This can come about because children in Ghana are frequently named for the day of the week they were born; the three of them were all born on Sunday. Maame is a nickname for the younger Akosua.
The middle name is often more unique, in honor or memory of someone. In Maame's case, her middle name is Sarfoa, after Victoria's grandmother. Sarfoa was often called Maame Sarfoa, hence how Maame came to have this nickname.
Ghanaian also frequently have English names, like Akwasi's parents, Nicholas and Victoria, which their parents also legally named them.
Finally it is also common to call people by affectionate names, such as Uncle, or Ma, even if they aren't your uncle or mother.
Got it?
The middle name is often more unique, in honor or memory of someone. In Maame's case, her middle name is Sarfoa, after Victoria's grandmother. Sarfoa was often called Maame Sarfoa, hence how Maame came to have this nickname.Ghanaian also frequently have English names, like Akwasi's parents, Nicholas and Victoria, which their parents also legally named them.
Finally it is also common to call people by affectionate names, such as Uncle, or Ma, even if they aren't your uncle or mother.
Got it?
really interesting
ReplyDeleteWhy did Victoria and Nicholas not name their children English names? Did it go out of style? And why did their parents give them English names? What about kids born now?
ReplyDeleteHaha - I was going to ask you about the English names! Very interesting...
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