IKUM WAN KE WEY? - HOW IS THE CHILD CALLED?

A BRIEF REFLECTION ON THE EVOLUTIONARY and dynamic NECESSITY OF THE CONCEPT OF A NAME
IN THE META’ CULTURE

My name is AZWE. I was named after my grandma. I don't think Azwe has any other primary meaning apart from being a name in itself. The names of my kids, Miaka and Ibeni, do have significant meanings in the Meta’ language and culture... Meyaka means “thank you”, “thanksgiving”, “well done”, “congratulations”, or “ashia”.   Ibeni means “faith/belief”, “acceptance”, or “agreement”.

Names play a significant role in the Meta’ Culture. When a baby is born, s/he has no identity. S/he is simply referred to as WAN; but when a name is given this child is given an identity.

My name is BERI,which means "thanks",The full name is BERINYUY which means "thank God" I am not Meta; I am from Bui (Banso). I couldn't hold my pieces together when I read about this on fb. I remembered saying to myself: "I am gonna be part of this article" The thing is, every name in Banso has a meaning. It is in such great honor to say "menoftastes" blog is big-time.

The Meta’ word for name is IKUM. The Meta’ word for “dignity or reign” is IKUMU. So a name reveals an aspect of a person’s dignity. A name opens a new page in the life of a child. A name, in most cases, is given to “immortalize” a family member or make their presence spiritually felt within the family. Thus, a child named after her paternal grandmother is, as it were, the rebirth of grandmother who has gone to the “land of the living-dead”.  This child’s father may sometimes fondly refer to her daughter as AVU, that is, mom.

My name is ANWI... To the best of my knowledge, the name ANWI is given to the followers of twins. It means "God's child" or "child of God" but mine was given after my grandma.

If a child is given a meaningful name, this child would likely grow up to reflect what his or her name signifies. So if a child is called, for example, IYIMFING (Patience) this child may grow up and aspire to reflect the meaning of this name.  Nevertheless, Shakespeare says, “What’s in a name?  That which we call rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo and Juliet  II, 2). In other words, what matters is what something is, not what it is called. Hence, a name alone may not be the defining feature of a person.

My name is MAH and the baby I am carrying's name is IBENI( meaning faith/belief,acceptance/agreement) MAH (like MAFON is the mother of the chief but the name MAFON is a borrowed name from Bafut, Bali and Mankon... MAH i think, means mother or senior mother... Just like TAH means God or Great in Meta.

Meta parents would give names to their children; names such as Zechariah, Clinton, Brian, Schneider, Calvin, Madonna, Daisy, etc.  This writer once asked a dad why he gave his child the name “Kennedy”, and he said, "I just love the name!"  John Fitzgerald Kennedy (one time President of the USA) had this name as his last name (family name), and John was his Christian name. This Meta’ dad made Kennedy his child’s first name, his Christian or “English” name!

Although I am not from the Meta clan, I find this interesting and decided to add a piece. I am from Ndop and my name is PANTANGMPUH lol, what a long name?...meaning: "good things come from bad times". I was told by my mom that, I was born days after she lost a child (my sister).

A few Meta' names do have some direct or indirect meanings, e.g  Fominyam, Fominyen, Forgwe, Tah, Tatah, Azarh, Kuchambi, etc. In addition, there are names that signify the status of special children, for example, (a) twins :- Chick & Nji, Bih & Tengu; (b) Babies born after twins:- Ngo/ngu or Anwi; and  (c) - kids who survive after the death of several preceding siblings: - Mufuh, Echa’ambeng or Sengu.  Interestingly, the mother of twins also acquired a name or title based on her status:- Avu-eghoro (literally – mother of many children). The father of twins appeared to have enjoyed no such status. This may be why some Meta’ people are leaning towards the use of the title “TANYI”, which is gradually being acculturated into the Meta’ culture.

My name is ANDIN, I am not Meta but find this interesting. ANDIN means "who knows" in the Bali language.

Apart from these examples, most other names seem to have either lost their meanings, or only have “primary” meanings, that is, they mean just what they stand for - the person who has the name, or a representation of the family member(s) who had the name before.  For example, Ayire, Ngwe, Angwi,Nim,Injoh,meshebe

My name is INJOH, I don't really know what it means, but as I was told, Metta pple name their kids mostly, after gd people or pple who had lived with gd xter. Some names dnt hv any primary meaning...

