African surnames: between cultural identity and otherness
Patronymes africains : entre identité et altérité culturelles
Collective book
Ouvrage collectif
Published on Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Abstract
In an international context marked by the redefinition of cultural identities, it is important to conduct a transdisciplinary study of African surnames. The aim of this call for collective work is to highlight the cosmology, dation protocols, issues, alienation systems and preservation mechanisms of African surnames.
Announcement
Background
The concept of patronymic derives from the Latin root pater, meaning “father’’, and the Greek suffix onoma, meaning “name”. By deduction, the term refers to the register of names inherited from the father. By extension, African surnames represent the names inherited from patriarchal and matriarchal lineages, allied families and the community. They are cultural legacies that ensure the individual or community identification of people within society. Surnames are an integral part of the intangible cultural heritage of African people. They are part of a genealogical, historical, geographical and religious framework (Dauzat A., 1945).
In African civilisations, life and death often influence the formation of surnames. The birth of children, for example, is seen as the return of an ancestor (Zahan D., 1970). However, it should be pointed out that their identity is still uncertain at this time. On this subject, the Bambara of West Africa believe that existence is preceded by a ‘cosmic pre-existence’ (Hampaté Bâ A., 1972). Consequently, the birth of infants is seen as tangible proof of the detachment and reincarnation of an anonymous existence, with a view to fulfilling its mission on Earth. In this respect, the dation of the patronymic is of great importance in Africa (Hampaté Bâ A., 1972). It enables newborn babies to be identified and integrated into the social strata (Thomas L.V. & Luneau R., 1975). During this ritual, the elders responsible for naming the children try to obtain the patronage of spiritual forces. Signs of identification may take days or even weeks to appear (Journet-Diallo O., 2001). In other words, the ritual of dation invests patronyms with ontological charges (Foué Yogo A.M., 2015).
The elders of the line consult soothsayers to ascertain the virtues of the chosen surname. They are wary of the register of names that, in the past, have not brought the desired joy to the community. In the meantime, doubts have been cast on the human nature of the newborns and their desire to live on Earth. Be that as it may, the surnames attributed to the children, whose dation procedures vary according to the community, often come from the family tree. This choice is essential for preserving the links between the invisible sphere and the world of the living. Among the Mossi of West Africa, for example, the ritual of dation of the patronymic is regarded as a prayer during which the participants call on the divinities to watch over the newborn (Houis M., 1963). In Cameroon, the Bassa practice Yaa Man, a naming ritual is performed four days after the birth of a girl and five days after the birth of a boy (Foué Yogo A.M., 2015). The Bassa do not give random names to newborns. They engage in dialogue with ancestral forces through the ngambi, the mygale, in order to reassure themselves of the properties of the patronymic listed (Mayi Matip T., 1983).
This ritual differs from the naming of neophytes in initiation circles. Initiation names establish links of solidarity or communion between novices, sacras and divinities (Mubesala L. B., 2006). They plunge them into the heart of profound knowledge that constitutes a form of lustration and a break with the profane world. Among the Massa of North Cameroon, theonyms, or rebirth names, are made up of the old patronymic to which the master-initiators add a suffix. These divine names are used to commemorate or give thanks to protective deities. The naming of theonyms is also intended to imprint the characters and virtues of the divinity on the novices, to protect them from the hazards of life (Tounsoucka Wantouang S., (2022). In this way, patronymics integrate newborns and neophytes into the space-time socialised by the group.
Surnames can be seen as a source of African historiography. As markers of cultural identity, people’s names highlight the ideologies that structure local political, social and religious institutions. Among the Kikuyu of East Africa, ‘l’histoire de la communauté est retenue et transmise grâce aux noms donnés aux différents groupes d’âge’ (Kenyatta J., 1967). This memorial function of surnames is also recognised among the Bayangam of West Cameroon, where there is a repertoire of names linked to war, the local calendar, etc. (Modjom Tchuenchié J., 2021). In other words, surnames help to preserve memory and collective memory in Africa. It is with this in mind that Fabre P. asserts that proper names designate the individual in ‘son identité et sa continuité spatio-temporelle’ (1987). Similarly, surnames are indices of sociability because they celebrate friendship and mark social ascension. As a sign of recognition, some people do not hesitate to pass on the names of their friends to their descendants. In this way, ‘les noms des personnes peuvent être des souvenirs à un ami, à un enseignant, à une figure marquante’ (Tounsoucka Wantouang S., 2022). This mark of affection strengthens the bonds of fraternity within social strata.
