Complexities of baby naming

Welcoming new life into the world is always a miraculous event. A baby brings joy and illuminates marriages. It is a life changing experience. An important issue that arises after delivery is that of naming the baby.

Whilst in ancient times, that duty was reserved for specific people such as the aunts or uncles, the practice seems to be losing it’s relevance nowadays. Due to colonization by the British, most people had started giving their babies English names such as Portia, Elizabeth and Virginia. Some people do not even know the meaning of these names but give them to their children simply because they like how they sound or it is the name of their favourite television character

Suprisingly, the 21st century has seen people embracing their African roots and giving their babies local names. These include Akatendeka, Matipaishe and Ruvarashe. It must be noted that these local names are meaningful and embody cultural as well religious norms. Gone are the days when people frowned upon such names.

Indeed the youths of today who are going to be future parents should have a great sense of appreciation of the impact of these names in the development of their society. Giving a child a local not only celebrates language but also cements the richness of ones culture.

Naming a child in ones indegenous language promotes ones roots and celebrates the culture of that child. Danai Gurira who has turned into a hollywood superstar posseses a shona name which has instilled her as a true Zimbabwean serving as a source of pride for the local population.