 | 6 | 8,829 |
| OM | Girls | 0 | #424 | 1 | 15,987 |
| ZA | 0 | #430 | 18 | 14,421 | |
| PA | Boys | 0 | #505 | 1 | 9,305 |
| HK | Boys | 0 | #556 | 2 | 12,905 |
| BH | 0 | #587 | 1 | 17,937 | |
| AE | Girls | 0 | #593 | 5 | 20,968 |
| ZA | Girls | 0 | #825 | 326 | 25,928 |
| ZA | Boys | 0 | #886 | 301 | 25,619 |
| MY | Girls | 0 | #1,072 | 1 | 24,821 |
| AE | Boys | 0 | #1,140 | 4 | 22,615 |
| TR | 0 | #1,252 | 3 | 19,440 |
Kudzai is popular in 15 countries — most recent births per country:
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