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Why I Will Be Giving My Children Nigerian First Names

Growing up, I was always referred to as Tobi and never as Maureen, so I was shocked when ‘Maureen’ was called out on the first day of Year 7; I was actually embarrassed. There and then, at 11 years old, I made a promise to myself that when I have children, their first name would be Yoruba followed by English ones. Almost all Africans I know are known by more than one name, English ones outside their home and at home, a plethora of traditional names, of which their parents can choose from depending on their mood, or call you by all of your names if the moment has called for it.