New Year's Resolution, Anyone?
Ours is to expand from a skincare company into something more meaningful! We aim to build a community that thrives on sharing ideas and engaging in dialogue with fellow qasil enthusiasts. As a Somali-owned business, we are committed to showcasing and celebrating Somali culture, which is often missing from mainstream narratives.
Culture influences how we experience life’s milestones—such as births, marriages, and funerals—and each has its unique customs and traditions.
The Importance of Names
Names are something everyone has, but their significance can vary widely. In Western culture, names usually follow a specific pattern: a first name, optional middle name(s), and a surname. First and middle names are often chosen based on personal preferences or family traditions, while surnames indicate family lineage and are traditionally inherited from the father. However, modern practices now include choosing surnames from either parent or combining them.
In contrast, naming conventions differ across cultures. For example, in Bali, names often reflect birth order and are used for both genders. A firstborn might be named Wayan, Putu, or Gede, while the second child might be called Made or Kadek. In Spanish-speaking cultures, children receive two surnames—typically the father's first surname followed by the mother's first surname. Parents can now choose the order of these surnames.
Somali Naming Conventions
Somalia has its own rich naming traditions. A Somali name generally consists of a first name, the father’s first name, and the paternal grandfather’s first name. Unlike Western practices, Somali names do not include surnames. This can make it seem like family members have very different names. For example, if the father’s name is Mohammed Abdi Ahmed, his children might be named Ali Mohammed Abdi and Fadumo Mohammed Abdi. Somali women keep their birth names, which reflect their father and grandfather’s names, as a mark of respect for their family heritage. This means a woman’s name will typically differ from her husband's or children’s names unless there is a shared name among their ancestors.
Somali names emphasize patrilineal heritage, meaning a child’s inherited names usually come from the father's side. While Somalis commonly use first names, they might adapt to Western naming practices for official documents, such as by hyphenating names or using a combination of paternal and maternal names.
Naming conventions are diverse and evolving. We’re interested in learning about the naming customs in your culture. Share your experiences with us on social media!
