Traditional African Names

There is a growing movement in the United States and around the world against the use of white, western, names within the black community. Black people come from Africa, and it is time we all resisted the pressure to choose slave names when we bring a new life into the world. The traditional African names in this book will instill a sense of pride in your kids as they grow, and they will also help to remind them of their cultural history. Choose an African name for your black child!Black Lives MatterBlack Names Matter

African names are elaborately structured and contain more than one possible interpretation of meaning. They can associate one with family, location, and occupation. Many commemorate major occurrences or traditions of the culture. The range of significance is broad, making an understanding of African names not just a valuable personal tool, but also a study aid to African culture and traditions. Traditional African Names considers primarily countries around the African Lakes such as Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, and Zimbabwe, but a wide variety of names from other southern African countries are included as well. Using thousands of detailed examples, the book identifies the genesis and evolution in African name formation and meaning. Many of the 6,000 names (complete with pronunciation guidelines) are treated in English for the first time. Each entry discusses the origins of the name, its meaning, and the wide cultural and social connotations of its use, as well as variations and differences in the meanings of similar words used in related ethnic contexts. This analysis provides a unique reservoir of information concerning migration, assimilation, and cultural cross-connection.

One compiled this book of baby names in order to help the descendants of the wondrous continent of Africa to reconnect with their native ancestral heritage and traditions. Africa is not only the birthplace of humanity but also of complex customs, oral traditions and diverse peoples. The continent is home to several language families and hundreds of languages. The people can be divided into over a thousand different ethnic groups. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. Names such as Mwanajuma "Friday", Esi "Sunday", Khamisi "Thursday", and Wekesa "harvest time" refer to the time or day when the child was born. Other names reflect the birth order of the newborn, for example Mosi "first born", Kunto "third born", Nsonowa "seventh born", and Wasswa "first of twins". In order reflect the diversity of this magnificent continent, one has compiled names from the land of ancient Kemet (Egypt), Zulu peoples, Youroba peoples, Swahili peoples and Ethiopia (Amharic).

From an author who adopted an African name as an adult comes the most inclusive book of African names. Obama, Iman, Kanye, Laila—authentic African names are appearing more often in nurseries, classrooms, and boardrooms. The African Book of Names offers readers more than 5,000 common and uncommon names organized by theme from 37 countries and at least 70 different ethnolinguistic groups. Destined to become a classic keepsake, The African Book of Names shares in-depth insight about the spiritual, social, and political importance of names from Angola to Zimbabwe. As the most far-reaching book on the subject, this timely and informative resource guide vibrates with the culture of Africa and encourages Blacks across the globe to affirm their African origins by selecting African names. In addition to thousands of names from north, south, east, central and west Africa, the book shares: A checklist of dos and don'ts to consider when choosing a name—from sound and rhythm to origin and meaning A guide to conducting your own African-centered naming ceremony A 200-year naming calendar

The book contributes towards the rediscovery of the concept of African-ness and the rejuvenation of the African tradition and culture. It is in the hope of saving the African way of life that pro-Africanists have found it necessary to hold on to their native African names and encourage their use as a means of espousing the cultural heritage of the people. Though the main focus is on African names, the book slides in brief moments into some cultural elements of the African people. There is so much to be said about the people of Africa that this book cannot now fulfil. However, it is anticipated that African names are a good start to highlight the essential features of the life of the people. Consequently, it is expected that the book would aim to signify and reflect the rich diversity of Africa’s ethnic and rural communities.

A historical rationale and the proper translations and usage of African names from the four comers of the continent

One compiled this book of baby names in order to help the descendants of the wondrous continent of Africa to reconnect with their native ancestral heritage and traditions. Africa is not only the birthplace of humanity but also of complex customs, oral traditions and diverse peoples. The continent is home to several language families and hundreds of languages. The people can be divided into over a thousand different ethnic groups. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. Names such as Mwanajuma "Friday," Esi "Sunday," Khamisi "Thursday," and Wekesa "harvest time" refer to the time or day when the child was born. Other names reflect the birth order of the newborn, for example Mosi "first born," Kunto "third born," Nsonowa "seventh born," and Wasswa "first of twins." In order reflect the diversity of this magnificent continent, one has compiled names from the land of ancient Kemet (Egypt), Zulu peoples, Youroba peoples, Swahili peoples and Ethiopia (Amharic).