200+ Beautiful Dagbani Names and the Joyous Naming Ceremony Among Dagomba

The Dagomba people, residing in the northern region of Ghana, have a fascinating tradition of naming their children. These names, known as Dagbon names or Dagbani names, encompass a wide range of options.

The uniqueness of Dagbani names stems from the fact that they vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. In the Dagbon culture, when a child is born, they are initially considered a stranger or “Sana” until they are formally introduced to the community and given a name.

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During this period, a male child is referred to as “Saan-doo,” while a female child is called “Saan-paɣa.” These names serve as temporary identifiers until the child undergoes the proper outdooring ceremony.

Dagbani Names: Naming Ceremony among Dagombas

The naming ceremony among the Dagombas in Northern Ghana typically takes place on the eighth day after a child’s birth, once the umbilical cord has fallen off. This special occasion is known as “Nyuɣu lubu”.

Once the umbilical cord has naturally detached, the child’s hair is shaved off, and a name is bestowed upon them. Prior to the ceremonial day, the head of the family, known as the Daŋ-kpema, performs sacrifices to honor their ancestors and express gratitude for the safe delivery of the baby. Subsequently, the Daŋ-kpema seeks the guidance of a soothsayer.

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This consultation serves two purposes: to ascertain the purpose of the baby’s arrival and to identify the child. This is significant because the Dagbamba people strongly believe in reincarnation. It is conceivable that one of their ancestors has chosen to return to witness how the family is faring after their passing.

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If the soothsayer confirms that the baby is indeed a reincarnation of an ancestor, it becomes the responsibility of the family head to name the child after that ancestor. Conversely, if the child is a new addition to the family and does not possess a previous ancestral connection, a suitable name is sought and bestowed upon the child.

Dagbon Names: Ritual Items and Symbolism in Dagomba Naming Ceremony

One day prior to the naming ceremony, various items are gathered and placed in a pan. These items hold significant importance as they symbolize the family’s wishes for the newborn baby. Each ingredient carries a symbolic meaning. The items include:

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1. Kariwana (maize) – symbolizes food, expressing the wish that the newborn baby will never experience hunger throughout their life.

2. Kanwa (saltpeter) – symbolizes medicine, with the hope that the child remains free from chronic ailments.

3. Liɣiri (money) – symbolizes wealth, signifying the desire for the child to grow up prosperous and lacking nothing.

4. Gumdi (cotton) – cotton represents clothing, symbolizing the wish that the child will always be adequately clothed and able to provide for others.

Dagbon Names: Hair Shaving and Spiritual Detachment in Dagbon Tradition

In Dagbon tradition, the first hair of a child is regarded as impure, known as “Zabi biɛri.” It is believed that the child originates from the spiritual realm, and the hair they bring from that realm must be removed. This practice serves to detach the baby from their spiritual ties with their unborn siblings.

The task of shaving the hair and performing circumcision, in the case of a male child, is entrusted to a man known as the “wanzam.” The wanzam, under the leadership of Mba Gunu, also conducts “Kafu kpabu,” a traditional method to remove blood clots from injured individuals.

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On the day preceding the naming ceremony, the family head sends cola nuts to the wanzam, formally inviting him to shave the newborn baby’s hair and perform circumcision if necessary.

Following the naming ceremony, the newborn baby undergoes thorough bathing to prevent body odor and strengthen their bones. This bathing ritual is performed by a traditional midwife called the “Paɣadɔɣisotɔɣinda.” Typically, the paɣidɔɣisotɔɣinda is an experienced elderly woman skilled in delivering babies and bathing fragile infants.

Types of Dagbani Names: Significance and Examples

In Dagbon, there is a well-known proverb that states, “Din biɛ mini din viɛli zuɣu ka sokam mali o yuli,” which means that everyone has a name because of both good and bad experiences. This implies that one person’s actions should not be attributed to someone else.

