Do names attach certain superpowers or decide a particular fate upon our children? I’ve seen many children in my community becoming who they are called. This is one of the reasons why I’m so cautious about what I call my son. I proudly nicknamed him Sonnyboy. I named him this for a reason. I simply want him to be his name. My understanding is that you either bless or curse your offspring by the names you give them.

Though many Basotho inherit their first names, some have adopted the idea of giving their children good names; names with splendid meanings like Lerato – love, and Katleho – success. They have abandoned this heritage in the community. Actually, they don’t care if one criticises them for forsaking their culture, as long as they do what suits them, they feel content.

In my family, my siblings and I inherited our names. I inherited mine from my late great grandfather. I never heard any adverse behaviour about him. Perhaps he was a nice chap during his life. The understanding in the family is, “your children should also follow suit”. I have no problem with this practice. However, I still feel it’s not entirely a good idea to name children after people who had long ago pulled up stakes.

According to my parents, “that’s how it’s always been done.” Therefore, it shouldn’t be questioned — it’s a culture. If you tried to raise your eyebrows and ask a few “nasty” questions, you’d be shut down with the words, “Kids of today are disobedient; instead of doing what you are supposed to do, you keep talking back.” Thus if you refused to follow ways of ancestors, you’d be told, “You’ll get sick or you’ll be handicapped.” No one would want to get sick or become disabled, so you’d obey and would do what you were required to do; even though, you were still dissatisfied.

When listening to elders in the family, you’d learn that children had acquired names of ancestors simply because they didn’t want their names to be forgotten. This really sounds like a perfect reason. Good people with good deeds should be cherished, I do agree. But, what about those who were rascals, thieves and losers? Do they still need to be glorified? I don’t think so! Why? Because our children will follow their footsteps and mimic their intolerable deeds. Their names should rather be forgotten than being imposed upon our kids.

When my wife and son were given names from the lineage of heritage, I had no problem with it because their names are not that bad. My spouse’s Sesotho name simply means “Mother of Light” and my son’s means “Light”.

However, I still feel obliged to give them my desired names that I believe will bless them. That’s why I called my first-born son, Sonnyboy. This name has a strong meaning: a talented, lovable and majestic person. It refers to someone who makes my dark days seem bright; someone who I have abundant love for.

Tell us: What is the meaning of your name?