Not Just Any Name |
| Written by Gboyinde Onijala | Share on Facebook |
| Thursday, 21 February 2008 | |
 Africa is a continent of diverse cultures, languages and traditions. From the North to the South and the East to the West, you will not find two countries within the continent whose cultures are completely alike. Some of the visible differences one might see includes the types of food eaten, the style of dress, the languages spoken and the variety within the shades of skin. It is this diversity, I believe, sets the continent of Africa apart from the world. One aspect of this celebrated diversity I most enjoy is the diversity within the names of African people. One thing that stands out to me is that Africans are generally very creative and expressive when naming their children. I find this to be especially true in the Nigerian culture. Whether Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Bendel or any of the 250 plus ethnic tribes, there seems to be some kind of competition to see who can give their child the most imaginative name. I will use myself as an example. To this day, I still have not heard of any other Omogboyinde Olukempe Onijala (trust me, I’ve been searching). While some end up hurting themselves trying to pronounce our names, one response I typically receive whenever I meet someone and introduce myself is, “Wow, that is such a beautiful name!” I believe many of us can attest to that. However, it is not only the Nigerian people whose names have powerful meanings. To give you a glimpse of the diversity in the names of African people, we would like to share some names and their meanings from different countries in Africa. NIGERIA Mojirayo– I woke up to joy Mojolaoluwa– I’ve tasted the goodness of God Mokunfope– I am full of praise Modupe– I give thanks Kasope– Let’s give thanks Omolola– A child is wealth Oluwabunmi- GHANA Afia- Friday born SIERRA LEONE Jeneba– Beautiful mother Ntoma– Name sake Sia– First born girl Tamba– Second born son Bintu-Royal ZIMBABWE Tendai----------------- Give thanks Farirayi---------------- Be happy/grateful Simbarashe----------- God’s strength Chipo------------------ Gift Dambudzo------------Trouble Nyarai----------------- Humility Tonderai-------------- Remember the times Kurayi-----------------Grow up Natsai------------------Do good Taurai------------------Speak Guinea |
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