However, the intrusion of foreign forces has transformed patronymic references in Africa. The slave trade, colonisation and religious missions depersonalised the repertoire of personal names in Africa. In the context of slavery and colonialism, the names endorsed by the clergy mark the hold of the ‘master’ over the ‘natives’ (Philippe C., 2008). Possoz E. notes that ‘Des noms mahométans et chrétiens tendent à faire perdre le souvenir de nombreux noms indigènes […] le sens si vivant des significations de l’onomastique africaine tend par ce fait à diminuer en vigueur’ (1950). The phenomenon tends to be accentuated by the media (Hatolong B. Z., 2016). According to Tounsoucka Wantouang S., the current conception of surnames heralds a new trend that accommodates the realities influenced by new information and communication technologies. This can be seen in the adoption of the first names of TV series heroes and stars who are making the buzz (Tounsoucka Wantouang S., 2022).
In an international context marked by the redefinition of cultural identities, it is important to conduct a transdisciplinary study of African surnames. The aim of this call for collective work is to highlight the cosmology, dation protocols, issues, alienation systems and preservation mechanisms of African surnames.
Research areas
The call for papers is addressed to researchers and custodians of African traditions who are interested in African surnames. Proposals for papers may explore, but are not limited to, the following lines of enquiry:
Theme 1: The cosmological or mythical universe of African surnames
African surnames are the centripetal forces of the elements of nature that provide access to the global cultural system. This area is devoted to the analysis of the kingdoms (animal, vegetable, mineral, human, etc.) that contribute to the configuration of patronymic registers in African civilisations. Contributions may also analyse the semiotic charge of African patronymics, focusing on the ontological, astrological and cosmological links between the patronymic, invisible forces and eponymous heroes.
Theme 2: Dation of surnames in African civilisations
The naming convention is one of the attributes that man exercises by naming or categorising environmental realities. Naming is based on the desire to influence the destiny of newborns or novices through omens and wishes. This section is devoted to analysing the rituals of identification, acceptance or rejection of naming by newborns. The proposals may also study the socio-anthropological and religious determinants of the attribution and naming of patronymics in African cultural areas.
Theme 3: African surnames, cultural identities and collective memory
Surnames are also sources of knowledge and a record of social events. They are rich in meaning and provide information about the origins, migrations, conquests and beliefs of African civilisations. They establish close links between social events, the circumstances of birth, the register and the ways in which surnames are chosen. Names situate individuals at the heart of geographical space by linking them to chthonian power. They are seen as libraries that mobilise facts in living memory. Proposals in this area may analyse the contribution of surnames to African historiography. The contributors may also examine the correlation between African surnames and collective memory, or highlight the contribution of African surnames to the enrichment of the humanitarian anthroponymic heritage.
Theme 4: Processes of alienation and depersonalisation of African surnames
The Islamisation and Christianisation of African communities aimed to devalue endogenous names by using Koranic and biblical first names. The latter took precedence over the names of the original identity. The French colonial administration imposed a register of names in its colonies. It entered them on birth certificates without regard to the opinion of the parents. This anthroponymic system also forced women to bear the surnames of their spouses. This section looks at the agents of depersonalisation and the syncretic and hybrid nature of African surnames. Contributors can also analyse their impact on cultural identity and local social structures.
