7 most interesting ways Africans name their children

Nicknames

Among some tribes in Somalia, nicknames are given based on a negative physical trait. Such names can become as official as appearing on an official identity card of the bearer. Some of the common nicknames include “Genay” meaning “missing tooth” and “Lugay” which means “one leg”. Women, however, get more positive nicknames like “Indho Daraleey” meaning “gazelle eyes” or “Macanay” meaning sweet.

RELATED STORIES

The history of the darker-skinned Nubians in Egypt and their struggle to find a voice today

The real reason why Egyptian women started tattooing themselves in 4th century B.C.

7 silly competitions Africans engage in for fun

The world’s top female diplomat crowned queen in a West African country