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.
Why I Will Be Giving My Children Nigerian First Names
Having non-British first names is a way to hold on to our culture and so much more
Medium read
Aprox. 4 mins in article
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