This writer wishes to assert that it is a good thing to encourage the use of meaningful names like: Tesih (truth), Ichom (goodness), Echwi (sunlight), Eborebot (blessing/peace) etc., as a dynamic and evolutionary feature of the Meta’ culture or any culture as awhole. Any of such names could become a child's first name or Christian name; then the middle and last names could still be used to represent statues or enhance family or ancestral connections.

My name is FONDOM, hmm what a name??? With a funny meaning lol... It means "King of giant Rat" (rat mole)

Some Meta parents have expressed the fear or concern that their children may not enjoy opportunities of the “American or other dreams”, if they do not have names that enable them blend. within the “dream culture”.  If that is the world view of these parents and the cultural direction that they are mapping out for their children, then this writer’s thoughts may have little or no significance to them. This booklet, (? Ikum Wan Ke Wey – How is the child called?), contains over 300 meaningful Meta’ names that may be considered for use in the naming of our beloved Meta’ children (bonMita’ cholate

My name is TAH. It means "GREAT, FATHER or GOD " I was name after the late FON (king/chief of Njinibi) my uncle.

The next task ahead for Meta’ Cultural promoters and thinkers will be to determine the gender of some of these names under the subcategories of “Male (M), Female (f) and Unisex (U).
For any thoughts, suggestions or questions, you may contact this writer at unclemaf@myway.com.  Eborebot!                             AYIRE wan FORGWE  Tah-Chemni (te Njindom) my uncle.

NAME
MEANING(S)

1
Abani / Abanu
You have crossed


Afebey (Abey)
You have arrived first


Afegha
You have said it


Afegham
You have spoken

5
Afenanewa (Anana)
You have united us

6
Afekown
You have panted (deep soil)

7
Afenwi
You have planted (tope soil)

8
Afekuru
You have advised / Taught the law

9
Agha, Aghah
You love

10
Akah
You are strong, you are great

11
Akachey
You are greater

12
Akyere, Akere
You know

13
Akyereton
You know why

14
Amubiri-abuberi
If you ask, you will receive.

15
Amugu-anoh, Amuguanoh, Amugu-ano’
If you fall, make a mistake,, rise up

16
Anenji
Our Way/ Road

17
Asa’ah (Asaha, Asaah)
Judge

18
Asa’ahbud (Asahabud)
Judge of the people

19
Asahngong, Asa’angong
Judge of the community, population

20
Asahabudyenwie
God is the judge of all people

21
Avotesih (f) Avutesih
Mother of truth

22
Aworchey (Awochey)
You are greater

23
Aworkachey (Awohkahchey)
You are stronger, (greater)

24
Aworkah (Awohkah)
You are strong, (great)

25
Ayirembenwie
He/she/it is from God

26
Azanebud
Reconciler of people

27
Azaneh
The Reconciler

28
Azarh
The one who loosens

29
Bendi
Agree/accept

30
Beneboh
Follow (him/her/it implied)

31
Benebohmud (Benebohmere)
Follow him / her

32
Benemud (Benemereh)
Thank Him / Appreciate him

33
Bene-Nwie (Benenwie)
Thank the Lord

34
Benetatah (Benetah)
Thank the Lord

35
Beni (Benuh) (Beneh)
Follow

36
Biriberi
Ask and receive

37
Biriboh, Birimbenwie, (Biri-embenwie)
Ask him/her; ask God.

38
Botewey
Take it easy; calm down

39
Cheymbifon / Cheymbitata / Cheymbi
King’s / Lord’s forerunner, Forerunner

40
Chuiwuchere (Chuiwucherengu)
There is none (no other one)


Chung
Agreement


Chungchom
Good agreement


Chungtatah (Chungtah)
God’s agreement


Chungzenghi
Holy decision/agreement

45
Chwi-inna (Chwinna)
Show us


Chwinenji (Chwi-inenji)
Show the way


Chwinenjina
Show us the way


Ebohetatah
The hand (providence) of the Lord


Ebo-Nwie  (Ebohenwie)
Hand of God, God’s providence

50
Echey’ika’i (Echeykahi) (Echeika’i)
The lighter


Echwie
The one who shows/ directs


Echwinenji
 Guide, one who shows the way


Efaneh
Tongs


Efanenwie,  Efanetatah, Efanetah
God’s tongs / The Lord’s tongs

55
Efu’u / Efuhu
Blessing / Luck


Eghenwie
God’s possession (God-i-thing)


