in Xhosa[1] are family names that are considered more important than surnames among Xhosa people.
[2][3] Many Xhosa persons can trace their family history back to a specific male ancestor or stock.
Mentioning the clan name of someone is the highest form of respect, and it is considered polite to enquire after someone's clan name on meeting.
[4] When a woman marries, she may take her husband's surname, but she always keeps her own clan name and adds the prefix "Ma-" to it.
A man and a woman who have the same clan name may not marry, as they are considered to be related.