The cultural context of naming systems amongst the Yoruba of South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Personal naming practices amongst the Yoruba of the south-west region of Nigeria are of diverse cultural importance and have significant implications for an individual?s place in society, role in the community and course of life. The cultural dynamics involved in the naming process include aligning the person?s name with the context of their birth. For example, the name of a child may have its origin in the seasons (i.e., planting seasons), important days (i.e., market days), critical historical events (i.e., Nigerian civil war), the order of birth patterns and occupation of the child?s relatives. The naming of a child could influence the rest of his or her life. In this context, there are cultural beliefs that the name of a child may predict childhood and adult behaviour. For example, names with negative connotations may negatively impact the entire life of that child. The names given to children within the Yoruba community of South West Nigeria are mostly culturally significant. While the onomastics of diverse communities have been explored in the African context, this article seeks to review literature published on the cultural context of the naming processes amongst the Yoruba of South West Nigeria. The author provides information gathered from independent interviews with individuals and the study was undertaken in different locations in Ibadan, Nigeria. The participants were selected through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were used which led to participants discussing the topic in more detail.