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I am writng a novel taking place in pre colonial Cameroon . I would like to name my characters with some authenticity but I'd like particularly to avoid names easily recognized as colonial or post colonial. I've found numerous lists for naming babies but none giving surnames. There seems to be little or no historical records for very early periods in Sub-Sahara regions but considering how fluid migration was throughout history I'd be able to use most names (first and second) without outside-of -Africa influence. Please-anyone-help me be authentic.
Leslie
Leslie
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Hi leslie! My name is James Culhane, I am a south African who is extemely interested in the meaning of surnames belonging to black people. Since I have a few friends who are quite Knowledgeable on authentic names - I could possibly be of help to you. I can provide you with as many names as you require, from where you could decide on appropriate names for your characters - so long as you could tell me the individual meaning thereof, provided you have the relative information. I look forward to your response. Kindest regards.
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Out of curiosity I would like to know the origins of my surname if any one has the answer to this could you please e-mail me. I'd be most grateful. Both my parents are for Sierra Leone in West Africa, my father's family possibly has some links to Guinea, Conakry,however he is from the Limba tribe of northern Sierra Leone. If their are any other Samura's out their a big shout out to y'all where ever it is you come from.
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Do you know the meaning of a surname Igbinovia which is a Nigerian tribal surname from Ado state
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Did they actually use surnames as we know them? Clan names, yes, but it's not quite the same thing.
You might well be fairly safe if you are careful to stick to the same language family - don't mix Nilotic and Proto-Bantu names in the same village without a good reason.
I'd really advise you to try two things: first, find a decent university near you with a department of West African language and culture, and contact them with your request; and if that doesn't help, find the address of a university or the national library or museum (I'm sure they'll have one of some kind) in Cameroun and ask them for references.
All the best
You might well be fairly safe if you are careful to stick to the same language family - don't mix Nilotic and Proto-Bantu names in the same village without a good reason.
I'd really advise you to try two things: first, find a decent university near you with a department of West African language and culture, and contact them with your request; and if that doesn't help, find the address of a university or the national library or museum (I'm sure they'll have one of some kind) in Cameroun and ask them for references.
All the best
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