No Shame In My Name

Growing up, Nobandile, was not always fond of her name. It was a teacher’s recommendation and a journey overseas, amongst other experiences, that would bring her to a place of learning to love it. Listen as she unpacks her name which represents her beautifully blended cultures. One side, Shona. The other, Ndebele.    If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: nosh...

There is a monumental significance placed on names in Ghana. “They hold exquisite jewels of stories.” says Naana, who was given the full complement of her Grandmother’s name. It is not to be called carelessly. Rather, it is to be pronounced properly. Almost sung. Like a song. Listen, as she effortlessly portrays the stories of her own name, addressing themes of family, language and legacy. If you’...

Whenever Nokuthula reveals the meaning of her name, she is usually met with nods of affirmation. “Of course, that makes sense!”, they say. The meaning perfectly complementing her own peaceful personality. Ironically still, over the years, she has endured a battle to assert her identity, later discovering that she can find it in other things besides her name.  Listen as she boldly reflects, in a pa...

The Edo people, descendants of the Benin empire, are a proverbial nation. They express themselves through stories that address wisdom in a unique way. Precious’ Edo name is of no exception, bearing witness to a riveting family testimony. Listen as she triumphantly gives an account of her name-story, speaking on the value of education, empowerment and legacy.   If you’re interested in sharing your...

For London-born-and-raised Tani, his full Yoruba first name, does not only ask a deeply profound question, but it generates an array of compelling anecdotes to accompany. Listen as he gives us a taste of his name-story, presented with a delightful enthusiasm.   If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.    We’re also on Instagram too!...

In 1994, the world watched on as the walls of an apartheid regime came crashing down. Out of the revolution, there emerged a newness in the air of South Africa. New life. New hope. Thembelihle. Listen as South-African born poet Thembe shares the story of her full Xhosa name, exploring themes of struggle, resistance and freedom.    If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us...

In Ghana, Paa Kwesi is a popular name, reserved especially for males born on a Sunday. As Darren’s middle name, it not only offers a rich opening to his culture, but reminds him of home and all the fond memories that it brings. Listen as he pays homage to his roots, in this intriguing account.   If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: noshameinmynamepod@gmail.c...

Throughout school and university, Kevwe was known by his English middle name; David. However, several challenging and awkward moments would bring him to confidently embrace his Urhobo first name, whilst diligently teaching others how to pronounce it correctly too. Listen as he discloses how he has navigated this journey, from lecture halls to the workplace.    If you’re interested in sharing your...

Roser’s name is a rarity, typically pronounced with a ‘rolling r’ in the region of Catalonia where it originates. In other parts of the world, it has taken on other playful variations. Listen as she explores the impact of her name; so embellished with powerful symbolism and familial sentiment.    If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: noshameinmynamepod@gmail....

Akwa Ibom is a state in the deep South region of Nigeria, known for its captivating natural beauty and its wealth of natural resources. It is also home to Fitness Coach & Writer; Ime Bassey. Listen as he shares how the powerful meaning of his name continues to shape him through his journey of faith, family & fitness.   If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: no...

Caleb is rarely referred to by his Yoruba middle name, Oluwadara. Its meaning however, speaks to the wonder of his birth. And, the remarkable gift of life itself. Listen as he shares the stories of his name with a charming poise, ending on a powerful note.    If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.    We’re also on Instagram too! F...

In recent years, Tryphena’s middle name prompted an eager curiosity about her Edo roots. It has drawn her in closer proximity to her culture, whilst gently affirming her forward thinking approach to life. Listen as she tells her story of discovery with a simple and heartfelt appreciation.    If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com. ...

Jasminder’s full name is intricately tied to her identity, reflecting the diversity of her own mixed family background. Indian, English and Nigerian. Listen as she humorously unravels her pursuit of acceptance, in a brilliant narrative that probes universal questions related to history, humanity and home.  If you’re interested in sharing your name-story, please do drop us an email: noshameinmyname...

