THE WAY WE WERE
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Bende Igbos and their Method of Determining What a Child Should Be Named
By Williams I. Eke
To address the subject of Igbo names without a careful examination of how the Igbos treat and appreciate the birth of a child will amount to inviting an Igbo, into one’s house without offering him Nzu or Oji. Nzu is a white clay; Oji is a kolanut. Unequivocally, it will be perfunctory to deal with Igbo names and how they are determined without alluding to the traditional and cultural sequence of events that precede the naming of a child. There are traditional and cultural values attached to each Bende Igbo name. Among the Bende Igbos, the names given to their children have significant meaning.
There are two methods of naming a child, and there are two types of names. A Bende Igbo name may be a traditional repeated name or philosophical name. However, in a tradition where men have exclusive legal custody of children, naming a child is simplified. The first method, I will entitle “Name-sake or Repeating method.” This method uses name-sakes to keep the traditional names of each family in tact and within the family. It also creates a buffer from extinction of the original family names. The “Name-sake method” in Bende tradition serves as an identification tag, with which an individual could be traced or identified. It also functions in part like a proper noun. In this method a parent does not select the name of a child in advance. There are traditional rules and laws separating names by gender. The Name-sake method is logical. Not only does it preserve the original names and the identities of the founding fathers of a family, but also provides useful information on the type of life they lead. This is done through the titleship names and other nick-names of a family. The most valuable quality of the Name-sake method is its identification properties which make it easier to trace an individual to a particular village, town, or even a particular locality in the state or region.
Using the Name-sake method, the first son is named after his grandfather who is the father of his father. The second son is named after the father himself. The third son is named after the eldest uncle who is the father’s brother. The fourth son may be named after anyone whom the father accepts as ‘Ogbo’ for his son. This pattern is repeated in the naming of daughters. The first daughter is named after her grandmother who is her father’s mother.
The second daughter is named after the eldest aunt, who is the father’s sister. The third daughter is named after her mother. The fourth daughter may be named after anyone whom the parents accept as ‘Ogbo’ for her.
The second method is the “Philosophical method.” This method uses a full length of philosophical statements to create a name. These statements express the feelings or the state of mind of a parent before the birth of a child. In many cases, they are expressions based on circumstance, expectations, needs or other situations that affected the lives of the parents before pregnancy. Most of the philosophical names are in the form of adoration, petition, request or appreciation to the Almighty God. The distinctions between the Philosophical name method and traditional name method are many. The Philosophical name does not completely separate names by gender. In the Philosophical name method the child’s name is selected or determined before birth. The philosophical method does not have identification properties, thus making it hard to trace an individual to a particular family, village, town or locality in the region. In the Philosophical name method most of the names are shared between the genders.
TRADITIONAL NAMES
The traditional name is always a noun in a singular form. It must be pronounced in full. Traditional names do not possess anticipative qualities, nor any of the philosophical characteristics of expectations, needs, adoration, petition, request and appreciation to the Almighty God. It uses tangible nouns to create names and it simply means that. However, in some cases, its meaning may be inferred or implied-comparison. Traditional names do not respond to the interrogative pronouns of who or what.
PHILOSOPHICAL NAMES
It may be appropriate to say that philosophical names use abstract nouns. This method uses sentences of philosophical nature to create names. In doing so it uses a series of statements to express a feeling or feelings. The names are always long. The rule governing the use of philosophical names both in writing and in speech is to abbreviate the first meaningful word in the statement. However, if the statement is a long one, the rule is to abbreviate up to the third meaningful word, and pronounce or write it as one word.
There is always an expressed acknowledgment of God Almighty in philosophical names. In all cases, philosophical names are not written in full nor are they fully pronounced. They are always abbreviated which makes them an incomplete name or statement, thus making them responsive to the interrogative pronouns of who and what. For example- The name ONWUZURUIGBOUMEZURUIKE.
