A young father from Zambia is curious about the practice of dual naming in modern African society.
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A young father from Zambia is curious about the practice of dual naming in modern African society.
Many African families give their children both a traditional and an English name as a way to honor their cultural heritage while adapting to modern societal norms. Traditional names carry deep meanings, often reflecting the family’s history, values, or significant events surrounding the child’s birth. These names serve as a connection to their roots, preserving cultural identity and familial pride. In contrast, English names, which became common due to colonial influence, are often used for practical reasons, such as ease of pronunciation and integration into global or formal settings.
The dual naming practice also reflects the blending of cultures and the adaptive nature of African societies. By giving children both names, families ensure they can comfortably navigate both local and international environments. This approach offers children the flexibility to embrace their traditional identity in personal spaces while using their English names in contexts where it may be more socially or professionally advantageous. This balance allows individuals to maintain a sense of belonging in diverse cultural landscapes, showcasing the dynamic nature of identity in modern African society.
African families give children both traditional and English names to preserve cultural heritage while adapting to global contexts, blending tradition with modernity.
This dual naming practice reflects the blending of cultural heritage with modern influences and helps maintain a balance between tradition and adaptability.
There is another explanation I’ve encountered which says that culturally, an English sounding name will help a child from an ethnic minority family integrate better into the culture of their adopted country, and may protect the child from bullying at school.
Thank you Brenny for this wonderful submission, but I am wondering why the blacks in America and Europe suffered so much bullying yet they had English or so called western names. kindly elaborate on this… thanks in advance 🙂
It’s because many African countries were colonised and started learning some western culture
This practice comes from our complex history and present reality. Traditional names usually have deep meanings – they might tell a story about when the child was born, family hopes, or important events.
Like my friend’s daughter “Ayomide” means “my joy has come” in Yoruba. The English name is often added for practical reasons – it can be easier to use in school or work, especially when dealing with people who might struggle with pronouncing traditional names.
Today, many families see it as getting the best of both worlds – keeping our cultural identity while adapting to a global society. Some parents also give their children a traditional name from both the father’s and mother’s tribes, plus an English name, showing how we’re becoming more connected while still honoring our roots.
For the African name it is due to gnosticism which historically refers to a diverse set of religious beliefs emphasizing personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis).
And for the English name this came from the western colonization which led delusion of grandeur and in modern psychological context, this can sometimes manifest as a belief of having exceptional abilities when this belief extends to thinking one has special, divine, or secret knowledge, it can be part of this delusional spectrum.