The Yorùbá society is one filled with fascinating and remarkable elements. Sometimes, when we observe its customs and practices closely, we realize the depth and complexity of the society surpass mere superficial understanding. One such fascinating aspect is the Yorùbá naming system.
In Yorùbá culture, names are not just identifiers, they reflect situations, experiences, aspirations, and social contexts. One of the notable ways the Yorùbá use naming is in addressing the issue of children believed to be “abiku”, those who are born only to die shortly after. Special names are used in an attempt to ward off death and keep such children alive.
Beyond that, names also serve various symbolic and communicative purposes within the community. One such type of name is the orúkọ ìnagijẹ, or nickname. These are names that often carry encoded information or character insights about individuals. Sometimes, hearing a nickname alone gives one clues about the bearer’s traits, behaviour, or experiences, even without ever meeting the person.
Nicknames in Yorùbá society can emerge in different ways. While some individuals may coin nicknames for themselves, this is less common, more often, nicknames are bestowed upon people by others. A significant way nicknames arise is through interactions with new wives in polygamous homes. In Yorùbá tradition, when a man marries a new wife, everyone in the household, whether they are his younger siblings or children from previous marriages in that family are considered a ‘husband’ to the new wife, regardless of her age or whether she is older than them. Therefore, she is expected to show respect and address them accordingly.
For example, if one of the husband’s children or younger brothers is named Àjàní, the new wife is not expected to call him by name. Instead, she would respectfully refer to him as “Ọkọ mi Ajadi” (my husband, Ajadi). However, many of these new wives may find it awkward or uncomfortable to address much younger individuals as their ‘husbands.’ As a result, instead of using formal titles or names, they coin nicknames for them.
For instance, if one of the stepchildren or in-laws is light-skinned, the wife may nickname him Apọ́nbéporẹ́ (a light skin one like palm-oil); if she is handsome, she may call him Awẹ́lẹ́wà (the beautiful one); or if dark-skinned, Adúmáradán (the dark shining one), or simply Adú.
In Yorùbá society, nicknames serve multiple roles, some of the more common types include:
1. Nicknames that Reflect Physical Appearance
These nicknames reveal something about a person’s body type or physical features.
Examples:
- Alóńgẹ́ – A tall and slender person
- Àgòró – A very tall person
- Òdékìlẹ̀kún – Someone overly obsessed
- Adú – A very dark-skinned person
- Agùnlóyè – A person with towering height
2. Nicknames that Reflect Behavioural Traits
These nicknames are based on how someone behaves or interacts with others in the community. Many Yorùbá surnames today evolved from such descriptive nicknames. Examples:
- Arígbábùwò – Someone who spends lavishly without counting money
- Alówólódù – A person who always has money in bundles
- Arógunyọ̀ – One who always prepares or boasts of going to war
- Aríyàyọ́ – A person constantly happy having their mother
- Arówòmọ́lé – Someone who builds a house with their own wealth
- Agbówórìn – Someone that go about with money
- Alówóńlé – Someone that doesn’t go about with money but has enough money at home.
- Ọwọṣọbulẹ̀lá – Someone that wears a very large garments
3. Nicknames that Celebrate Historical or Local Heroes
In Yorùbá oral traditions, nicknames are sometimes used to reference legendary or notable figures, especially if the bearer has traits associated with such people. These names could originate from past leaders, influential families, or wealthy individuals in the community. For instance:
- Many who bear the name Adéyẹmí are also called Alówólódù because of the wealth and prestige associated with that Adéyẹmí Alówólódù, a former Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́.
- Today, if someone is named Túndé, they may be nicknamed Ìdìàgbọ́n, in honour of a notable historical Vice Head of State with that name.
- A person might be named Adékúnlé, but people may call him Ajáṣin because of a former governor of Oǹdó State who bore that name.
- A person might be named Olúṣẹ́gun, and people may call him Ọbásanjọ́ after a former president who bore that name.
This use of nicknames in Yorùbá society not only adds a layer of personalization and identity but also reflects deep cultural values, respect dynamics, and communal relationships. Through nicknames, Yorùbá people preserve memory, history, and character interpretation, all embedded in the rich linguistic fabric of their society.