Theme 5: Interbreeding, decompartmentalisation and remediation of African surnames
African societies are driven by intercultural mixing. Exogamous marriages and homonymy have led to the sharing of surnames. Ethnic identification based on surnames is not always reliable. That’s why Warayanssa Mawoune says : ‘Les noms que revêtent les individus ne traduisent plus forcément leur appartenance à leur groupe ethnique. Dès lors, le marquage et les frontières ethniques que ces patronymes entretenaient jadis deviennent non pertinentes’ (2020). Contributions in this area may analyse the tensions involved in assigning surnames in exogamous households; the issues raised by surnames in the redistribution of political power; the contribution of homonymy to easing social tensions; actions to be promoted to preserve and safeguard African surnames in the face of globalisation, etc.
Terms and conditions of submission
Proposals in French, English or Spanish must be sent simultaneously to the following addresses:
- patronymesafricains@gmail.com
- nar6djeugou@yahoo.com
- leopoldsedaredong@gmail.com
by 1st June 2025.
Abstracts must contain:
- Research focus of the proposal: in Time Roman, size 14, single-spaced, centred
- Title: in Time New Roman, size 14, single-spaced, centred
- Author(s): Surname(s) and first name(s), e-mail address, institutional affiliation, size 10, single-spaced, centred
- Text: written in English or French, Time New Roman, size 12, 1.5 line spacing
- Length : 250 words maximum
- Keywords : 5
- Biography: brief and concise (five lines maximum)
Timetable
- 1st March 2025: Launch of the call and receipt of abstracts.
- 1st June 2024: Deadline for receipt of proposals.
- 1st July 2025: Notification to selected authors.
- 1st November 2025: Deadline for receipt of full papers.
- 1st January 2026: Evaluation and suggestions for corrections.
- 1st March 2026: Deadline for receipt of final articles after incorporation of experts’ recommendations.
- 1st July 2026: Submission for publication
- September 2026: Publication of the book
Editors
- Léopold Sédar EDONG, Lecturer and researcher in the History of Civilisations and Religions in the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Dschang (Cameroon)
- FOMEKONG DJEUGOU Narcisse, Anthropologist and philologist, Institut des Mondes Africains (France).
Scientific committee
Pr FOUELLEFAK KANA Célestine Colette (University of Dschang), Pr KOUOSSEU Jules (University of Dschang), Pr DONG MOUGNOL Gabriel Maxime (University of Yaoundé 1), Pr KOUESSO Jean Romain (University of Dschang), Pr PANGOP Alain Cyr (University of Dschang), Pr TSOFACK Jean-Benoît (University of Dschang), Pr SAHA Zacharie (University of Dschang), Pr NGANGOP Joseph (University of Dschang), Pr NGOUFO SOGANG Théodore (University of Dschang), Pr POKAM KAMDEM William’s (University of Dschang), Pr FOFACK Eric Wilson (University of Dschang), Pr YAKAM YOLA A JUMA (University of Bamenda), Pr NENKAM Chamberlain (University of Yaoundé I), Pr SIME Hortense (University of Dschang), Pr NDJOCK NYOBE Pascal Isidore (University of Douala), Pr MOUKOUTI ONGUEDOU Georges (University of Bertoua), Pr NGUENDJO Issacar (University of Dschang), Pr BIGIRIMANA Clément (University of Burundi), Pr KANA NGUETSE Paul (University of Dschang), Pr OWONA NTSAMA Joseph (Paul Ango Ela Foundation), Pr NANA TADOUN Guy Merlin (University of Yaoundé I), Pr OKOME-BEKA Véronique Solange (École Normale Supérieure de Libreville).