Among the Dagomba people, names hold significant meaning in an individual’s personality and can also be used to identify their family lineage. Naming children in Dagbon is a careful process that involves considering various factors such as the circumstances, day, and time of the child’s birth. It is important for the child’s name to have a connection to their birth.

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Dagombas use several common themes and factors to name their children. Some of these categories include:

1. Dabisa Yuya

2. Chira Yuya

3. Ŋaha Yuya

4. Naawuni Yuya

5. Saha Yuya

6. Buɣ’ Yuya

7. Dɔɣirikpihiŋ Yuya

8. Jahi Yuya

9. Dagbon Kura Yuya

Dagbani Names Based on the Day of Birth – Dabisa Yuya

In Dagbon culture, naming traditions hold great significance, particularly when it comes to assigning names based on the day of a child’s birth. This practice reflects the belief that a person’s birthday influences their character traits and destiny. These names, although not exclusively, are more commonly given to female children, emphasizing the cultural importance placed on lineage and heritage.

This unique naming tradition provides a deeper connection between individuals and their birthday, as each day carries its own symbolism and qualities. Here are some examples of such names:

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Dabisa – Days of The week in Dagbani and their corresponding Name

Days of the week in English	Dabisa (Days of The week in Dagbani)	Dabisa Yuya (Corresponding Dagbani day name)
Monday	Atani	Tani (female)
Tuesday	Atalaata	Zilaata ( female)
Wednesday	Alaaba	Laaba
Thursday	Alaamishi	Laamihi
Friday	Alizumma	Azindoo -male Azima or Azim paɣa (female)
Saturday	Asibiri	Sibi-doo ( male) Sibi-paɣa ( female
Sunday	Alahari	Lahari ( Female)

Dagbani Names Based on the Month of Birth – Chira Yuya

Within the Dagomba calendar, consisting of twelve months, only two are assigned as names for children. These months are Damba and Chimsi, corresponding to the 3rd and 12th months respectively. No other months are used for naming children in Dagbon. However, children born on the day of the Buɣim festival (fire festival) are given the name Asuro.

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Dagbani Proverbial Names – ŋaha yuya

Proverbial names are the most prevalent in Dagbon. Parents choose these names to convey indirect messages to the public or specific individuals. Some proverbial names express good wishes for the newborn, envisioning blessings for the family, while others carry messages intended to mock enemies. Sometimes, these names are also chosen based on the challenges the mother faced during pregnancy. Depending on the meaning and purpose behind a proverbial name, it may attract either more admirers or enemies to the newborn.

Below is a list of some Dagomba names and meanings:

Dagbani Name	Meaning In English
Anzansi	Courage /perseverance.
Balima	Persuasion.
Bangahim	Unique/distinguished
Baŋbebu ( Bangbebu)	Live cautiously.
Beninya	Live to witness.
Bɛneeti	They have awakened us
Bɛgaŋ	Not discriminatory
Bonsuduŋ	Why the hatred?
Chalipang	Forgive
Dipantiche	It will stop one day
Daliri	Good fortune
Dangana	Consolation
Deeshini	persevere/endure in silence
Faako	Relieve
Jilima	Respect
Kasi	Tidy
Kataali	Innocent
Manfooya	I have kept silent
Mbaŋba ( M	bang
ba)	I have found them out
Mandeeya	I have accepted
Malititi	Resolve for us / make things good for us.
Mbo	Well done
Mburidiba	My innocence has caused their destruction.
Mpanko	I’m not alone
Naani	Trust
Nasara	Victory
Neesim	Enlightenment/brightness
Nirilim	kindness/goodness
N nyeyem	I have become sensible
Ngaŋ ŋuni	I discriminate against no one
puumaaya	The pain is gone
Shini kadoliba	follow them in silence
Suhuyini	Faithfulness
Saha	Good luck
Suglo	patience
Tiyumba	Lets love them
Tiyuuniba	We’re watching them.
Tuŋteeya ( Tungteeya)	the family has grown
Tahama	Hopeful
Tifɔmi	We’re silent
Timtooni	progress
Tipaɣiya( Tipagya)	We are grateful
Viɛlim ( vielim)	Beauty
Vikuba	they’ve died of shame
vinikuba	They’ll die of shame
Yumzaa	Love all
Ʒisuŋ	Good life
Zaa nyaya	Everyone has seen
Zoosim	Greatness