Egu’enwie, Eguhengwi
God’s shield


Egu’u, Eguhu
Shield


Eguhenwie (Egu’enwie)
God’s shield

60
Eguhu (Egu’u)
Shield


Eka’e, (Ekahe)
Promise


Ekabe (Akabe)
Harvest


Ekahenwie (Eka’enwie) (Eka’enwi)
God’s promise


Ekhowne
Sower, planter

65
Ekiebud
Comforter (nanny of the people)


Eneme
Sweetness


Enighemjim (Enighemijim)
Always, For ever


Enwenechom (Enuenechom)
Good sign


Enwenenwie (Enuenenuie)
God’s sign, divine sign

70
Enweni (Enueni)
Sign


Enwie (Enuie)
Planter, sower


Esahneh
One who shares / divides/slices


Esemesem
Gently


Esowreh
One who cleanses (with water).

75
Etekeh
One who fixes who repairs. creates


Etekenung, Etekenu
Organizer


Etemenwie
God’s vessel (calabash)


Etonghenwie
God’s ear


Ewerebud
Helper (of people)

80
Ewereh
Help (helpfulness)


Ewirechom
Positive (good) response


Ewireh
Response, Answer


Ewirenwie
God’s answer


Ewiretatah, Ewiretah
The Lord’s answer

85
Eyichom
Good woman


Eyimbe
One who unites


Eyimbenebu (Eyimbeneubeu)
One who unites the family


Eyirenung
Marvel, Miracle


Eyiweni (Eyiweni)
Woman of Wisdom

90
Ezahenwie
God’s drinking cup


Fahembenwie / Fa’embenwie
Work for God


Fahembutatah (Fa’embutatah)
Work for the Lord


Fahiboh  (Fa’iboh)
Serve (work for) him (God)


Fitemi
Star

95
Forbit / Tabit
War Leader / General / War Lord


Forbitnwie
God’s General


Forenighemjim (Beforenighemjim)
Forever (And forever)


Forgwenwie (Forgwenwiekoh)
God’s Chief Spy


Forgwetatah (Forgwetah)
The Lord’s Chief Spy

100
Formegwe (Forgwe) (Fogwe)
Head of  village Secret Service/Clowns


Forteu
Lord of the Law, (commandments)


Gha’ri (Ghahri)
Rejoice, Be glad


Ghame (Ghameh)
Speak


Ghamingamchom
Say (speak) good words

105
Gwe  (GweNwie)
Village  Spy /Clown/  God’s Agent.


Gwehnengkang,  (Gwenenkang)
Pick and look up (appreciate)


Ibeni  (Ibenih)
Faith, belief


Iboni  (Ibohni), (Ibonih)
Blessing


Iboti   (Ibotih)
Calmness, gentleness

110
Ichehru (Iche’ru) (Ichoe’ru)
Laughter


Ichi / Ichinwie / Ichitah
Manner (Way) / God’s (Lord/s)way,


Ichomitah, Ichomitata
The Lord’s goodness


Ichom
Goodness


Ichomfepey
Goodness has arrived

115
Ichominwie /Ichomita/Ichomitata
God’s (the Lord’s) Goodness


Ichung / Chungza
Agreement/contract (our agreement)


Ichungnwie
God’s decision (literally God’s knot)


Ifohti (Iforti)
Unity, togetherness


Ifohtichom
Positive, good unity

120
Ifohtiyika  (Ifohtiyika)
Unity is strength


Ifuh
Medication


Ifuhfing
Medication for the heart


Igha’i (Ighahi, Ighai)
Joy / Happiness


Igha’inwie (Ighahinwie, Ighaingwie)
Joy of God

125
Ighapi
Charity


Ighunwie
God’s eye


Ighutatah (Ighutah)
The eye of the Lord (Master)


