Nigerian Names: The Yoruba Perspective
Q. Akin adeseun, Ph.D.
The Yoruba names are organized into three categories.
1). Natural Names: these signify the importance of
a child's natural state at birth (hence "oruko
amutorunwa", the names brought from Heaven).
The most common of these are twins which the Yoruba
considers extra special. The first of the set is known
as Taiwo (the one who tasted the world first), while the
second one is Kehinde (the one who lagged behind). By
"
tradition Kehinde assumes seniority over Taiwo! It makes
"
no difference as to the gender, both sexes are given
these names. Ige is another natural name that describes
a child born with its legs out first. Ojo (male only) or
Aina is a child born with umbilical cord wrapped around
its neck at birth. Oke is a child who came to this world
" "
without ruptured membranes. While Salako and Talabi covered
their heads with caul at birth. The next time you visit
Gaga's web page, call and ask him if he is a true Dada or
self-styled Rasterfarian (sp?). The Yorubas associate a person with
his hairstyle as specially gifted (Dada Ogbegun). The child with
sixth finger is known as Gbodi. " "
2). Christening Names: these are names that the
parents chose to give their children based on
events or circumstances that are most suitable
to the arrival of a child ("oruko abiso", the
given names). " "
This category reflects family background or circumstances
of a child's birth. When you come across someone named
Oyedeji (title became two), he was/is of royal lineage.
If Abi is the same as Abidemi, this person was born while
his father was away. Sangoyomi (Shangoyomi) means the
"
god of thunder praised me and this family or original
ancestors worshipped Sango deity. Names that start with
"
Ade can be trickish, for example, Adeyemi (crown befit
"
me) suggests a royal lineage, but Adedoyin, a female name
which may mean "her arrival became honey" or "crown
became honey" is ambiguous (no offense Dee). I think the
former is more fitting here.
For our brother named Akinyemi (a strong one befit me),
"
only male bears name prefixed with Akin, however, it
would be very presumptuous of parents to name a child as
a warrior at birth. Thus, Akin means "strength" at
birth, he may later become a warrior though. (I think
one netter has responded adequately on the issue of Yemi
being a male or female name). "
3). Attributive Names: These are names that
describe situations before/after a child's
birth (Oriki, poignant nicknames or shall we
say pet names).
This is attribute of a child, and probably the most
personal name a Yoruba has. If you come from a
traditional family, you know it is pure ecstacy when the
old people from your home get right down to it! Akano is
a good example of an attributive name which describes a
conception after one touch (talk about a midas touch!).
When we hear Alade, we can reasonably conclude that this
man has many sisters before him. Finally, Ajoke means
the one we all pet together.
Akin
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++ "Blessed Be Thy Name Ho Lord, For I am Proud To Be A Nigerian"
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Adedoyin Dee Alugbin
Hi Akin,
No offense taken. But Adedoyin, I found out recently
can also be male...but yet to meet one.
Ironically, my Oriki is Ajoke.
thanks for the insight into Yoruba names...most
interesting.
dee
Selwyn Akintola
Sir you have no idea of the amount of joy and delight that you have just
brought me. If I may explain:
My name is Selwyn Akintola. I was born in Dublin, Ireland in
1958. Shorthly after my birth my father returned to Africa. My mother
died when I was quiet young and as a consequence I know nothing of what
is my birth culture. I have grown up as a Western European and through
the years I have only had passing inclinations to try and find out more
about my name and possibly people. No that I have 2 young children of
my own I believe that it is my duty to provide them with as much
heritage as I can. Your article was that first clue. I thank you.
If anybody else reading this article knows any more about my name I
would be most grateful. I would also be intrested in trying to find my
father of any other relations that I may have. My fathers name was Ralph
Akintola and he is shown as an engineer on my birth cert. with an
address in London in the year 1958.
Once again my profound and sincere thanks.
Selwyn Akintola