Dagbon Names relating to God – Naawuni Yuya:

Among the Dagomba tribe, there are common Dagbani names that bear a strong connection to God. These names are often given to children as a way of expressing gratitude to God for the blessing of a newborn baby. Furthermore, these names serve as prayers, seeking divine favor for the couple and their family. Here are some examples of these names:

Some of these names include ;

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Dagbon Names relating to God – Naawuni Yuya

Dagbon Names relating to God – Naawuni Yuya	Meaning
Chentiwuni	Entrust to God’s Hands
Salpawuni	Man is not God
Wunpini	God’s Gift
Wunimmi	Only God Knows
Wunnam	God’s Might
Wunniche	God’s Will
Wuntia	Faith in God
Wunibee	God Exists
Wunideeya	God Has Accepted
Wuniko	Only God
Wunizaligu	God’s Plan
Wunzooya	God is Great
Wunbiyɛli	It is not Ordained by God
Wunidabili	A Servant of God
Wunintira	God is the Giver
Anamzooya	You are a Mighty God

These names encapsulate the deep faith and spiritual beliefs of the Dagomba people. They serve as a constant reminder of the presence of God in their lives and the importance of relying on divine guidance and protection. Through the act of naming their children with these meaningful names, the Dagomba community upholds their religious traditions and instills a sense of reverence for God from an early age.

The significance of these names goes beyond mere labels; they carry a profound spiritual essence that shapes the identity and values of the individuals who bear them. They represent the enduring connection between the Dagomba people and their faith, as well as their acknowledgment of the role played by God in their daily lives.

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Dagbon Names Based on the Situation or Time of the Child’s Birth – Saha Yuya:

The Dagomba people have a tradition of naming children based on the specific circumstances or time of their birth. These names reflect the unique events or situations surrounding the child’s arrival. Here are some examples:

Saha Yuya	Meaning
Asuro	A child born on the day of the Buɣim festival.
2. Dasana	A child born in the market.
3. Dasoli	A child born on the way to the market.
4. Dayuuni	A child who spent a year in the mother’s womb before birth (12 months).
5. Gariyuuni	A baby who spent more than a year in the mother’s womb.
6. Kayeba	A child born after the death of all grandfathers.
7. Kachaɣu (Kachagu)	A child born during the season of harvesting Guinea corn.
8. Napari	A child born after twins.
9. Niendoo/Nienpaga	Born on a bright day (during the day).
10. Saa	Rain (when a child is born during rainfall).
11. Sawalli	A child born during a light rain cloud.
12. Suɣuri (Sugri)	The first child to be born when a person becomes a Chief.
13. Siɣili (Sigli)	A child born during the early rains of the wet season.
14. Tisua	A child born in the middle of the night.
15. Ʒiba	A child born after the death of their father.
16. Zama	A child born on a day of festivity (festival).
17. Ziŋnaa	A chief dies, and his wife gives birth after his death. The baby can be named Ziŋ Naa.

These names carry significant meaning and serve as a reminder of the unique circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. They provide a connection to specific events, traditions, or cultural practices within the Dagomba community. By bestowing these names upon their children, the Dagomba people celebrate and honor these special moments in their lives.

Dagomba Names of Deities – Buɣ’ yuya (Bug yuya):

In the traditional beliefs of the Dagomba people, deities and principalities held significant importance before the introduction of the Islamic religion. Each household maintained a family deity called “tiya,” while various community deities were revered throughout the land. Even in present times, these deities continue to hold great value in most Dagbon traditional areas, and they are honored by both chiefs and commoners.

