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HelpAfrican Names
I recently decided that I want to give at least one future child an African name, either a FN or MN. Since my grandfather died before I was born, and he and my grandmother were divorced, I've never been very close with my black relatives (except for my mom, obviously). From the little I know of them, my aunts, uncles, and cousins are wonderful people; and I definitely respect my heritage. Using an African name would be a great way to honour both my heritage and those family members, IMO.
After perusing African names for a while, I've come up with a short list. I'd love to hear opinions. But I don't want to hear a bunch of "NMS" or "too weird" comments. Obviously, African names will look and sound unusual to a board of (mostly) English speakers. I am not interested in whether these names would "work" for an American kid; honestly, I couldn't care less.
One more thing--several of these names have joy-related meanings. Yes, they are shameless attempts to honour myself. If you know of any other joy-related, but not god-related African names, I'd be especially interested in hearing them.
Okay, enough of my rambling. On with the list.
Girls:
Nkiruka - "the best is still to come"
Though it isn't joy-related, this is currently my favourite. The meaning is unique and profound, and it looks beautiful. I could even use Kiri as a NN! But I'm not entirely sure how to pronounce it. I'm saying n-kee-roo-ka, but that probably isn't correct. I should make a post on Facts about it.
Dayo - "joy arrives"
Sekai - "be humourous"
Marjani - "coral"
Sethunya - "bloom, flower"
Furaha - "joy, happiness"
Dada - "curly hair"
Nuru - "light"
Mirembe - "peace"
Funanya - "love"
Kirabo - "gift"
Nyarai - "be humble"
Boys:
Amadi - "free man"
Isn't an African name meaning "free man" beyond perfect? I love this.
Ayo - "joy"
Thabo - "joy"
So far, my favourite "joy" name is Thabo.
Kayode - "he brought joy"
Xolani - "peace
Dakarai - "rejoice"
I also quite like Makena, which means "happy one" in Kikuyu, but McKenna's ruined it for me.
So WDYT? I am open to any and all suggestions! Please, suggest away! There are hundreds of African names not listed on BtN, so if you like some, feel free to share.
Actually, I'll ask a separate question. What are your favourite African names?
Thanks for wading through this post!
After perusing African names for a while, I've come up with a short list. I'd love to hear opinions. But I don't want to hear a bunch of "NMS" or "too weird" comments. Obviously, African names will look and sound unusual to a board of (mostly) English speakers. I am not interested in whether these names would "work" for an American kid; honestly, I couldn't care less.
One more thing--several of these names have joy-related meanings. Yes, they are shameless attempts to honour myself. If you know of any other joy-related, but not god-related African names, I'd be especially interested in hearing them.
Okay, enough of my rambling. On with the list.
Girls:
Nkiruka - "the best is still to come"
Though it isn't joy-related, this is currently my favourite. The meaning is unique and profound, and it looks beautiful. I could even use Kiri as a NN! But I'm not entirely sure how to pronounce it. I'm saying n-kee-roo-ka, but that probably isn't correct. I should make a post on Facts about it.
Dayo - "joy arrives"
Sekai - "be humourous"
Marjani - "coral"
Sethunya - "bloom, flower"
Furaha - "joy, happiness"
Dada - "curly hair"
Nuru - "light"
Mirembe - "peace"
Funanya - "love"
Kirabo - "gift"
Nyarai - "be humble"
Boys:
Amadi - "free man"
Isn't an African name meaning "free man" beyond perfect? I love this.
Ayo - "joy"
Thabo - "joy"
So far, my favourite "joy" name is Thabo.
Kayode - "he brought joy"
Xolani - "peace
Dakarai - "rejoice"
I also quite like Makena, which means "happy one" in Kikuyu, but McKenna's ruined it for me.
So WDYT? I am open to any and all suggestions! Please, suggest away! There are hundreds of African names not listed on BtN, so if you like some, feel free to share.
Actually, I'll ask a separate question. What are your favourite African names?
Thanks for wading through this post!
This message was edited 7/24/2008, 8:12 AM
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