Ika’i, Ikahi
The Light


Ika’inwie   (Ikahinwie)
Light of God

130
Ikahnwie   (Ikahnwie)
God’s strength


Ikenichom, (Ikenchom)
Good news


Ikenu, (Iken)
Message, news


Ikohnwie (Iko’nwie)
God’s ladder


Ikondinwie (Ikondi)
God’s thought / The mind of God

135
Ikonditah (Ikonditatah)
The mind of the Lord


Ikonditatah
The mind of the Lord


Ikuhnwie
God’s law (commandment)


Ikumu
Reign, Kingdom


Ine’i, Inehi,
Gift

140
Ine’ichom (Inehichom)
Good gift


Ine’ih / Inehi
Gift


Ine’i-Nwie (Inehinwie)
God’s gift. Diuedonne.


Ine’itah, Ine’itata
The Lord’s gift


Ine’itikang, Inehitikang
Gift from heaven

145
Inengzenghi
Holy Incense


Inenji
The Way / Road


Inenjifon
The King’s way


Inenjinwie, Inomnwie
God’s way


Inenjitatah, (Inenjitah)
The Lord’s way

150
Inenjiwa (Inenjiwah)
Our Way (Road)


Ingamibud (Ingambud) (Ingamibed)
Voice of the people


Ingobe, Ingoh, Engoh
Mother


Ingobefuhu / (Ingobefu’u)
Mother of blessings / grace / luck


Ingobenung / (Ingotesi’), (Ingobenu)
Mother of truth

155
Ingo-boni
Mother of Blessing


Ingobud (Ingob-bud)
Mother of the people


Inneineubu (Inneynebu)
Family bridge


Inney (Innei)
Bridge


Inneytah, Inneytata (Inneitah)
The Lord’s bridge

160
Inongfing
Trust, faith


Isangitah
The Lord’s broom


Isangneubeu (Isangneubu),
Family broom


Isangnwie
God’s broom


Isikyembeng (Isikayembeng)
The world is a farm / temporary place

165
Itoe’fon (Itoehfon)
The King’s pillar


Itoe’nwie (Itoehnwie)
God’s pillar


Itoeh, (Itoe’)
Pillar


Itohnwie (Ito’nwie)(Itowhnwie)
God’s cup


Iwongnwie
God’s spear

170
Iwumni
Honour


Iwumninwie
God’s honour


Iyimfing,(Iyimifing)
Patience / Courage


Iyimifing
Patience


Juh
Honey

175
Khown
Sow / pour out


Kondi
Think, reflect, meditate


Kondibonghu (Kondibonighu)
Think before acting


Kondichichom
Think well


Kondingambongham
Think before you speak

180
Kwerri
Sing


Kyehretizeh (Kyie’retizoe)
Show the light, so we can see


Mbabeni
We agree, accept, believe


Mbahbud (Mbahbudmijim)
Father of the people (of all people)


Mbangfon
The King’s cane (waka stick)

184
Mbang-Neubeu
Family Cane / Support


Mbang-Nwie
God’s cane / (waka stick)


Mbangtah
The cane of the Lord


Mebeni
I believe, I agree, I accept


Mebiriberi ,  Tebiriberi
I (we) asked and received

190
Mebiriwuna’ (Mebiriwunah)
I asked and he gave


Mebiriwuwiri
I asked and he answered / replied


Mefebeni
I have believed, agreed, accepted.


Mefeka’ (Mefekah)
I have resolved / I have promised


Mekebezeh
“I find’em and I see’em”

195
Mekebzeh
“I find’em see’em”


Menongfing
I trust


Menonwunah
I begged and he gave


Mezehwuzu (Meze’wuzu)
I cried and he heard me


Ndednwie (Nderenwie)
God’s climbing rope

200
Nge’bumi (Nge’burumi)
Troubles will be over (suffer go finish)


Ningnibojim (Nungnibojim)
Take respectfully (with both hands)


Ningtembenwi
Receive from God (take it from God)


Nung (Ning)
Take / Receive


Ninghapi (Ning-ghapi)
Take and share

205
Nungna’miyaka (Nungnahmiyaka)
Take/Receive and give thanks


Nungnefingjim (Nungenefingijim)
Take/receive wholeheartedly


Nungnefingmoh
Take with one heart


Nwembe (Nwembuchehru)
Smile


Nwiechey
God is greater

210
Nwiefebeni
God has agreed/accepted


Nwiefechah
God has sent


Nwiefechung
God has agreed / made a covenant


Nwiefeghah
God has announced, has said


Nwiefegham
God has spoken (concluded)

215
Nwiefegham/ Wofegham
God has spoken, / He has spoken


Nwiefekondi
God has remembered.