Abbreviated example: ONWU ZURU IGBO = abbreviated to the third meaningful word. [Onwuzuruigbo] = Mr. Onwuzuruigbo.
Responsive abilities of philosophical names:
[ ONWUZURUIGBO ] what? = UME ZURU IKE.
incomplete statement. this completes the
statement & its meaning.
BENDE IGBO MALE NAMES AND THEIR MEANINGS
Names:
Anya Eyes.
Anyaele The eyes of antelope.
Anyim Sea.
Anyanwu The Sun.
Anyunku Axe.
Agu Tiger.
Aka Hand.
Akaeze The King’s Hand.
Akazie Eloquent speaker.
Aja Sand.
Alayi Our Land.
Agwu The god of temper.
Akanu Insubordinate, Incorrigible.
Abiam Trapless. That which cannot be clutched.
Akpaka Let’s shake hands.
Aguiyi Crocodile.
Awa Diligence.
Awara Upstanding.
Agwara Ring.
Agbeze Artful dodger.
Ajoku The god of crop.
Ajonkwu Unpredictable masquerade of Alayi and Item ethnic of
Abia State of Nigeria. [Very difficult to manage].
Agbayi That which does not yield.
Agbayinwanogu That which is acknowledged, but not included in a count
Anyaogu Eye of war.
Azu Back.
Azubike Back is power. Power emanates from your supporters.
Arubike Health is power.
Biko Please.
Chibuzo Destiny is my path or way. God is the way.
Chima God knows.
Chinua God listen.
Chinu God hear.
Chinuru God heard.
Chinyere God’s gift.
Chike God created.
Chika God is great.
Chidi There is God.
Chikworu God accept. / God accepts.
Chikwere God accept. / God accepts.
Chibuzo God is the way.
Chukwu / Chuku Almighty.
Chueke The Creator.
Chukwuma God knows.
Ebi Porcupine.
Eke Creator. Destiny.
Ekeoma Good Creator.
Ekechukwu The creator of God/God’s creation.
Elendu Anticipating life.
Eluigwo The Heavens. The Sky.
Elekwa Evaluating.
Elekwachi Waiting for Destiny.
Onwubiko Death please.
Eleke Waiting for destiny.
Elesie A careful examiner.
Ejezie Good journey, well intentioned pilgrimage.
Egwu / Fear.
Egwuonwu Fear of death.
Egbuonwu No man can defeat death.
Egbulachi / Do not destroy destiny.
Egbunachi Do not destroy destiny.
Egbuchulam / Do not destroy me.
Egbuchinam Do not destroy me.
Egbe Gun.
Egbe Kite. (Bird of prey)
Eme Nonviolent.
Emelike Not done by force. (nonviolence).
Esonu One who does not listen to gossip.
Ejere An achiever.
Elechi One who looks to his creator or destiny for response.
Elewo Anticipator.
Elewochi Hoping response from Destiny.
Eze King. Chief.
Ezekwo / If the King permit.
Ezekwe If the King permit.
Ezeukwu Paramount chief.
Ekenna God the father.
Lekwa Look.
Lekwandu Look at life.
Lekwauwa Look at the universe.
Lekwachi Look unto destiny, look to the creator.
Iheke That of the creator.
Iheuko Dear. [That which is scarce].
Iheanyi / Nothing is impossible.
Ifeanyi Nothing is impossible.
Ibekwo / If your group permits.
Ibekwe If your group permits.
Ifokwo If the world consent.
Ifoekwo The world refused.
Iheonukwuru That which the mouth uttered.
Ike Power.
Ikenna The power of Father (God).
Ikenga Right hand.
Ikeokwu The power of communication.
Ikemakolam May my strength not flunk me.
Igwo Fortitude. Iron. Strength.
Igwe Heaven. Sky.
Isi Head. [Of paramount importance, indispensable].
Iro Hatred.
Ironsi Hated with passion to destroy.
Irem Fulfilling. Hasten. Reliable.
Igbe Box. [Secretive. Confidential].
