Nicknames In Africa (Aha Otutu)

Africans have a unique way of addressing one another especially among elders in social gatherings and these unique way of addressing each other is called nicknames or aha otutu in my native language.
When a man has a nickname, his true name tends to be forgotten as his friends address him using his nicknames, they greet one another by calling out each others nicknames.
It's really interesting watching elders call out to one another and sometime tease each other in the process.

I will like to discuss the origin of nicknames among Africans, using Eastern Nigeria as reference.

In igbo there is an adage that says "ihe onye n' eme ka eji atunyere ya" meaning that it is through what a man does that he is known for, and that is where nicknames originated from.

In the olden days men are known for hunting, fishing, farming, etc.
Through these occupations, a man makes name for himself for what he does best. A hunter who happens to kill a lion will be known for it and will be nicknamed the lion slayer (ogbu agu͎), hence that becomes his nickname.
Nicknames are not acquired only from what people are known for, a person can decide to choose a nickname for himself based on an event that happened either to him or someone else, the event can either be good or bad. For instance, a man loved by an entire community might die suddenly, it becomes a great loss for the community, a grieving man might exclaim "echi d' ime" meaning that tomorrow is pregnant, and from there decides to use it as his nickname.

Recently, ceremonies are not kept for adopting nicknames, because people are now in diverse areas, unlike in the olden days when people live together. Before a man takes a new nickname, a little ceremony is organised to tell the people of his intention to change or take a name.
Changing name in a place where you are commonly known might get people to ask questions like" when did you attain a tittle," well, they can only make noise for a certain period before they join others to chat your new name. 
A name a man is known for is what his sons will bear until they are old enough and want to change.

Nicknames and meaning:

Eche d' ime  meaning tomorrow is pregnant.

Ogbu agu meaning Lion slayer

Onye chi mere eze meaning Whom God has blessed 

Diji  meaning Farmer who produces good yam

Omenka meaning Known for hand craft.

Oko nwoke n' aka meaning When a man loses money...

Okwute meaning Rock.

Onochie meaning He that occupies

Akunne meaning Mother's wealth

Ogbu efi meaning Slayer of cow.

Akunnaya meaning His father's wealth.

Oka omee meaning He that does what he says. Etc

Whatever name a man chooses to be called has a meaning attached to it, it can either be good or bad.

Share other nicknames and their meanings with us.