Thursday, 12 May 2016

meanings of names and their impacts in our African societies


Heloo  friends. I hope u all well. Today I would love to deliver another aspect of our culture which was/is mainly used by our African mothers to preserve important information.  You will discover that most African names carries with it vital message either for the family or it encourages the owner to be an upright person. Besides having individual impact, names were concerned with building a peaceful environment in the society. However the so called ‘globalisation’ and civilisation has washed away our pride. We want to be identified by English names is it? But should we forsake our culture? Here are some of the names I managed to get n discover their meaning…  if you have one please share with me the meaning and how you were given..
Ntandoyenkosi/Kudakwashe - means "Will of God"  for Boys. In most cases the family would be struggling to get a girl child and by this name they will be accepting the unchangeable gift.

Sizwe- means nation "for boys" this name is historically pregnant. May be the mother gave birth to this child whilst the country was struggling to get its independence or the parents were facing economic challenges or it is during that time when everything appeared fantastic.  

Mqondisi - means director for Boys. This name can mean that that God is the only person who gives the direction to the family or the boy child will deliver the family from all challenges by directing them to where there is joy and happiness.

Siqondile - means "we are straight"  for girls. Siqondile can also mean “ His decision is correct” in this instance may be the family will be appreciating a decision which was taken by a certain member of the family when the child was born.

Lungile-  means "one who is well behaved"  mainly for girls.  This name encourages the child to be very disciplined child. This name is usually given to a first born child so that she can lead by example to her younger sisters and brothers.


Mlungisi - means (one who fixes things, or make things right) for boys. This name is usually given to a child who came to rescue the relationship that was falling apart. Either due to failure of giving a boy child( ingqabutho) or to have a child for the family at all.
Ayanda- means (Boys are increased) for boys. Appreciation of God’s gift. Mostly the family will be having a boy after a boy and no girl child.


Methembe- means "Trust him, normally refer to God" for both boys/ girls. This name is also given by aunties to a new born baby to communicate with their muroora/makoti that she should trust their brother who is working in a faraway place. It installs peace and patience that he will come back to her.


Jabulani/Farai- means "Be happy" In Ndebele (Zim) its for boys. It’s a name which is communicating to either to the family members or to the ancestors to be happy that there is a new member joining the family.



3 comments:

  1. Indeed! People have got to realize that these names will forever carry our culture and forsaking them would mean we have lost a central part of it! Some names were given as a gift to the will of time to always be remembered, such that we will always tell our tales and history from that name be it sorrow, happiness or anything

    Mine is Nyasha for example, it means Grace...God knows why! But me being first in my family l would say it was a tale of appreciation! Its not everyday that one is blessed with a fine creation as me..not to brag..but indeed its grace

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  2. Wooow. I really appreciate what u said. I loved that part where u said some were given so that one can tell his/her story jus from their name

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    1. thnx fr reminding people my brother.....these names we have are nt just names ...thy mean everything to our parents

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