In Yoruba land, one of the most important things after a child is born is to give it a name. This happens after the ritual birth of the baby, massage of certain parts of the body and other rituals. Names are given to the child by the father, mother, grandparents (paternal and maternal) and some relatives. However, sometimes the circumstances of a child’s birth automatically give it a name. This name is known in Yorubaland as “orúko àmútọ̀runwá” (predestination or generic name).
The most common generic names (orúko àmútọ̀runwá) in Yoruba land are “Taiwo” and “Kehinde” (collectively known as Ìbejì), which are given to twins. The first-born twin is named Táíwò, which is a shortened form of Tò-aiyé-wò (cost the world), while the last of the twins is named Kéhìndé, which literally means “the last to come.” Contrary to popular belief that Taiwo being the eldest twin is older than Kehinde, Yoruba elders claim that
Kehinde is older than Taiwo because Taiwo was sent by Kehinde to explore the world and also announce his arrival. A child, male or female, born to twins is called Idowu. Idowu is stubborn and annoying, which is why he is considered “Eshu lehin Ibeji” (the devil after the twins).The Yoruba believe, although not very strongly, that if the mother of the twins does not give birth to another child after the twins, namely Idowu, she is likely to go crazy because the spirit of the stubborn Idowu will fly into her head and make her crazy . Getting crazy. A child born after Idowu is called Idogbe (if male) and Alaba (if female). In some cases, triplets are named Taiwo, Kehinde, and Èta ọkọ̀ at birth, respectively.
Besides the twin pair, other children born in Yoruba are also given predetermined names under special circumstances and in a special way. Are the following:
* Ilori– This is a child born during the absence of menstruation;
* Ojo and Aina– This is a child born with the umbilical cord twisted round his/her neck. If this kind of child is male, he is named Ojo, and if female, Aina;
* Dada– This is a child born with long, thick and curly hair which is not to be cut at anytime. Dada is also called Dada awuru or olowo ori and are known to be strong and stubborn;
* Oke– This is a child born with unrupted membranes all over his/her body;
* Olugbodi– This is a child born with supernumerary digits (six fingers);
* Ige– This is a child born with breech or footing presentation i.e. the child came out of the womb with the legs first;
* Omope– This is a child born later than the normal period of utero-gestation;
* Ajayi– This is a child born with face downwards. This child is also called Ogidi olu;
* Salako (male) or Talabi (female) – This is a child born with his/her body covered in rupted membranes;
* Abiona– This is a child born on a pathway usually when the mother is away from home or on a journey;
* Abiodun– This is a child born in festive periods;
* Jo‘hojo– This is a child whose mother died during labour;
* Babatunde– This is a male child born shortly after the death of his grandfather. It is believed the grandfather reincarnated. Babatunde literally mean ‘father has come again’;
* Yetunde– This is a female child born shortly after the death of her grandmother. Yetunde means ‘mother has come again;
* Babarimisa– This is a child whose father fled at his/her birth.
* Oni– This is a neurotic child who at his/her birth cries all day and night.
It should be noted that a predetermined name does not mean that the child cannot have another name. A child can be given as many names as possible, but in most Yoruba families the child’s name is predetermined (oruko amutorunwa).
