Stories Behind African Names: A Case Study Of The Setswana Names Of The North West University, Mafikeng Campus’ Students

Abstract

This paper presents a report of an analysis of the participants’ stories behind their Setswana names. Questionnaires, made available in Setswana and in English, were used to collect data from the respondents with assistance and permission from their parents and guardians. The results indicate that mothers and grandmothers hold the power insofar as the naming of children is concerned. The results also illustrate the participants’ attitude towards their names. Furthermore, the results indicate that the Batswana's naming traditions, just like those of other African nations, are also affected by the events taking place around the period of birth of their children.