Author: awa Page 1 of 580

VanDerWalt is an Afrikaans surname meaning “from the Walt (forest).”

Meaning & Origin:
A topographic name from Dutch “van der” (from the) and “walt” (forest variant). Common among Afrikaans families since the 18th century, particularly in the Western Cape.

Notable People:
Johan van der Walt (rugby player), Van der Walt family (prominent in South African agriculture).

Tyrer is an English occupational surname meaning “tiler” or “roof-tiler.”

Meaning & Origin:
From Old French “tieullier” (tiler), denoting someone who made or laid roof tiles. The name came to South Africa through British immigration.

Notable People:
John Tyrer (English cricketer), Tyrer family (early Natal settlers).

Modibedi is a Tswana surname meaning “the iron one,” symbolizing strength.

Meaning & Origin:
From the Tswana word “bedi” (iron) with prefix “Mo-” (person). The name suggests resilience and durability, common in Botswana and South Africa’s North West province.

Notable People:
No notable figures recorded with this surname.

Omuhle is a Zulu surname meaning “the beautiful one.”

Meaning & Origin:
From the Zulu word “muhle” (beautiful) with prefix “O-” (person). While more commonly a given name, some families have adopted it as a surname, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.

Notable People:
No widely recognized figures with this surname.

Ridsdale is an English surname meaning “valley with reeds.”

Meaning & Origin:
From Old English “hreod” (reed) and “dæl” (valley), originally denoting someone who lived near a reed-filled valley. Brought to South Africa through British settlement.

Notable People:
Peter Ridsdale (English football executive), Ridsdale family (prominent in early Cape Colony).