In most parts of the world, names are known or thought to be a word or set of words by which a person, animal, place or thing is known, addressed or referred to. In other words, names are used by individuals to describe one another or a place.The African continent is home to hundreds of indigenous tribes, each generally having its own African dialect and culture. There are over 2100 languages spoken natively in Africa, making African baby names some of the most diverse in the world. . These variations and broad plethora of names, gives Africa a unique place in the world as concerns names.
Being the birthplace of humanity, African names represent ancestral meanings from the first tribes on the planet to modern day societies. Being the largest continent on the planet and encompassing a large variety of cultures and people, there is rich diversity in parenting traditions. Children from one country to another experience vastly different rites of passage, upbringing, and tradition. From Akan to Bantu to Swahili, African baby names vary and represent a wide heritage of culture, honour, unique meaning, beauty, education and tradition.
The Bantus of Cameroon like most other African tribes give names according to events, happenings and or circumstances. Names like Njikobiya (i will not run), Merima (graves), Misodi (tears) are often attributed when a woman after having lost several of her babies at birth,finally gets a baby who lives. Names like Ngoh (male) and Engwari (female), are often given to fraternal twins while Wase and Kongwe are often given to female identical twins.
In another case, a friend of mine was born when his father was serving a jail term for borrowing money from the bank and unable to pay, so his father named him Marumbe (meaning debts) in the local Bantu dialect. His elder sister was so weak when born,that everyone thought she was not going to survive childhood.So his father named her Berembi (cocoyam leaves). In most tribes, names also reflect where, when and how a child was born. I had a classmate who was born when his mother went to the stream to fetch water,so his dad named him Madiba (water), while another child was born while his mother was returning from the farm,so her dad named her Nguea (road). Some people have names like Mbua (rains) because they were born when it was raining or during the rainy season; Ngonde (moon) born during the first appearance of the Moon; when one of his parents just got a new job,he was named Musango (blessing or luck).
In most tribes of Ghana, children are often named according to the days when they are born for instance; the Fante will name a child Aba (born on Monday), Abeeku (born on Wednesday); Abena (born onTuesday), Afia (female child born on Friday), Koffi (male child born on Friday), Kwabena (born on Tuesday), Kwasi (born on Sunday), Kwame (born on Saturday) etc etc.
Some tribes also attribute names to special cultures, Gods, beliefs or ceremonies. The Igbo of Eastern Nigeria will always name a child Chika (God is the greatest) after a sad event that saw God’s hand in their survival, or Chidike (God is strong), Chinasa (God answers), Chidimma (god is good), Chinedu (God leads) or Amadi (free man), Agwu (Lion), Emeka (great deeds), Adaeze (daughter of a king), Chinyere (God has given) or Ebere (kindness), Ngozi (blessing), Ikenna (father’s power), Adamma (child of beauty).
African names also have various meanings depending on the tribe and circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. The Yoruba of Nigeria will name a child Abidemi (born during his father’s absence), Abimbola (born wealthy), Olufemi (God loves me), Obafemi (the king loves me), Babayemi (My father suits me), Abiodun (born during a festival), Afolabi (born into wealth), Babatunde (father has returned), Ayo (joy), Bamidele (follow me home), Dada (curly hair), Abayomi (born to bring me joy), Idowu (born after twins).
In east Africa, names are also attributed following the same trend. For instance, the Yao of Malawi will name a child Abikanile (listen), Adia (presence of God), Ahmed (praiseworthy), Ali (exalted), Alileh (she weeps), Andwele (God brought me), Ayize (let it happen), Aziza (precious), Alemayehu (i have seen the world), Bongani (be grateful), Izem (Lion), Kagizo (peace), Makena (happy one), Mosi (first child).
I can go on and on because i believe Africa is unique in its traditions, beliefs and culture!
So, Rise-up Africa and be proud!
Does your name have a meaning in your local dialect, then tell us about it!
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