African names are elaborately structured and contain more than one
possible interpretation of meaning. They can associate one with family,
location, and occupation. Many commemorate major occurrences or
traditions of the culture. The range of significance is broad, making an
understanding of African names not just a valuable personal tool, but
also a study aid to African culture and traditions. Traditional African
Names considers primarily countries around the African Lakes such as
Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zaire,
and Zimbabwe, but a wide variety of names from other southern African
countries are included as well. Using thousands of detailed examples,
the book identifies the genesis and evolution in African name formation
and meaning. Many of the 6,000 names (complete with pronunciation
guidelines) are treated in English for the first time. Each entry
discusses the origins of the name, its meaning, and the wide cultural
and social connotations of its use, as well as variations and
differences in the meanings of similar words used in related ethnic
contexts. This analysis provides a unique reservoir of information
concerning migration, assimilation, and cultural cross-connection.
