Nkosi is a Nguni word for “king”, “chief“ and ”lord”. Nkosi is a common name and surname among Nguni people. Notable people with the surname include:

Forename

• Nkosi Johnson (1989–2001), South African child with HIV/AIDS who made a powerful impact on public perceptions of the pandemic
• Nkosi Nofuma (born 1988), South African rugby union player currently playing with the Border Bulldogs
• Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau (1947–1996), South African anti-Apartheid activist

Surnames

• Agnes Nkosi (born 1987), South African professional football manager
• Duma Nkosi (1957–2021), mayor of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality from 2001 to 2008
• Kwanele Nkosi, character in the post-apocalyptic young adult horror novel The Dead by Charlie Higson
• Lewis Nkosi (1936–2010), South African writer and essayist
• Mxolisi Sizo Nkosi (born 1967), senior official in the government of South Africa
• Siyabonga Nkosi (born 1981), South African footballer
• Themba Mbongeni Nkosi or Euphonik (born 1983), South African DJ, music producer and radio presenter
• West Nkosi (1940–1998), South African music producer, saxophonist and songwriter
• Willis Nkosi, South African Army officer
• S’busiso Nkosi (born 1996), South African rugby union player