Introduction
A nameis generally used to identify a person or thing in any circumstance and for any purpose. This helps to clear up any misunderstandings on the part of both those being designated and those designated. Curiously, nicknames and sobriquets are observed alongside names for the same beings and/or things. What exactly is the situation for human beings or natural persons?
The right to choose a name
Theright to choose a name belongs to the parents of the unborn child.
Even before a child is born, its father and mother have a duty to choose a name for it. Discussions can be held about this.
As an identifier, let’s not forget that it sometimes appears to be a subject of conflict in the security context in regions that are plagued by war. This is the case of certain families who do not agree that a child born of rape should take the name of one of the families. In such cases, a problem arises that works against the mother.
What purpose does it serve?
A name is used to unambiguously identify an individual. It can easily be used to bless, curse, or attack someone.
That’s why the order of a person’s name is so important. It avoids possible confusion.
The meaning of the name
It must be drawn from our cultural heritage. It is important that it has a positive meaning for the child’s life.
A name should be meaningful and full of blessing… hence the idea of avoiding names for unfortunate circumstances (death, war, conflict, displacement, unemployment).
The use of nicknames and sobriquets sometimes means that a person is treated differently by other members of society. Imagine an Amba whose real name is Cobra at his sports club and Lumumba at school.
These three names for the same person can lead to them not being recognised or entrusted with a message or property that belongs to them by right.
Finally, in the philosophy of the African, the name requires a qualifying force from the bearer; hence the judicious choice that is required.
Change of name
The court is the only public institution of the State empowered to change the name of a person who lodges a complaint. If this can involve time and resources, why shouldn’t parents think about it in advance and avoid it for their children?
In the meantime, the moral prejudice that a ‘bad’ name may have caused to its bearer before they reach the age of majority to lodge a complaint with a view to a possible change can be great and difficult to repair…
Conclusion
A name is a precious treasure that we carry forever. Even long after death, legal action may be taken. It will be a question of reassuring oneself of the true identity of the de cujus (deceased).
This is why we encourage name givers (mainly parents) to think beforehand to protect their bearers and their rights, so that they know the meaning of the name to be given to their child as well as its significance.
It’s easy to lose your rights if you’re in doubt before certain institutions, including the courts and the bank.
A simple typing error can divert an action against Apende to Ampende and vice versa!
The use of nicknames and nicknames based on affinity can be a source of confusion for the uninitiated in a given group for the same person.