Visiting these community deities to seek assistance for personal, familial, and communal matters was a common practice. Couples who struggled to conceive would often visit these deities to seek their blessings and the gift of a child. When their wish was granted and a baby was born, they would bestow the name of the deity upon the child as an expression of gratitude.

Here are some common Dagomba names associated with deities that you will come across in Dagbon society:

1. Budaali

2. Buɣu’jaa (Bugu jaa)

3. Buɣili (Bugu doo/Bugu paga)

4. Buɣu saɣiri (Bugu Sagiri)

5. Jaagbo

6. Jabuni

7. Kpala

8. Lansa

9. Laasichɛ

10. Nasaɣiri (Nasagri)

11. Tambo

12. Tia (Tidoo, Tipaga)

13. Tɔŋ (Tong doo, Tong paga)

These names carry the essence of the deities they represent and reflect the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of the Dagomba people. They serve as a connection to their ancestral traditions and the reverence they hold for these deities in their cultural practices.

Dagomba Names of reincarnated children- Dɔɣirikpihiŋ yuya ( Dogri kpihing yuya)

As posited earlier,  the Dagbamba people have a very strong belief in the concept of reincarnation. They

As previously mentioned, the Dagomba people hold a strong belief in the concept of reincarnation, known as “Dɔɣirikpihim” (Dogri-kpihim). According to this belief, there are children who intentionally cause distress to their mothers by dying and being reborn.

Such babies, if identified, are “sold” ( A rite performed and not sold permanently) to a person from another tribe. The baby is then given a name from that tribe, as it is believed that bestowing the child with a different tribal name will help ensure their survival.

Here are some common Dagomba names given to these reincarnated children:

1. Modoo/Mopaɣa (mopaga)

2. Gurindoo/Gurinpaɣa (Gurinpaga)

3. ŋmampiri doo

4. Zabaɣa doo/Zabaɣa paɣa

5. Fulani doo/Fulan paɣa

6. Kusa doo/Kusa paɣa

7. Alabaani

8. Bɛje

9. Tampuli

These names reflect the belief that by associating the child with a different tribe through their name, they will be protected from the challenges they faced in their previous life. It is a unique cultural practice rooted in the Dagomba’s understanding of reincarnation and their efforts to ensure the well-being of these special children.

Dagbani Names for Twins – Jahi yuya:

Twins hold a sacred status among the Dagomba people, as they are believed to embody certain spirits that can bestow blessings or curses. Due to this belief, twins are treated with special care and sometimes appeased in certain families.

According to Dagbon tradition, when twins are born, the first one to arrive is considered the youngest, while the second-born is considered the elder. It is believed that the elder twin sends the younger twin to explore the world before joining them.

Common Dagomba names given to twins include:

1. Dawuni – Danaa (both males)

2. Pagwuni – Pagnaa (both females)

3. Dawuni (male) – Pagnaa (female)

4. Danaa (male) – Pagwuni (female)

In this naming tradition, Danaa and Pagnaa are considered the elder twins, while Dawuni and Pagwuni are regarded as the younger twins.

These names signify the unique bond and hierarchical relationship between twins in Dagbon culture. The names reflect the belief in the spiritual significance of twins and the reverence accorded to them within the community. 

Traditional Aboriginal Dagbon Names – Dagbon Kura Yuya

The rich history of Dagbon is interwoven with the legacies of our forefathers, who laid the foundation for the thriving Dagbon Kingdom we know today. Among their numerous contributions, the names they bore hold special significance, reflecting their roles as kings and leaders. These traditional Aboriginal Dagbon names, known as “Dagbon Kura Yuya,” encapsulate the essence of our cultural heritage and pay homage to the revered ancestors who shaped our community.

While these names may not be as commonly used in contemporary times, they serve as a reminder of the esteemed lineage from which we descend. Each name carries a unique story and represents the noble qualities and virtues cherished by our forefathers. They evoke a sense of pride and connect us to our ancestral roots, preserving the legacy of those who established and governed the Dagbon Kingdom.

