Many Africans inquire what my English name – Laura Lee – means, and why my parents chose it.  I struggle to make something up or just say, “Um, I don’t know.  I think they just thought it was pretty.”  This does not satisfy Africans.  In many tribes, names and naming ceremonies hold great significance.  In Meru tradition (The General’s tribe), your birth name is given according to the following pattern:

1^st Boy: Named after father’s father

2^nd Boy: Named after mother’s father

3^rd Boy: Named after father’s or grandfather’s brother

4^th Boy: Named after mother’s or grandmother’s brother

 

1^st Girl: Named after father’s mother

2^nd Girl: Named after mother’s mother

3^rd Girl: Named after father’s or grandfather’s sister

4^th Girl: Named after mother’s or grandmother’s sister

 

All of these names relate to the actions or character of the person a child is named after.  For instance, if a child is named after a person who likes to cook, she will be called “Murugi” (meaning “a girl who cooks”).  If a child is named after a person who likes to travel, he will be called “Muiti” (meaning “traveler”).

 

Traditionally, boys would go through an initiation into manhood, culminating in their circumcision around the age of 15.  After circumcision, the boy’s father chose another name for his son, which related to the boy’s own actions.  Because of Western influence, this tradition is not as common today.

 

If a child died, then the next baby to be born was not named after a person.  Traditionally, the Meru feared that their God would realize another child was born and take them away too.  So you’ll occasionally find someone called “Kiura” or “Kirigu” (meaning “frog” or “banana,” respectively), in an attempt to mislead the God.  Kangai is a common name for a girl who has been adopted, because it means “God-sent.” 

 

The Meru people also receive an English or Biblical name when they are baptized.  The General’s full name is Japhlet Kithinji King’ua Thambu.

 

Japhlet – His baptized name (found in Chronicles – he chose it himself)

Kithinji – Named after his Great Uncle, meaning “butcher,” signifying a rich man who always has meat (cows or goats)

King’ua – This is his father’s family name, equivalent to the English last name, meaning “joker”

Thambu – His name given after circumcision, signifying a man who does not like to waste time    

 

I have been given the name “Nkirote,” which means “generous, a good manager, responsible, and someone who can make a home anywhere because she is easily accommodated.”  The name “Nkatha” means the same thing.  I am proud of my Kimeru name, and I strongly prefer “Nkirote” to “Mzungu” (“white person”). J    

 

Common Kimeru Names:

 

Kawira – A hard worker (girl)

Mwenda – One who loves everyone (boy)

Muthomi – Person who likes to study (boy)

Kaimuri – A proud person (girl)

Gatwiri – Someone who finds food for animals (girl)

Kirimi – A person who lies to dig/farm (boy)

Kinyua – Someone who likes to drink (boy)

 

In the Luo tribe (the tribe of President Obama’s father), names are usually given according the time of birth.  My taxi driver in Nairobi was named “Otieno,” meaning “night,” because he was born at night.  So “Morning, afternoon, and night” are extremely common names.  Names could also mean “harvest” or “planting,” depending on the season of when they were born. 

 

In Kenya alone there are over 70 tribes, so I will not begin to speak of the naming traditions of all these people, but I think it’s a nice tradition to know the meaning and origin of your name.  So, if you know or meet an African, ask them what their name means and who they are named after.  I predict you’ll get an interesting story.  Also, we should take the opportunity to ask your parents how they chose your name if you don’t know.   

 

Mom and Dad – feel free to leave a message regarding my name (I think you read my blog?).  J   

 

Kwaheri – Laura Lee/ Nkirote

This is the view from the house, with The General's tea and surrounding landscape.