Can a name shape your destiny?

In Nigeria, like other parts of the world, names are given great significance. But there are instances where some people divert from traditional names to the ones that have little or no relevance to their kids. “Names are given in Igbo land to a child surrounding the circumstance leading to the birth of that child. While some indicate the family situation or mother’s situation as at the birth of the child, other names are as an appreciation to God. For example ‘Nwakaego’ means that a child is more precious than money and you will notice that in his life time that child will succeed no matter what with or without money,” says Mrs Ebere Chika, a housewife.

Names are said to hold a lot of significance in a child’s life as they are said to be the driving force of what that child will be in the future. Mr Emeka Chidebere, an accountant, said: “It’s funny when I hear strange names that have no significance being given to a child. The name we give to a child ought to be like a guiding light in their lives not one that would have negative effects on them as they grow.”

There are different strokes for different folks. According to Mr Adedayo Akindele, head teacher at LEA school Karu, a child is said to come with a name from heaven. “A child is said to be born with a name when there is a peculiar circumstance leading to the birth of that child. In our culture, great importance is given to naming a child. It is however important to note that not all children are born with a name and when such happens the normal names are given to them but they must be names that will help bring progress to the life of that child.”

There are several schools of thought that have diverse beliefs about the significance and power behind a name. Mr. Peter Okey, a psychologist, said: “A name is cherished in most societies and cultures take for example the Jews, they believe that a name represents the soul of a person and therefore can influence the person’s life. So because of this single fact they do not name a child after a living soul for fear that both will have to share one destiny thereby shortening the life span of the older person. So in essence you can see how relevant a name is to such a society which is not in any way different from our culture here in Nigeria.”

Ustaz Bello Musa, an Islamic scholar, says “The matter of naming a child is most times taken lightly by parents, thereby making mistakes that affect the child. A name might sound nice when pronounced but will have a bad meaning. So it is highly recommended that parents investigate the meaning of names before naming their children because it goes a long way in sharpening and affecting their lives.”

Parents should therefore always think twice before naming a child, as some names seem deep rooted in outdated philosophies. No-one can say for certain if a child’s name will affect his entire life. But if it true that a name is entwined with the destiny of a child, then the responsibility of choosing a good one should be seen as a serious one.