Ja Praise. glorify.
Jaja Praise, praise...
Madu Mankind, human being.
Maduka People are greater.
Maduka-aku A human being is greater than wealth.
Madukwo / If people permit.
Madukwe If people permit.
Maduko Human are dear. Human are scarce.
Madudi There are people.
Ndu Life.
Ndukwo / If life is spared. If life is permitted.
Ndukwe If life is spared. If life is permitted.
Nji Black.
Nna Father.
Mbada Obstinate, resolute, inflexible.
Nnadi There is father.
Nnamdi My father is...
Nwanna My father’s child. (My brother or my sister).
Nwaeke A male born on Eke day. [“Eke” is the first day of Igbo
week].
Nwaorie A male born on Orie day. [“Orie” is the second day of Igbo
the week].
Nwafo A male born on Afo day. [“Afo” is the third day of Igbo
week].
Nwankwo A male born on Nkwo day. [“Nkwo” is the fourth day of
Igbo week].
Nwokeocha A man of Fair in complexion.
Nwaokeoji A black man of no mixed race.
Nkem My own, mine.
Nkemdu / There is mine.
Nkemdi There is mine.
Nkemka Mine is greater.
Nkemji This I have.
Nwa A child.
Nwabu / Child is ...
Nwambuzo Child is the way.
Nwabuisi Child is paramount.
Nwabundu A child is life.
Nwabuobu A child is consolation. Child is heart.
Nwabuobi A child is consolation. Child is heart.
Nwabuego A child is a treasure. A Child is riches. A child is wealth.
Nwabuonu A child is voice. A child is expression.
Nwabure A child is pride.
Nwachukwu A child of God.
Nwanyanwu A child of the Sun. [The Light].
Nzegwu Hiding from fear.
Nchiefo / The ear does not miss gossip.
Ntiefe The ear does not miss gossip.
Mba Threat, bluffing.
Mbansi Threat of poison.
Mbagu Tiger’s threat.
Mbaonu Empty threat of mouth.
Mmaju/Mmajuogu Knife never refuses a fight or war.
Oke Masculine.
Okiyi Important stream. Mighty river.
Obasi The god of protection.
Ogbonna / Father’s Namesake. (One who is named after his father).
Ogbonnaya His father’s Namesake.
Ogbu Killer.
Ogba Sharp shooter.
Ogbajie A destroyer.
Ogbaoku Fire setter.
Ogbulike One who kills by force.
Ogbalike One who shoots with vigor.
Ogbamkpu One who demands reprisal for evil or injustice
done to others. Avenger.
Ogbulato One who kills in triple.
Ogbulaota One who is skilled in the use of shield.
Ogbuoha Mass killer.
Ogbulaeke Destroyer. That which destroys according to destiny.[death]
Ogbuleke One who kills on “Eke” days.
Ogbulorie One who kills on “Orie” days.
Ogbulafo One who kills on “Afo” days.
Ogbulankwo One who kills on “Nkwo” days.
Ogbugo Eagle killer.
Okai Orator.
Oko Senior, Elder.
Okoro Male.
Okereke / Okeke A male born on Eke day.
Okorie A male born on Orie day.
Okafo A male born on Afo day.
Okoronkwo A male born on Nkwo day.
Okonkwo A male born on Nkwo day.
Orieukwu A male born on a super Orie day.
Okpo Cat-fish.
Okpo Path/way, road [personal ideas].
Opara / Okpara The first male child. [Son].
Ota Shield.
Otaa Masticate.
Otu One.
Otuwa One world.
Oturu One who is known for his eager to act. [A zealot].
Osondu Running for life.
Onyehuru / Who sees.
Onyehuruonweya Who sees himself.
Onyefuru Who sees.
Onyeukwu Important person.
Onyekworu / Who permits. Who allowed. Who consented.
Onyekwere Who permits. Who allowed. Who consented.
Onyinyeka Gift is greater than.