Editorial committee
Dr SANGOUING Ives Loukson (University of Dschang), Dr FOBASSO Trésor (University of Dschang), Dr ZOBO’O Yannick (University of Douala), Dr DANG A GOUFAN Paul Derrick (University of Ebolowa), Dr IGUIGUI Bertrand (University of Ebolowa), Dr MALABON Darice (University of N’Gaoundéré), Dr NOUNMA PEFOURA Adeline Adjara MA (University of Douala), Dr MODJOM TCHUENCHIE Josué (University of Dschang), Dr DIFFOUO Yannick Guérin (University of Dschang), Dr AFAGA Aunel Malaury (University of Yaoundé I), Dr NGOUNE Patrick (University of Dschang), Dr KENFACK Cyril (University of Dschang), Dr DJOUMENE KUETE Juvelos (University of Dschang), Dr KOUEKAM Démonster-Ferdinand (University of Douala), Dr NOUMBOU TETAM Gildas Igor (University of Douala), Dr ENG NDJEL Alphonse (University of Douala), Dr MBOHOU Sylvain (Universidade Estadual do Maranhão-São Luís-Brazil), Dr TSAMO DONGMO Franck Rostov (University of Dschang), Dr FONE Thomas (University of Douala), Dr C. LAWSON Jean-Paul (CY Cergy Paris University), Dr JUPKEP Narcisse (University of Dschang), Dr MEIKENGANG Avenir Géraldine (CY Cergy-Paris University), Dr GUETCHOUA Leonel (University of Dschang), Dr MATHENE DASSI Guillene Cyriane (University of Dschang), Dr MONGO Edith (University of Bordeaux Montaigne), Rodrigue Marcel Ateufack Dongmo (University of Dschang), . Roméo Tapang (Université du Québec à Montréal).
Indicative bibliography
Books
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GUILLOREL Hervé, (2012), « Onomastique, marqueurs identitaires et plurilinguisme.
Les enjeux politiques de la toponymie et de l’anthroponymie, Onomastique », Droit et politique, N° 64, pp. 11-50.
HATOLONG BOHO Zacharie, (2016), « Les séries télévisées latino-américaines et leur impact socioculturel au Cameroun », Revista Electrónica del Lenguaje, N°3.
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KIWANYE KWADA Florence et TIEMENI Signakwé, (2017), « ‘‘Mon nom est un livre d’histoire’’ : De l’anthroponymie kapsiki comme patrimoine archivistique », in FOUÉLLEFAK
KANA et NZESSE Ladislas (dir.), Patrimoine culturel africain, matériau pour l’histoire, outil de développement, Paris, Harmattan, pp. 223-238.
LE ROY Sarah, (2006), « ‘‘Les prénoms ont été changés’’ : Pseudonymisation médiatique et production de sens des prénoms », Cahiers de sociolinguistique, Presse Universitaire de Renne, pp. 28-40.
TOUNSOUCKA WANTOUANG Sagesse, (2022), « Le système anthroponymique massa (au Nord-Cameroun) sous le prisme du modernisme » in PANGOP KAMENI Alain Cyr et FOTSO Henri (dir.), Culture et modernité au Cameroun : L’évolution de la culture et le vivre ensemble, Collection Identité et Patrimoine, tome 03, Douala, éditions du Gracas, pp. 43-74.
YAKAM YOLA A JUMA, (2023), « Analyse ethnoarchéologique du système d’attribution des anthroponymes dans quelques sites d’occupation ancienne du Cameroun »,
GNWT, Revue d’Egyptologie et d’Histoire des Civilisations de l’Afrique Noire, vol. 04, Yaoundé, Editions Premières Lignes, pp. 93-111.
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Dissertations and theses
GOGBEU Mamadou, (2004), « L’Onomastique dan, principe d’identité et d’identification », Thèse de Doctorat en littérature orale, Université de Bouaké.
MBAHIM ATCHOMBA Yanelle Pascale, (2023), « Ndab ou ‘‘nom de gratitude’’ chez les Tonga, Bangangté du Ndé de l’Ouest-Cameroun : Etude anthropologique », Mémoire de master en Anthropologie, Université de Yaoundé I.
MODJOM TCHUENCHIE Josué, (2021), « Patrimoine culturel de la chefferie Bayangam à l’Ouest-Cameroun : Matériau pour l’histoire, référent identitaire et outil de développement (XIXè-XXè siècles) », Thèse de Doctorat en Histoire, Université de Dschang.
Online resources
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BROMBERGER Christian, (1982), « Pour une analyse anthropologique des noms de personnes », Langages : Le nom propre, N° 66, Paris, pp. 103-124, URL : https://www.persee.fr/doc/Igge_0458-726x_1982_num_16_66_1127 , consulté le 18/02/2025.
