What’s in a Name? Reclaiming Africa’s Soul

What’s in a name? It’s more than a simple identification. A name can reveal one’s origin, a blessing, a purpose, a legacy or an envisioned future.

Colonisers have tended to eliminate African names in the African diaspora as some perceived them as not “holy” or difficult to pronounce.

One example is South African president Nelson Mandela. His traditional name is Rolihlahla – meaning “troublemaker”, but his teacher gave him the name ’Nelson’.

Another trend is naming babies after Western film stars, soccer stars, celebrities and musicians, among others.

Then you have parents who combine the names of the two parents (portmanteau), such as Davily from David and Emily, or Joanne from Joe and Annie.

Acclaimed Nigerian author Chinua Achebe writes: “People say that if you find water rising up to your ankle, that’s the time to do something about it ,not when it’s around  your neck.”

This is a powerful wake-up call. As Africans, we must consciously and urgently strive to revive and embrace our African culture and heritage.

IDENTITY AND TRENDS

Some African names may present pronunciation challenges or carry negative connotations, leading some Africans to feel pressured to adopt foreign names.

We should resist this trend.

Other African names are adopted out of disappointment, expressing pain or hope for the future.

For example, names like Ndasuunje (meaning “I’m discouraged”) can carry negative connotations.

Some may feel a disconnect between their names and their identities and abandon them.

Conversely, some names are religious and express gratitude, such as Ngundjizuva (“Jesus is the one who hears my prayer during difficult times”) in the Otjiherero language.

Or Tanga Omwene (“praise the Lord”) in the Oshiwambo language.

Feminine names like Kasiku (“night” in Rukwangali) can describe the circumstances of a birth, e.g. born at night.

We also have family clans that describe the types of clans, their strength, values, group dynamics and community.

Take Ovakwanambwa, Aakwambahu and Ovakwenambura. Some names are carefully selected because they carry cultural weight and deep meaning, an intrinsic value believed to give hope and shape a destiny.

Founding president Sam Nujoma’s name Shafiishuna means “look dangerous”.

A narrative that he caused trouble for the colonialists and was not to be trifled with while protecting his people.

It is a name attached to self-determination, bravery and fearlessness.

SYMBOLISM AND STATUS

While some names symbolise lineage, for example someone named after their grandparents, other names are purposefully chosen.

They can reflect hopes for an individual’s status, their quality of life – hoping for future provision for the namesake – or out of friendship as a way to strengthen bonds and to value a relationship.

Some names are attached to a person’s character, talent or to describe a person’s prominent traits, such as the combat names of some of Namibia’s Plan fighters: Kapitaholo (‘Bulletproof’), Katanga Kakukutu (‘Hardball’ in Oshiwambo), a narrative of tough people.

We have notable leaders across our continent who have embraced their traditional names: from Namibia’s Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and Hage Geingob, to Kwame Nkrumah and Muammar Gaddafi, among others.

The same applies to prominent Namibian figures such as the late King Mandume Ndemufayo, King Nehale Lya Mpingana, Chief Katjikururume Kutako and Kavizeva Meroro, among others.

CHALLENGES

Some people mispronounce certain African names, which can lead to unintended meanings.

There’s a story of a woman who apparently wanted to make an impression at a wedding by showing she knew how to speak Oshiwambo.

Instead of calling the bridesmaids to join the table with “iinkumbi ileni”, she called them “iinkumbu” with a silent “n” ileni, which translated into something else – “om’kulunhu ou uditeko nale” (as an adult, you should already understand).

Just as we learn to pronounce names in foreign languages, the same should apply to our African languages.

Technology innovators need to develop practical online tips and guides to correctly pronounce African names.

We must also embrace our names in art, music, literature and other forms of expression.

In this vein, Namibia’s music industry should be commended. It has artists like PDK, Blossom, Young T, and Ndilimani, among others, who produce songs with strong cultural messages.

FATE AND FOOTPRINTS

Adopting foreign names can be attributed to colonialism, Western influences and cultural exchanges. In some cases, for example, farmworkers adopted the surnames of their masters.

Some historical events, such as genocides, led to the suppression and erasure of African traditional names.

Understanding these factors is critical to preserving our African heritage. It will help maintain a connection to our ancestral roots and traditions.

Our African names are the footprints that lead back to our ancestors and guideposts that shape our destinies.

As Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey famously said: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

• Toini Sam is a Master’s graduate (international relations) and an author. This article is written in her personal capacity.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.