Onyinyechukwuka The gift of God is grater than human blessings.
Ofo God of wish. This is the only Igbo god that has
a dual function. Depending upon circumstances ‘Ofo’ could
be asked to bless, punish or destroy an individual.
Ojukwu A special palm tree, whose fruits are not very much liked
because of its low contents of oil; but important for its
potential to deter poison.
Oji Iroko; the god of all trees, and it is worshipped by the Igbos
Ojike He who holds strength.
Ogele Musical instrument.
Ogara Sweet sap of palm wine.
Onya Trap.
Obu / Obi Heart.
Obuike / Obike Strong hearted.
Obuako /Obiako Mind will never lack ideas.
Osu Confusion. Pandemonium.
Obiaosu One whose presence brings confusion.
Owo A bottomless pit. A bottomless sea.
Gluttonous, Massive, Vast.
Onuoha General will.
Onukara /Onukaraihe The mouth expresses.
Onwu Death.
Onwubiko Death Please.
Onwuegbulam / Death do not kill me. [Death excuse me].
Onwuegbunam Death Please do not kill me. [Death excuse me].
Onwuchekwa Death wait.
Onwukwo If death permit.
Onwukwe If death permit.
Okwu Communication. Talk.
Onukwo Let the mouth speak.
Onukwube Let the mouth continue to speak.
Okwuchime Let the word of God come to pass.
Okwuchima The word of God knows.
Onyinye / Gift.
Onyinyechukwu Gift of God.
Onyinyenna Gift of father.
Uko Pompous.
Uka Talk.
Ukwu Leg.
Ukpabi Sacred Igbo god of guardian.
Ukaegbu Talk does not kill or harm anybody.
Ukaeje Threats a lone does not solve issues. [Talks without actions
will not lead anyone to a desired goal].
Ukaoma Good News.
Ukaukwu Big talk.
Ukagha Talk of war.
Ugoji The Eagle of Oji.
Uche Thought.
Ucheya His thought.
Uguru Harmattan.
Ude Palm wine orchard.
Udensi The rumor of poison.
Udedere The News of ‘Edere.’ dance [Edere is one of the many
traditional dances of Umuenyere Alayi].
Udeogu News of war.
Udeagha News of battle.
Udeofo News of ‘Ofo’ the Igbo dual god.
Udenna News of Father.
Udeofia Sounds of the Forest.
Udeaha Rumor of a name.
Udumogu The center of confusion in the battlefield. [Bewilderment].
Uba Wealth, Riches.
Uzo Road, path.
Okaru Excellent.
Okazie Orator.
Okigwe Steal.
Okechukwu / Share of God, or God’s share.
Okechuku Share from God
Okenwa Strong child.
Oga A provider, procurer.
Ogada Not very strong but always there.
Ojoemelam Let this not happen to me again.
Kanu /Kalu /Kamalu Igbo god of thunder.
Mazi Mister.
Agbara Igbo god of destruction, One of the most feared
Igbo gods. [Agbara, is known for its ability and
uncontrollable passion for destruction].
Akwu Palm tree.
Ariama Petitioning, pleading, beseeching.
BENDE IGBO FEMALE NAMES AND THIER MEANINGS
Names:
Ada Daughter.
Adamma Beautiful daughter.
Adanna Father’s daughter.
Adanne Mother’s daughter.
Adaoma Pleasant daughter.
Adaugo Eagle’s daughter. [strong and respected daughter].
Akpugo The invitation of Eagle.
Akpaugo The Eagle’s bag. [Not easily obtained or touched].
Akpagu The Tiger’s bag. [Not easily or freely obtained].
Akpala Original, undiluted, special.
Ariwa / Thinking, meditating, hoping for. [Philosophical name].
Ariwaojo Hoping for something different. [Philosophical names].
Ariwaozo Hoping for something different. [Philosophical name].
Ajaru An offering to the sacred god of Aruchukwu.
Ajuwa Asking, requesting, questioning.