Nwiefena’, Nwiefenah
God has given


Nwiegha’ewa
God loves us


Nwiekah
God is strong / great

220
Nwiekahchey
God is stronger / greater


Nwiekereton (Nwiekyereton)
God knows why


Nwiekeri / Wokeri
God knows / He knows


Nwieyenwie
God is God


Nwieyetah
God is Lord

225
Nwieyetatah
God is Lord


Nwieyifon
God is king


Nyumchom
Opportunity / Good time /  Best Time


Nyumchomyenyumnwie
The best time is God’s time


Nyumnwie (Nyumunwie)
God’s time

230
Nyumnwieyenyumchom
God’s time is the best


Nyumukeni, Nyumken, Nyumiken
News time.


Nyumzenghi (Nyumzengzeng)
Time of grace (holy time)


Sanghe / Sanghengu / Siengu
Let go / Leave it


Sanghembenwie
Leave it to God

235
Sanghembutatah
Leave it to the Lord


Simbugha
Let them say


Simbuweh / Simbuwo
Let them go


Sizeghe
Let it pass, let it happen


Tahborebot (Taborebod)  (Tabot)
Lord of peace

240
Tahbot
Young Lord / Young Chief


Tahbud /Tatahbud
Lord of the people


Tahchemni
Lord of sacrifice (prayers)


Tahefuhu (Tahefu’u) (Tafu’u) (Tafuhu)
Lord of blessings / grace /  luck


Tahenung  (Tahenu)
Lord of the truth

245
Tahfechim / Tatahfechim
The Lord has decided


Tahfechung, Tatahfechung
The Lord has agreed (tied)


Tahfuhu
Lord of peace/blessings/luick


Tahisik, Tahtingasik,  (Tahsik)
Lord of the world


Tahmbeng
Lord of the farm / agriculture

250
Tahmboeng
Lord of the rain


Tahsih (Tasi)
Lord of the earth


Tatah / Tah /
Lord, Master, Chief


Tebeni
We accept. Agree. believe


Tefechung, Mbafechung
We’ve agreed / made a covenant

255
Tefeka’ (Tefeka)
We  have resolved / promised


Tefeze (Tefezeh)
We have seen


Tefezechom (Tefezeichom)
We have seen goodness


Tefezefuhu  (Tefezefu’u)
We have seen blessings / grace


Tenonwunah
We begged and he gave.

260
Terekoenewey
Don’t say it is insufficient


Tesih  (Tesi’)
Truthfulness (the truth) (veracity)


Tesihburutem (Tesi’burutem) (Tesibutem)
The truth will “stand” (i.e. prevail)


Tesihyetata  (Tesiyerata)
The Lord is the truth.


Tesihyetesih
The truth is the truth

265
Tichung
Let us agree (Let us tie)


Tichungnong
Let’s agree  ( be faithful to it)


Tikondinwie (Tikondi)
God’s thoughts


Timbiyenwie (Imbiyenwie) (Mbiyenwie)
God is first (comes before all else)


Tisisang
Let us let go / make we lefam

270
Tisisengu, (Tisisanghengu)
Let’s leave things the way they are


Tisohnu (Tisohnung)
Marvel, Miracle


Tiwembeng
We are in the farm (temporary world)


Tiwumnenwie
Let’s praise the Lord.


Tiwumni
Let us praise, let us adore

275
Tiwunenji
We are on the way/on a journey


Tongwubuzu
Call and he will hear you.