These traditional Aboriginal Dagbon names are a testament to the enduring traditions and values that have shaped our identity as a people. By honoring these names and acknowledging their historical significance, we pay tribute to the resilience, wisdom, and leadership of our past rulers, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten in the tapestry of our cultural heritage.

1. Banzu

2. Balimini

3. Birigiyomda

4. Dariʒiɛɣu

5. Datorili

6. Dimani

7. Fɔɣu

8. Shagbaa

9. Shitɔbu

10. Kumtili

11. Nadima

12. Nyagsi

13. Sindoliwa

14. Zanjina

15. Zagli

16. Gungɔbili

17. Yɛnzoo

18. Ʒipupɔra

19. Zirili

20. Zoligu

21. Zulandi

Dagomba Names with Islamic Influences

With the influence of foreign cultures, particularly the Islamic religion, many Dagomba people now bear names such as Adam, Haruna, Inusah, Alhassan, Ali, Zeinab, Hasana, Jamila, and others. Some of these names have been modified for easier pronunciation, while others come with additional appellations.

Here are some common Dagbon names along with their appellations:

Alhassan (formerly Alaasani)	Karikari Baako
Abdullai (formerly Ablai)	Tooka
Hussein (formerly Fusheni)	Juuna
Mohammed (formerly Mahamaru)	Zanjina/Mankaanu
Yakubu	Gubili
Zeinab (formerly Ʒenabu)	Gadabisi
Rahama	Dahama Lana
Azima	Kaɣali Piɛɣu Ku Pili Ŋmani
Sulemana	Bindawudu
Adamu	Katakule
Hawa (formerly Awaabu)	Ʒini Duu Ka Nya Ŋmariga
Laabi	Badawiya
Mariam (formerly Mariama)	Yɛmbu
Meemunatu	Baamunu
Abubakari	Gariba
Dawuda	Che Sua
Imoro	Guru
Sayibu	Zunzɔŋ
Musah	Kalaamulahi

These names reflect the integration of different cultural influences in Dagbon, with the adoption of Islamic names alongside traditional Dagomba names. The appellations further add meaning or significance to the names, emphasizing certain traits or beliefs associated with the individuals.

