Names

I get a tickle out of Zimbabwean names. The English ones especially, which are often direct translations of traditional Shona names. They have a directness and simplicity that I find compelling. My current all-time favourite is Topshelf. But they all have their charms. Just scanning the previous two newspapers I find:

Lovemore Madhuku
Memory Nguwi
Praise Tonhai
Givemore Makoni
Justice Gubbay
Saviour Kasuku
Wonder Sitole
Ocean Mushure
Knowledge Musona
Innocent Dzviti
Obvious Mutani
Last Paulosi
Beauty Moyo
Gift Chimanikire
Desire Sibanda
Anyway Mutambudzi
Border Gezi
Perseverence Makave
Thanks Nyamapfeni
Egypt Munhenzva
Fortune Charumbira

and some others I noted along the way:

Previous
Rogue
Courage
Samson
Fortune
Amen
Tedious
Admire

I personally suffer from an acute lack of syllable-age, having single-syllable first and last names.
Hmmm... Syllables, that's actually pretty good....

Shona names can be quite interesting too: Tichaona ('We will see'...how this kid turns out?); Mari Apera ('The money is finished); Tinotenda ('We are thanking'). And the hopeful name for one of the big markets in Mbare: Pedzanhamo, 'end of poverty'.



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