The significance of akan & yorùbá personal names

ANS 2025, February 22, 2025 Anthroponymy and culturalidentity: the significance of akan and yorùbá personal names by Anuoluwapọ Adéwùnmí ADÉTỌ̀MÍWÁ This study explores the cultural significance of personal names within Akan and Yorùbá societies, emphasizing their role as fundamental aspects of identity. It investigates the belief that names influence destiny and possess telepathic power, reflecting an individual’s life. Recent trends indicate a growing preference for foreign names over indigenous names, particularly those of English, Christian, and Islamic origin names. The trend of favoring foreign names over indigenous ones is attributed to the impact of Abrahamic religions and modernization. Globalization religious shifts, and urbanization have impacted naming practices. The allure of foreign names—often associated with modernity—has led to a decline in indigenous names. Abrahamic religions, in particular, have introduced alternative naming conventions. As a result, traditional Akan and Yoruba names face the risk of fading into obscurity. Using a qualitative method and the theory of anthroponymy, this research gathers data from educational registers, oral interviews, and scholarly works. It advocates for preserving indigenous names to maintain African linguistic and cultural heritage. This study examines the structure and meanings of these names, revealing their connection to gender, social status, and birth circumstances. By promoting the originality of indigenous names, this research aims to protect them from extinction and uphold cultural identity. The study underscores the deep connection between language, culture, and personal names in both ethnic groups, highlighting the need for linguistic research in this area. Overall, preserving indigenous names is crucial for safeguarding African linguistic and maintaining cultural heritage.