An Ethiopian Naming Ceremony

Here are pictures leading up to an Ethiopian naming ceremony. This is a ceremony performed by the Boran people (Borana) of Ethiopia. They are apart of the Oromo tribe and found in southern Ethiopia between the towns of Moyale, Arero, and Tertelle.

• Take a look at the pictures.
• An article about naming.
• A personal letter on naming.

Ethiopian Names to Be or Not to Be?

I've known families that have made all of the choices below. Jump right in and take the poll, it should be interesting.

Feel free to link to the poll and to add your comments.

What are your thoughts on naming your child(ren)?

• I kept/will keep my child's Ethiopian name as is with no changes.
• I will keep my child's Ethiopian first name and choose a new middle name.
• I kept/will keep my child's Ethiopian name as a middle name and added an American name.
• I changed/will change my child's Ethiopian name to a Western form of the same name.
• I changed/will change my child's Ethiopian name to a Western name with the same meaning.
• I picked out/will pick out names before before getting my referral.
• I had a plan for naming the child but it changed once I saw or met the child.

Created on Jul 5, 2008

View Results

poll by twiigs.com

Finding Meaning in Ethiopian Names

A big thing for parents is names and naming. After referrals the first many of parents search the net for the meaning of their child's Ethiopian name. See the links to the four Ethiopian name sources I've listed on the right.

What I've learned is that names are as diverse as the people and have different origins that may be regional, religious, ancient, or contemporary.

Most of the names that we see on list seem to be the more common Amharic names. Still their other names that are Tigrayan or Oromiyan in origin. Here is a quote from the EthioMed website. If you've never check out the EthioMed site it's worth a look.

Traditionally, the father picks Oromo children's names but the mother has great influence in naming the daughter of the family. It must also be said that Oromo names have meanings as if to convey wishes of success, wisdom, and prosperity through generations. For instance, the most popular Oromo names are Ibsaa for males and Ibsituu for females, both meaning "light".

Some names are common Amharic phrases. Some names are Christian or church names; Hebrew, Jewish, Arabic, or maybe even Ge'ez. The origin of the name accounts, at least in part, to the difference in spelling. I'm not an expert on Ethiopian names of course but this is information that I've gathered over the many months of reading. I recommend reading this interesting article on Ethiopian naming.

If you can't find a name looking at one of the naming list try a Google search. But add a qualifier and instead of searching "Ethiopian name XXX", try searching "Tigrayan name XXX", "Ethiopic name XXX" or "Ethiopian Hebrew name XXX".

Check out the links on the right. There is an Ethiopian naming book you can order and here are few sites that I've found that have smaller list of names.

• Name List 1. Name List 2. Name List 3.

I haven't seen many of these names for Ethiopian children but here are list of Arabic male and female names.

Champaign Wishes and Cavier Dreams

Well it's not lifestyles of the rich and famous but I have been working on my gift list for the shower. I'm using www.thingsIwant.com to create the list and just put a big "wish list" icon in the margin.

It's really different preparing a list for kids 3-6 than it is for a baby list. I've gotten some great suggestions from other Ethio parents. Thanks, moms!

Any other ideas? I'm not trying to feel their closets with ton of toys. I'm more focused on the necessities right now. But, if you have any suggestions I'm all ears.

Room to Grow

A couple of people have sent me notes asking about the room. They will be sharing a room. Here is what I have planned although it is subject to change. Subject to change because as a bargain hunter, I've not been able to find the bedding at what I think is a reasonable price.

FURNITURE: Black - You can't tell from the picture, but what I like most about the bed is the tall headboard -- 55" high. I love the "Princess in the pea" feeling.

WALLS: Some shade of yellow.

DECOR: Primary colors (Camp 1830) although I tried to fight it as long as I could.

BATHROOM: The challenge is their adjoining bathroom. I just have not found anything that I like that works with the bedroom. The closest I've come is this shower curtain. It is a little too BRIGHT for my taste especially in their small bathroom. Just as I posted the picture, I came up with a bright idea.

I am going to cut the shower curtain and use the top as a valance over a solid red shower curtain. That will work! I can take the rest of the shower curtain and make a valance for their bathroom window. I'm liking this idea. All I need to do now is warm up my glue gun!


I found another shower curtain that I think looks better (not as bright) but I don't like that it is vinyl.

Feeling Empty

Yesterday I completed the biggest task on my to do list. The kids room that was once my den, my office, my mother's room, and then the guest room is now EMPTY thanks to the movers.

Well, empty with the exception of dust, the floor lamp I've been changing the lampshade on for 15 years and the television that is now sitting on the floor because the old entertainment unit is GONE! The 8 ft. bookshelf - GONE!

It's time for the fun part. I've ordered the beds and now it's time to paint and clean the carpet. I guess I should say it's time to hire someone to paint and clean the carpet.

WOOO - WHOOO! Hooray for me!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

My father got all of his shots months ago and was too excited to do so in my opinion. Ive been really busy but procrastinating more than anything about getting my shots.

I couldn't get them done at my doctors office and every place else that I called wanted a $125 consultation fee, $60 office fee, and $95 for the shot (times 3). My dad paid $50 in Indianapolis.

I was also told that insurance would not cover it. I kept looking and was able to get my TwinRx Hep A/B shot for $15, no consultation fee and no charge for an office visit. Now I just have two more shots to go.

I do love the internet. I hope I got the full strength shot!