Friday, March 29, 2019
Etymology in Igbo and English Names
While reading Things Fall Apart, I noticed that every Igbo name has significant meaning. For example, the meaning of Okonkwo is "boy born on Nkwo" but it also suggests stubborn male pride. Whenever any character is introduced, a footnote is provided indicating the meaning of their name. I asked myself why English names do not have further significant meaning like Igbo names and conducted some research. I came across a website (https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/) containing over 70,000 names used across America with comprehensive information behind each name. For example, Benjamin means "Son of the Right Hand" and has Christian origins. This website is very interesting and I suggest that you all take the time to find the meaning behind your name if you do not already know it.
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2 comments:
This is such an interesting post, Sam! I love looking at name meanings. Farah is Arabic and means "happiness" but my name is based off my mom's grandmothers last name of "Farrar" and they were from France. Names definitely hold great significance in cultures, especially one such as Igbo, as it gives identity and character.
I always thought that names were really significant for anything whether it be naming a person, a pet, heck even the name of a restaurant or something. The importance of names within Igbo culture as presented in Things Fall Apart is a really interesting thing. I did a little bit more research on how naming works in this culture. Instead of names being given to the baby right when they are born, they aren't actually named until his or her 28th day after birth. Before they are named, the child is simply referred to as "Omo ofu" which translates to "New Child". Also before the child is given their official name, an oracle doctor is called in choose between the name from their father's side of the family or their mother's side which is very important to the Igbo culture because it shows which family the child will more clearly identifies with. These oracle doctors choose the name for the child based on spiritual connections. This ritual clearly indicates the importance of naming to one's life in Igbo culture.
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