Ejeuwa Not in control of Destiny.
Anyanwu The sun. [Life].
Anyadiya The eyes of her husband.
Anyadia Attractive. One with the qualities demanded by suitors.
[The center of her husband’s attention].
Ahudia. Affectionate. [A lover of her husband].
Ahudiya The body of her husband.
Afiukwa Delicate, careful. implementer
Chi Personal god.
Chioma Beautiful creator. One with good luck.
Chidia There is God.
Chidi There is God.
Chinyere God’s gift.
Chibuonu God is my expression.
Chibundu God is life.
Chigozie God bless.
Chikworu God permit.
Chikworo / God permit.
Chikwere God permit.
Erimma Beauty is not edible.
Ebere Mercy.
Eberechukwu The mercy of God.
Eberenwa Compassionate child.
Egbichi The gun of destiny.
Ejiama / Reminder. That which resembles. [Resemblance].
Ejiamanne One who resembled her mother.
Ejiuwa Not in control of destiny.
Ejieke Not in control of the creator.
Ekwuru [Natural and unique beauty].
Enyidia / [Her husband’s friend].
Enyidiya [Her husband’s friend].
Ngozi Blessing.
Ngozichukwu God’s blessing.
Ngozinwa The blessing of a child.
Nne Mother. [One of the Bende names that a man can not have].
Nnenne Grandmother.
Nnenna / Father’s mother. Or mother of her father.
Nnennaya Mother of her father.
Ngwamma Properties of beauty.
Nwabure Child is pride.
Nke / That of ... [Incomplete philosophical statement].
Nkechi That of God. That of Destiny. That of the creator.
Nkechinyere That which God gave.
Nkechinyerem That which God gave to me.
Nkechichoru That which God desires.
Mgbeke Female born on Eke day.
Mgborie Female born on Orie day.
Mgbafo Female born on Afo day.
Mkpola A bar of Gold.
Mkpuchi The wail of destiny.
Oboro Fruit of sweet flavour.
Obaru Highly prized utensil.
Obudia / Obidia The heart of her husband.
Obidiya The heart of her husband.
Obuoma / Obioma Happy heart.
Ocho Blossom.
Ogbalu / Expensive. [Demander of a class].
Ogbyialu Demander of a class will not be married by poor man.
Ugbalu Expensive. [Demander of class].
Ori / One who enjoys wealth.
Oriaku One who enjoys wealth.
Oriakudia One who enjoys the wealth of her husband.
Oyiri Resemblance.
Oyiridia One who resembled her husband.
Onyekworu / Who agreed.
Onyekworo / Who agreed.
Onyekwere Who agreed.
Onyinyeka A greater gift.
Ogara Sweet. [A reference to raffia and palm wine].
Ogarangwo The sweet liquid of raffia tree (ngwo).
Ogedimma Beautiful time.
Oge Time.
Oriakudia One who enjoys the wealth of her husband.
Ola Gold.
Ogbu A show case. An umbrella-tree. [the god that guards the
village entrance].
Ogbonne / Mother’s namesake.
Ogbonneya Her mother’s namesake.
Ugo Eagle.
Ugbomma Beautiful boat or ship.
Uzumma The sound of beauty.
Uzoma Good road or path.
Uzoaru / The road to Aro.
Uzaru The path to the sacred god of Aruchukwu.
Udemma News of beauty.
Udo Peace.
Udumma A pot of beauty.
Ugomma Beautiful Eagle.
Ikodia / The secret lover of her husband.
Ikodiya The secret lover of her husband.
Ihuoma Beautiful face.
Iheanyinwa Nothing is impossible for this child.
Ijedimma Beautiful journey.
Ijeoma Good journey.
Mjiole How many do I have. How much do I have.
How many I’m holding.
Mkpochi Endurance.
Mkpochiobu / The padlock of a heart.
Mkpochiobi The padlock of a heart.
Umenwa The only child. [Limited].
Ucha Orderly, Pure, Clean.