Semantics and Pragmatics of Oromo Personal Names

Wollegga Oromo people follow different traditions in giving personal names on their babies. These variations of naming practices imply that personal names are not selected haphazardly. Consequently, haammačiisa, ayyaana heduu, birth days, particular times of the day and seasons are all considered in naming a baby. These indicate that Oromo personal names are not simply labels or references. They rather carry with them valuable information about the baby’s future, fate and behaviour. Furthermore, Oromo names depict parent’s belief, norm, religion, ideology, the culture and expectation of the community into which a baby is born. Hence, Oromo personal names can be regarded as a means of perceiving reality since they are related to facts of life and social existence of the people. Besides, the meaning of Oromo name can easily be interpreted by the name-giver than by the name-bearer since the former knows the context and situation of naming than the latter.