200+ List of Dagbani Names and Their Meanings

Name In Dagbanli	Gender	Group	Meaning
Aburu
Adirikarili
Adishiri
Adishiri
Ajuwa
Alheri
Anamzooya
Andani
Andi
Anfani
Anim
Anisung			good intention
Anzansi
Asana
Asiro		Saha Yuya
Azima		Dabsa Yuya
Azindoo
Balemini		Ancestral
Balima
Banbangtaba			those who know each other
Bandaba
Bangahim
Bangbebu
Bangda
Bangsim
Banzu		Ancestral
Beemoni		Saha Yuya
Beninye			stay and witness
Bieŋmali		Saha Yuya
Bigaŋ		Ŋaha Yuya	Not discriminated
Bineti			they have enlightened us
Biziŋ
Biʒem
Bonidima
Bonnidima / Dondirima		Ŋaha Yuya
Borizama
Budaali		Buɣi Yuya
Buɣijaa		Buɣi Yuya
Buɣili		Buɣi Yuya
Bugudabila		Buɣi Yuya
Buɣudabili		Buɣi Yuya
Buguli		Buɣi Yuya
Buɣutandi		Buɣi Yuya
Buɣuyɛligu		Buɣi Yuya
Busaɣiri		Buɣi Yuyaf
Chaanga
Chalpang
Changona
Chentiwuni
Chimsi		Goya Yuya
Daajuɣu		Saha Yuya
Daanaa
Daangoɣu		Ŋaha Yuya
Daankali
Daballi
Dahama
Daliri
Damba		Goya Yuya
Damduu
Danaa		Saha Yuya
Dangana
Dariʒieɣu
Dasana
Dasoli		Saha (Circumstantial)
Datia
Datorili
Dawora		Ŋaha Yuya
Dawuni
Dayuuni		Saha Yuya
Dede
Deeshini
Dikpong
Dinnani		Ŋaha Yuya
Dintoli
Dinviela
Dipantiche
Dirli
Faako
Fanjima
Fibili
Fiiluwa
Fuseina
Fuseini
Gariba
Gburiŋ
Gurimachaɣupaɣa		Dɔɣirikpihim Yuya
Gurimpaɣa		Dɔɣirikpihim Yuya
Hikolana
Jebuni,		Buɣi Yuya
Jemda
Jenda			It means Outstanding or exceptional when used as a verb, but when used as a noun it means responsibility
Jepu
Jilma
Jintora
Kachaɣu
Kacheli
Kaɣili
Kanli
Kasi
Kasuwa
Kataali
Katari
Kawoligili
Kayaba		Saha zooYuyazin
Kochim
Kokura
Kpala		Buɣi Yuya
Kuɣuli
Kumtili
Laakala
Lahari
Lansa		Buɣi Yuya
Lariba		Dabsa Yuya
Lasiche
Luro
Malima
Malimaŋa
Malisimli		Ŋaha Yuya
Maltiti		Ŋaha Yuya
Mandeiya
Matta
M’baŋba		Ŋaha Yuya
Mbatɔɣima
Mbo
M’buridiba		Ŋaha Yuya
Mfaanga
Mirifa
Mpanko
Naama
Naani		Ŋaha Yuya
Naatɔɣima
Nagumsi
Naina
Nakpambo		Ancestral
Naniendo
Nanjaa
Napaga
Napari
Naporo		Ancestral
Nasakai
Nasara
Nayi
Nbangzaa
Ndaduŋ
Ndini
Neina
Neindoo
Neira
Neisim
Nenpaga
N’gaŋŋuni		Ŋaha Yuya
Niema
Nirlim
Niyasung
Njalwuni			Leaning on God
Nniŋdini
Nnyeyam
Ntabiliba		Ŋaha Yuya
Nyaɣisi
N’yubaje		Ŋaha Yuya
ŋɔʒe
ŋmapiripaɣa		Dɔɣirikpihim Yuya
Paɣanaa
Paɣawuni
Pagnaa
Pini
Puumaya
Saa		Saha Yuya
Sachibu
Sagtiti
Saha
Saha
Sakundi
Salaŋa		Saha Yuya
Salpawuni
Sayora		Saha Yuya
Shagba		Ancestral
Sheriga
Shitobu
Sibido		Dabsa Yuya
Sibiri
Siche
Siɣili		Saha Yuya
Siisabigi
Simdi
Sindoliwa		Ancestral
Soochi
Suɣiri		Saha Yuya
Suglo
Suhidoo
Suhipelli
Suhiyini		Ŋaha Yuya
Taali-mbo
Tahama
Talaata		Dabsa Yuya
Tamaha
Tambo		Buɣi Yuya
Tampuli		Dɔɣirikpihim Yuya
Tani		Dabsa Yuya
Tapilimpaɣa		Dɔɣirikpihim Yuya
Tasalla		Saha Yuya
Teenaba
Tia		Buɣi Yuya
Tidiya
Tido		Buɣi Yuya
Tikuli
Tikuma		Ŋaha Yuya
Timani
Timtooni		Ŋaha Yuya
Tinitoo
Tipaga		Buɣi Yuya
Tipaɣa
Tiyumba
Tiyuundiba
Toblanguri
Tunteiya
Tusua		Saha Yuya
Vabiloɣu		Saha Yuya
Vani
Velim
Wumbei
Wumda
Wumpini
Wumpini
Wundeiya
Wunibiyɛli
Wuniche
Wuninmi		Ŋaha Yuya
Wunintira		Ŋaha Yuya
Wunko
Wunnam
Wunpini
Wuntia
Wuntima
Wunzalgu
Yada
Yaɣimerigu
Yalsumah
Yemtori
Yemusa
Yerda
Yiko
Yiri		Ancestral
Yirifa
Yumzaa
Yumzaa
Yurizaa
Zabaɣapaɣa		Dɔɣirikpihim Yuya
Zambalima		Dɔɣirikpihim Yuya
Zantale
Zemoli
Zenebu		Buɣi Yuya
Ziŋba
Ziŋnaa		Saha Yuya
Zirili
Zitana (Ʒitana)
Ziyaba
Zoli
Zoosim
Zoosimli		Ŋaha Yuya
Zugsung
Ʒeenya
ʒiba
Ʒisuŋ

