Names by Category

Descriptive: Light skinned, dark skinned, white or skinny, we use descriptive names. They are a given.

Prescriptive: These names say what we want you to become; a scholar, a leader or a zoe.

Qualities: We give names based on qualities that we see in you, or want you to have.

Birth Order: First son, second son, first girl, third girl, last child, we can tell them apart.

Multiple birth: We have special names for twins. Some are unisex and others are paired.

Reincarnation: You returned to us, so you should stay here.

Animal: Names related to animals. Some can infer the qualities of the animal.

Natural features: Names based on features like rivers, hills, trees and other natural elements.

Kinship: Let's you know she is my mother, although she is my daughter.

Ownership: Do you see mine? This one is ours.

Emotion: The feelings that brought about your name.

Locational: Tell us from where you are or where you were born. From a town? Born on the farm?

Poro/Sande: You've completed the Sande or Poro School. You are a new person and a full member of soceity.

Religious: Names referencing God or people from the Bible or Quran.

Situational: What's happening? The events surrounding your birth can influence your name.

Leadership: Father of the land, the head, the Zoe.

Royalty: Kings, queens, princes and princesses.

Servant: You are selfless.

Time: Times and seasons, like this year or Christmas.