African names

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
African names
16
Sat, 03-10-2007 - 11:52am

I am entering a writing contest and I writing a short story set in present day Africa. I know there are some people on this site who know a TON about names, and I was hoping someone might be able to help me properly name my characters! All I need, is two girl names and 1 boy name (although the boy name isn't really important, very minor character).

I have tried looking at websites, but I don't really trust them and I am getting mixed messages. I found the name Sade, and thought I liked that- very strong sounding, but then found one website which said it was pronounce "sade" (1 syllable, like beginning of Sadie), and another that said it was "shah-DAY" or "shar-DAY". I would feel kinda stupid if I didn't even know how to properly pronounce my character's name, and to be honest, the "shah-DAY" or "shar-DAY" pronunciations don't really appeal to me.

So, does any know any African names (and the pronunciation and meaning as well)?? The meaning is important for one of the girl characters because I want to touch on that slightly in the story.

Sorry if this is a bit confusing, but hopefully someone can help!

Thanks,
-Nikki


                             

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2004
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sat, 03-10-2007 - 1:34pm

I only know two girls names. I have a friend in Ghana, where one of the customs is to name children after the day of the week they were born. He suggested these for my two children, based on Monday & Tuesday births:

Adowa (uh-DOH-wa)

Abena (uh-BEE-nuh)

His name is Desmond and his brother is Geth (so I guess I know 4 total).

~Emily
baby #2 coming 4/3

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sat, 03-10-2007 - 1:53pm

Thanks! That is an interesting custom, definitely something to think about.

If anyone else knows anything about African names, it would be helpful. The story is set in South Africa, if that makes a difference.


                             
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sat, 03-10-2007 - 3:08pm

Have you checked out the African names section on BTN, Nikki? I clicked a few just to see, and it doesn't appear that many have pronunciations listed, but you could find some with great meanings and then do a basic search for those particular names to get more info.

Here's the link:

http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/afr.php

HTH


Powered by CGISpy.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sat, 03-10-2007 - 11:03pm
That is a great site, I hadn't thought of looking there. THANKS!

                             
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sat, 03-10-2007 - 11:19pm
You're welcome. ;)

Powered by CGISpy.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sun, 03-11-2007 - 12:13pm

Well I found the name Imani meaning "faith" on the website... I think that is nice. According to another website, it apparantly is Arabic, but behindthenames says it translates to faith in Swahili. Sounds good to me though.

Thanks for the suggestions!


                             
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sun, 03-11-2007 - 1:12pm
I went to college with a girl named Imani (her mother was from Africa, btw). Beautiful (the name and the girl ... she could have easily been a model). ;) She pronounced it ee-MAHN-ee, if it helps.

Powered by CGISpy.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-26-2004
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sun, 03-11-2007 - 2:17pm

What country in Africa and what subculture in that culture are you setting it in? This would affect your choice of names.

-Jamie

pregnancy calendar

Lilypie 2nd Birthday Ticker

Nursing Bras at Nurtured Family




Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
babies
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sun, 03-11-2007 - 3:14pm

Sade is pronouced "Shar-day" or "Shaw-day" just like the singer. :)

KT

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting















Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
In reply to: nat_c_123
Sun, 03-11-2007 - 3:49pm
I was originally thinking South Africa, but now I have changed my mind to Tanzania. I have been doing some research, and from what I understand, people in Tanzania speak Swahili and I found a name, Imani, that apparantly translates to "faith" in Swahili.

                             

Pages