FAQs on Dagbani Names and Their Meaning:

1. Why are names so important in Dagomba culture?

Names hold significant importance in Dagomba culture as they are believed to shape a person’s identity and reflect their cultural heritage. They carry deep meanings and connect individuals to their lineage, ancestors, and community.

2. How are Dagbani names chosen for newborns?

Dagbani names are typically chosen based on various factors. These include the day or circumstances of the child’s birth, cultural traditions, family preferences, and the desired characteristics or aspirations associated with the name.

3. Are there specific names reserved for certain days or circumstances of birth?

Yes, in Dagomba culture, certain names are associated with specific days or circumstances of birth. For example, children born on the day of the Buɣim festival are given the name “Asuro,” while names like “Chira” and “Damba” are reserved for children born in the 3rd and 12th months respectively.

4. What is the significance of the naming ceremony in Dagomba culture?

The naming ceremony is a significant event in Dagomba culture. It is a time for family, friends, and community members to come together to celebrate the arrival of a newborn and officially introduce the child to the world. It is also an opportunity to honor cultural traditions, seek blessings for the child’s future, and reinforce the family’s ties to their heritage.

5. How have modern influences impacted Dagbani naming practices?

Modern influences have introduced a wider range of naming options among Dagomba people. While traditional Dagbani names are still prevalent, individuals may also choose names from other cultures or use modified versions of traditional names to suit personal preferences or incorporate elements of modernity.

6. Can Dagombas choose non-traditional names for their children?

Yes, Dagomba parents have the freedom to choose non-traditional names for their children if they wish. While traditional names hold cultural significance, individuals may opt for names from other cultures, names with personal meanings, or names that reflect their religious beliefs or aspirations.

7. Are there any naming taboos or restrictions in Dagomba culture?

Dagomba culture has certain naming taboos and restrictions. These may vary among different clans or families. Some taboos may include avoiding the use of names associated with negative historical events, names that carry negative connotations, or names that are believed to bring bad luck or misfortune.

8. Are there any rituals or blessings performed during the naming ceremony?

During the naming ceremony, various rituals and blessings are performed to invoke the protection and guidance of ancestral spirits and seek blessings for the child’s well-being and future. These may include prayers, pouring of libations, recitation of ancestral lineage, and the involvement of elders and community members in offering their blessings and well-wishes.

9. What are the names for boys in Dagomba?

Some common names for boys in Dagomba culture include Maltiti, Kasi, Timtooni, Dikpong, Wunpini, and Dagara. These names often carry cultural and religious significance within the Dagomba community.

10. What is the naming ceremony in Dagomba?

The naming ceremony in Dagomba culture is a special event held to officially introduce a newborn to the community and bestow a name upon the child. It is a joyous occasion where family members, friends, and community members gather to celebrate the birth and bless the child’s future. The ceremony may involve prayers, blessings, recitation of ancestral lineage, and the sharing of food and gifts.

11. Who is the God in Dagbani?

In Dagbani culture, the concept of God is referred to as “Naawuni.” Naawuni is the Supreme Being and is believed to be the creator of the universe. Dagombas hold a strong belief in the power and presence of Naawuni in their lives.

12. How do Dagombas call their God?

Dagombas address their God, Naawuni, through prayers and supplications. They offer praises and express their devotion and gratitude to Naawuni. The specific prayers and rituals may vary, but the underlying belief is that Naawuni listens to the prayers of the faithful and provides guidance and protection in their lives.