Native Hausa Names
Native Hausa Names: Hausa people, mostly reside in regions such as the Niger Republic, Northern Nigeria, Sudan, Ghana etc. They commonly honor the names of prophets and their companions by incorporating them into their naming conventions.
Typically, these revered names precede the individual’s native Hausa names, which serve as secondary or tertiary identifiers. This practice is especially prevalent among rural and township Hausa communities. Contrasting with their urban counterparts, who are sometimes mistakenly perceived as uneducated due to their adherence to traditional names.
See also: 25 Christian Hausa Names and Their Meanings
Contrary to popular belief, many of these names, including Nuhu (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Idris (Enoch), Dauda/Dawud (David), Imran, Isah (Jesus), Samu (Samuel). Hana (Hannah), and Yunusa (Jonah), do not originate from Arabic nor hold meanings in the Arabic language.
Modern Arabians typically refer to these names in the context of the prophets they represent, whereas the Hausa language assigns specific meanings to them. This reflects the ancient African civilization’s presence in the Middle East.
In there culture, native Hausa names are assigned to individuals post-birth. Mostly influenced by circumstances of their birth, their order in the family, and societal roles they may assume as adults. These native Hausa names, known as “Sunayen kakanni” or grandparents’ names, hold significant value as they represent the leadership within Hausa families.
See also: Romantic Hausa Names and Their Meanings
Hausa speakers can readily understand the meanings of these names due to their deep linguistic roots and cultural significance. Various Hausa subgroups, including the Gobirawas, Tagamawas, Adarawas, Daurawas, Katsinawas, Hadejawas, Zazzagawas, and Zamfarawas, continue to preserve these naming traditions.
Names and Their Meanings
Hausa people proudly carry their heritage in their names. For instance, Bashir Adamu Gobir and Abubakar Ibrahim Gobir hail from Gobir, while Aminu Yahayya Sokoto comes from Sokoto. This tradition reflects the individual’s connection to their family, village, town, or state.
See also: 100 Kanuri Names and Their Meanings
Hausa Male Native Names
- Bizo: A name for a boy born after previous children have passed away. Tradition takes him to a refuse heap to ensure his survival, hence the name “Bizo,” meaning “dump.”
- Dawo, Dandawo: A name for a boy born while his mother makes Hura, a millet-based dish.
- Arzika: A name for a boy born after a difficult labor.
- Dawi, Maidawa: A name for a boy born during a plentiful Guinea-corn harvest.
- Gerau, Maigero: A name for a boy born during a bountiful millet harvest.
- Maiwake: A name for a boy born in a season of abundant bean harvests.
- Shekarau: A name for a baby who stayed in his mother’s womb for a year.
- Ruwa, Anaruwa, Makau, Makao: A name for a boy born during a heavy rainstorm.
- Hankurau: A name for a man known for his extreme patience.
- Shibkau: A name for a boy born during the sowing season.
- Nomau: A name for a boy born during the farming season.
- Sarki: A name for a boy who shares a name with a king.
- Maifari or Maihwari: A name for a boy born during a drought.
- Yarima: A name meaning “prince,” for a boy named after a respected prince.
- Nagona, Nanoma: A name for a boy born on a farm.
- Bako: A name for a boy born after guests arrive.
- Bara: A name for the first male child born after only sisters. “Bara” means “to beg,” as if he was long-awaited.
Female Hausa Native Names
- Kyawo: A name for a girl renowned for her beauty within the community, often becoming a topic of admiration during her youth.
- Mata: A title for a woman, signifying her role as someone’s wife.
- Tanoma: A name for a girl born in the farming season, symbolizing growth and prosperity.
- Uwani: “My mother,” a name given to a girl carrying the name of someone’s mother, reflecting respect and lineage.
- Kadada: A daughter born to closely related parents, representing family bonds.
- Fara or Hwara: A name for a girl with a fair complexion, often associated with beauty.
- Abarta: A girl born after the loss of her siblings, symbolizing hope and continuity.
- Gwamma: A name meaning “better late than never,” given to a girl born after several female siblings, celebrating her arrival.
- Hakuri: A name for a patient wife, highlighting her virtue and strength in the community.
- Kyauta: “Gift,” a name for the sole surviving child in a family, cherished as a precious gift.
- Rabo, Raboci: “Share,” a name for the only child a mother has, valued as a unique blessing.
- Tsakani: A name for a child born in the middle of the family, representing balance.
- Araga: A name for the last daughter remaining after her siblings’ passing, symbolizing resilience.
- Yada: A name given under traditional circumstances, similar to “Bizo,” for a girl born after the death of siblings.
- Tadaka: A name for a girl born during the act of pounding, reflecting the rhythm of life.
- Tanoma: Another name for a girl born in the farming season, emphasizing her connection to the land.
- Yatsohi: A name for a daughter born to older parents, representing wisdom and maturity.
- Delu, Dela, Kando: A name for the first daughter in a family with several male children, signifying her unique position.
- Hana: A name for a girl born during a time of mourning, symbolizing solace and comfort.
- Samu: A name for a girl born after a long-awaited pregnancy, embodying fulfillment and joy.
- Bakuwa: “Guest,” a name for a girl born coinciding with the arrival of visitors, believed to have arrived with them.
- Kuluwa: A name for the most beloved daughter in the family, expressing deep affection and favoritism.