Tumechaimbi (Tume) (Tumecha) Chambi
Forge on, Soldier on. Keep going


Wanbud / Wanbudmijim
Child of the people


Wanchom
Good child (“Fine /good pikin”,

280
Waneborebot
Son/daughter of peace / blessing


Wanefu’u (Wanefu’u)
Child of Grace/blessing / Luck


Wanewereh
Child of help (young helper)


Wanfoti / Wanforti
Child of unity


Wanikahi (Wanika’i)
Son/daughter of light

285
Wedbit / Weribit
Soldier  (Man of war)


Wedbitnwie/Weribitnwie
(God’s soldier)


Wedekwu, (Werekwu)
Compound owner, household head


Wedenfoteh (Wedneforteh)
The one who unites, who gathers


Wedewereh (Werewere)
Helper / Savior

290
Wedeza’anwie (Wereza’anwie)
God’s hunter


Wedtomfon, Weritomfon,
The king’s messenger


Wedtomnwie (Weritomnwie)
God’s messenger


Wefechung (Wofechung, Wofochung)
He has agreed / made a covenant


Weritohm (Weritom)
Messenger

295
Weritomchom
Good messenger


Wochey   (Wechey)
He is greater


Wocheymbumijim (Wekacheymijim)
He is greater than all


Wofeforta / Wofofota / Wofefortewa
He has united us


Wofeforti
He has united

300
Wofogham  (Wefegham)
He has spoken


Wogha’ewa
He loves us


Wokachey (Wekachey)
He is stronger


Wokahnong, Woka’nong) (Wokabenong)
He promised and fulfilled  it


Wokereton  (Wekyereton)
He knows why  / knows the reason

305
Wonahmenung (Wuna’menung)
He gave and I took


Wumnenwie
Adore God


Wumnetah, Wumnetatah
Adore the Lord.


Wumunahnung (Wumuna’nung)
If he gives, take/receive


Yehenikumnebu (Ye’enikunebu)
Come in the name of the family

310
Yenembe-Nwie (Yenembenwie)
Walk with God


Yim
Hold


Yimichichom
Hold well (carefully)


Yimifing
Be Patient


Yirenwie
Praise the God

315
Yiretah, Yiretatah
Praise the Lord


Zebong
It is good ) (e fine)


Zebonghe
Let it be good! (make e fine)


Zefechey
It’s over / It has happened


Zefeghu
It has happened.

320
Zefekuh (Zekuh)
It is enough


Zeku’ni (Zekuhni) (Zekuhnu)
It is right and just


Zemuchezefechey
If it happens, it has happened


Zenghi
Holy, Clean, Pure


Zenghizenghi
Pure, clean

325
Zuh
Listen


Zuhbongham /Zubonghigham
Hear before speaking


Zuhchichom
Listen well


Zuhchichom(Zuchichom)(Zuhichichom)
Hear well


Zuhghah
Hear and say/report

330
Zuhghe (Zubeghe)
Hear and act


Zuhsigha, (Zuhsegha) (Zusigha) (Zusiga)
Listen, then speak (say it)


Zumbenwie (Zuhembenwie) Zuhmbenwi
Listen to God


Zunenwie (Zuhnenwie)
Obey God


Zunenwie, Zunembenwie (Zunenwiekoh)
Obey God (Almighty)

335
Zunetah (Zunetah) / Zunetatah
Obey the Lord


Zungamnwie, Zuhingamnwie.
Hear God’s voice


Zuni (Zunih), (Zuhni) (Zuhnih)
Obey


Zuniberefu’u  (Zuhniningefu’u)
Obey and receive blessings


Zweti
Listen

340
Zwetichichom
Listen well


Zwetingam
Listen to the word / voice


Zwetingambongham
Listen before speaking


Zwetibongham/ Zwetibongseghameh
Listen before you speak


Names that may be linked to a historical situations or an experience by a family

Abanimboyie (Banimboyie)
Why do you hate?


Abanungyie (Banungyie)
What do you gain from hatred?


Eyesighe
And so what


Ifotiwii
Where is the unity?


Ineubuwii
Where is the family?


Tifirewoyi
Where do we fly to?


Titemeyi
Where shall we stand


Tiwebuh  (Tiwebu’)
We are in the forest


Tiwekob
We are abroad,


Tiwembeng
We are in the farm


Tiwukawum
We are on the hills


Zekah
It is tough / difficult


Zekahcheywah
It is overwhelming

Ikum wan aye Mebiriberi