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Depends on where it's used, I think. Here in South Africa, moya is a normal dictionary word in the Zulu language, meaning either wind (the stuff that blows ..) or spirit (presumably because it leaves the body with the last breath). Also, in Christianity, the third person of the trinity. It sounds pretty, and fits in with our mostly European naming traditions (as CKE says), so it does get used as a given name - my husband actually wanted us to consider it when we were naming our kids.
We didn't, though, but that's another story!
We didn't, though, but that's another story!
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Well this girl is born in 84 in Jamaica so i don't think her mom knew about the zulu meaning but she will be happy to know that her name has some roots in Africa. She's been talking about wanting to visit there. What's weird is that she SEES spirits so go figure!!
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Thanks for the information about the Zulu connection. That's fascinating!
I would bet that the majority of shorter names like Moya actually have multiple correct "derivations" in different languages and from different historical circumstances. It is quite possible that some recent instances of girls named Moya have been inspired by the name of the living spaceship on the cult TV series Farscape. I have no idea if the writers of that series were thinking of the Irish name or just independently invented it for their "character". :)
I would bet that the majority of shorter names like Moya actually have multiple correct "derivations" in different languages and from different historical circumstances. It is quite possible that some recent instances of girls named Moya have been inspired by the name of the living spaceship on the cult TV series Farscape. I have no idea if the writers of that series were thinking of the Irish name or just independently invented it for their "character". :)
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Indeed. Not just names, of course, but words as well.
Are you familiar with the Zulu name Lindiwe? It is given to a girl child whose birth has been eagerly awaited, and it's often shortened to Lindi. Very Western-looking. But it is also possible to use Linda as a Zulu male name here, and about 15 years ago or maybe less a South African soccer team went to play in England. The sports journalists there couldn't believe their luck: Linda Buthelezi, playing for a male team! "Linda? But that's a bird's name!" He just stood there politely and let them have their fun, and once the match began he took out the leading England player of the day with a very tough tackle that, if I recall, broke his leg. (Probably did nothing to cause a Linda revival for English girls ...) But in South Africa there are parallel traditions: white girls are named Linda (or more usually Lindsay/Lindsey etc nowadays) and black boys are too, and nobody thinks anything of it. The twain never meet.
Are you familiar with the Zulu name Lindiwe? It is given to a girl child whose birth has been eagerly awaited, and it's often shortened to Lindi. Very Western-looking. But it is also possible to use Linda as a Zulu male name here, and about 15 years ago or maybe less a South African soccer team went to play in England. The sports journalists there couldn't believe their luck: Linda Buthelezi, playing for a male team! "Linda? But that's a bird's name!" He just stood there politely and let them have their fun, and once the match began he took out the leading England player of the day with a very tough tackle that, if I recall, broke his leg. (Probably did nothing to cause a Linda revival for English girls ...) But in South Africa there are parallel traditions: white girls are named Linda (or more usually Lindsay/Lindsey etc nowadays) and black boys are too, and nobody thinks anything of it. The twain never meet.
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