The meaning of Elom’s name offers a gentle insight into her Ewe heritage, her faith in God and a reminder of His love. However, names for her, are not the be-all and end-all, but simply the beginning of the story. Listen as she boldly explores this perspective, whilst opening up an interesting debate about the emphasis conventionally placed on names. If you’re interested in sharing your name-story...

For Somalia-born, Sheffield-bred activist; Magid Magid, names have always welcomed fascinating conversation. His own unique name, has faced its own fair share of intrigue, both positive and negative. Listen as he playfully reminisces on his experiences, touching on his time in education, through to his run as the youngest ever Lord Mayor of his beloved city.  If you’re interested in sharing your n...

Growing up, all Dingile (shortened to Dings) wanted; was to see her name recognised. A trip to Zambia would later reveal a space of familiarity, where the majority could pronounce her name. Listen as she shares her name-story, offering candid reflections on life, loss & legacy.    Topics discussed: South African roots  ‘On a journey of discovering what I’m looking for…’ Emailing etiquette    Dings...

Shope’s Yoruba full name, holds a meaning worthy of clinging to. His highly optimistic outlook concerning names and legacy is also deserving of recognition. Listen as he shares the story of his name, addressing the power of gratitude, positivity and perspective.  Topics discussed: School in Nigeria vs School in the UK Learning to appreciate his name  The greatest use of a name Shope:  Socials: htt...

In the Yoruba culture, the act of naming; is a ceremony closely aligned with circumstances. This reigns true for Tosin, whose middle name reflects not only the order and location of her birth, but an ancestry rooted in royalty. Listen as she fondly reflects on the story of her name, bringing to life a picture of rootedness and belonging.    Topics discussed: Being born overseas  The significance o...

As a Designer, Jesse knows too well- the influence and power of branding behind names. His own name is a popular title in Ghana, further complimented with a name signifying his place of seniority within his family. Listen as he shares more, opening up a conversation about the intersection of culture, history and identity.   Topics discussed: Generational stories and legacy Being Ghanaian, Salone (...

Names generally bestow a sense of individuality upon us as human-beings.  In this episode of self-reflection, our host Juliana breaks down the background of the podcast and shares the significance of her own Igbo middle name, learning that hers means as much to others, as it does to her.   Topics discussed: Names as reminders  The Igbo language Speaking to Dad Juliana:  Socials: https://twitter.co...

For Shingi, her full name conjures up either an association with certain formalities or memories of her younger years. Today, although there are reservations to the use of her full name, there are no limits to the meaning and the impact that it’s had on her life. Listen, as she gives a personal account of what it means to live a life fuelled by perseverance.  Topics discussed: The familiarity of n...

Walter was named after his late grandfather, rendering him ‘Kalada’, which simply translates to ‘Little Father’ or ‘Junior’ in the Okrika language. Junior he may be, but as one of seven to be given this name, he assumes a unique position of responsibility and leadership within his family. Listen as he shares more about what it means to literally carry the name of his ancestor.    Topics discussed:...

In Ndjingo’s native Namibia, names are not taken lightly. Names are testimonials. Names are prayers. Ndjingo Ndjingonekero is no exception. Translating to ‘goodness and mercy’ in the Otjiherero language, listen as he shares the story of his birth and subsequently, the story of his name.  Topics discussed: “The meaning of my name and my birth always keeps me encouraged…” Names in the Bible  Naming...

Standing tall at 6 foot something, Adeleke exudes an immense amount of joy. With a charismatic and soulful demeanour, it is hard not to believe that he is the embodiment of his name. For Adeleke, his name is his essence. Listen to this episode, as he shares when and how he came to this realisation.    Topics discussed: Naming in the Yoruba culture Understanding the meaning of my name “I believe th...

Memunat, commonly referred to as Mems, features on the very first episode of the No Shame In My Name podcast. Throughout life, her full name has endured unsolicited and unhelpful commentaries.  However, as she navigates her roots in her adult-life, even though she is widely known as Mems, she has come to a place of embracing her name in all its beauty and fullness. In this episode she shares her p...