DELUZ Ariane, (1967), « Anthroponymie et recherche historique », L’homme, vol. 07, N° 01, pp. 32-49 URL : http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/homme/prescript/article/hom_0439421681967_num_7_1_3 66857, consulté le 15/01/2025.
FABRE Paul, (1987), « Théorie du nom propre et recherche onomastique », Cahiers de praxématique, URL : https://journals.openedition.org/praxematique/1383, consulté le 29/01/2025.
KOUYATE Brahima, (2009), « Alliances interethniques et onomastique chez les Malinké », Synergie Afrique centrale, N° 03, pp. 101-107, URL : https://gerflint.fr/Base/Afriqueouest3/brahima.pdf, consulté le 20/01/2025.
LE BIHAN Guy, (2006), « Le nom propre : Identification, appropriation, valorisation », Cahiers de sociolinguistique, N° 11, Presses Universitaires de Renne, pp. 9-26, URL : https://www.cairn.info/revue-cahiers-de-sociolinguistique-2006-1-page-9.htm, consulté le 15/01/2025.
MOREAU Marie-Louise, (2001), « Le marquage des identités ethniques dans le choix des prénoms en Casamance (Sénégal) », Cahiers d’Etudes africaines, entre les langages : Identités, politique et ethnies, N° 164, pp. 541-556, URL : https://doi.org/104000/etudesafricaines.108. , consulté le 15/01/2025.
PHILLIPPE Chanson, (2008), « La blessure du nom : Une anthropologie d’une séquelle de l’esclavage aux Antilles-Guyane », Outre-mer, tome 95, N° 360-361, URL : https://www.persee.fr/doc/outre_1631-0438_2008_num_95_360_4367_t1_0340_0000_2 , consulté le 30/01/2025.
POSSOZ Emile, (1950), « L’onomastique en Afrique Noire », Revue Internationale d’Onomastique, N° 04, 1950, pp. 299-302, URL :https://www.persee.fr/doc/rio_00488151_1950_num_2_4_2255 , consulté le 29/01/2025.
QUEMENER Pierre Yves (2013), « À situation nouvelle nom nouveau : Les doubles appellations dans l’histoire ecclésiastique d’Orderic Vital et la christianisation des noms de baptême aux 11e et 12e siècles », URL : https://www.academia.edu/4031112/A_situation_nouvelle_nom_nouveau, consulté le 15/01/25.
TSOFACK Jean-Benoît, (2006), « (Dé)nomination et constructions identitaires au Cameroun », Cahiers de sociolinguistique, Presses Universitaires de Rennes, N° 11, URL : https://www.cairn.info/revue.cahiers-de-sociolinguistique-2006-1-page-101.htm , consulté le 15/01/2025.
WARAYANSSA MAWOUNE, (2020), « Patronyme, frontière et identité ethnique dans le Mayo-Louti : Essai d’analyse onomastique des anthroponymes et de leur origine tribale dans la ville de Figuil (Cameroun) », Multilinguales, pp. 1-15, URL : https://journals.openedition.org/multilinguales/5303 , consulté le 15/01/2025.
Subjects
- Representation (Main category)
- Mind and language > Representation > Cultural history
- Society > Ethnology, anthropology
- Society > Ethnology, anthropology > Cultural anthropology
- Mind and language > Representation > Heritage
- Mind and language > Representation > Cultural identities
- Society > History > Social history
Date(s)
- Sunday, June 01, 2025
Attached files
Contact(s)
- Narcisse FOMEKONG DJEUGOU
courriel : nar6djeugou [at] yahoo [dot] com - léopold Sédar EDONG
courriel : leopoldsedaredong [at] gmail [dot] com
Information source
- Narcisse FOMEKONG DJEUGOU
courriel : nar6djeugou [at] yahoo [dot] com
License
This announcement is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal.
To cite this announcement
« African surnames: between cultural identity and otherness », Call for papers, Calenda, Published on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, https://doi.org/10.58079/13gd2
