The Motives and Meanings Behind Names in Burundi
For Burundians, there is no greater happiness, prosperity, or special blessing from God (Imana) than having children. Without God, there are no children—or at least, no well-born children. Without His help, the little one will not grow. It is therefore not surprising that theophoric names—those invoking God—are numerous in records even today.
Indeed, among Burundians, especially those of the past, any event could serve as a pretext for finding a name. It might be a public event or a circumstance surrounding the child’s birth. Many names reference death, which is merciless and insatiable, or aim to ward it off.
Most Common Types of Names
There are commonly used individual names and proper names that function more like nicknames or sobriquets. In traditional Burundi, children were often named according to their birth order. For instance, in many families, the seventh child would be named Nyandwi, the eighth Minani, and so on.
Who Chooses the Name of the Newborn?
Another important question arises: who chooses the baby’s name?
Is the naming process done with a certain formality, such as a family gathering or the involvement of a diviner?
In reality, as soon as the baby starts crawling and is considered capable of responding when called, a name is given. This is done without any kind of ceremony. The father or mother simply says, “I will call him/her X because…”. Sometimes, the parents agree beforehand, but often the child ends up with two names—one from the father and another from the mother—and there can be a long debate about which one will prevail.
In some cases, even a neighbor or a passing stranger might suggest a name, and it sticks. Usually, the child receives another name later, when they are old enough to play with others. This name is chosen by playmates, cousins, or neighbors, and they do their best to make it memorable. It often replaces the name given by the parents, as people say, “The best name is the one that raised you.”
Some prohibitions
A child is never named after someone who died shortly before their birth. If a family member dies, anyone sharing the same name usually changes it immediately. However, it appears that sometimes children are given the name of their grandfather.
In conclusion, the naming of a baby in Burundi can spark debate. While today some struggle to find names for their newborns often turning to friends and acquaintances for help this wasn’t the case in traditional Burundi. Back then, people would simply reflect or observe events and circumstances of the moment to find suitable names.
