What’s in a name?

Yoruba families take naming children very seriously. In fact, we have a large ceremony hosted eight days after a child is born to declare the names that they will bear all their lives. It’s largely because beyond identity, Yoruba people truly believe that ‘Orúko máa n ro ọmọ’ — a name literally ‘follows’ a child and defines them. Essentially, a person will act in accordance with their name.

As I child, I loved hearing the stories about how I was named. How my dad insisted on ‘Tẹjúmádé’— a prescriptive call to focus on the crown, over the more descriptive ‘Adétéjú’ — a declaration that the crown is precious. While both names are truly beautiful, the one I ended up with is characteristic of my father.

It anchors me to the prayers, wishes, hopes and dreams of those who first loved me. This too is beauty.