Nkosi is of African origin, specifically from the Zulu and Xhosa cultures of Southern Africa. It translates to "lord" or "king". This name has significant cultural importance as it signifies respect and royalty. Nkosi is traditionally given to males in these communities.
The name Nkosi has seen fluctuations in its popularity over the years, with a significant spike in 2001 (39 births) and notable peaks in the late 1990s to early 2000s. However, it has generally maintained a consistent presence since the 1970s, with a total of 367 births recorded up until 2022.