Many surnames underwent considerable changes in form of spelling as the languages were slowly evolving. Your hereditary surname (last name), or some semblance to the original name might have a meaning and its significance may be explained by your family elders.
In most African cultures, children can have up to (20) names. The father is usually the one to name the child or children. The practice of naming boys after their father came from Western European influences. The most common names were after someone the father admires. This happens one week after the child’s birth. We have also found that the child begins to act like the person they are named after. The child would probably be called three names in the household.
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1) The first name would be the day of the week the child was born.
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2) The second name would be based according to the birth order of the child (1st., 2nd, etc.)
3) The third name is chosen by the father.
There might be additional names based on the position in the family, circumstances surrounding their birth or their physical features. They also acquired names through personal achievement and status.
Based on your birth order, position in the family, physical features, days of the week, month, etc. Make up at least three names that fit your personality.
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Example: Nyamekye-God’s gift, Asante-Ethnic group, Naledi-Star, Maanu-Second Born, Amma-Born on Saturday