In the past, Rwandans normally chose names for their children where almost all of them had the word "Imana” (God) in them. But the trend seems to be changing.

A quick observation from the names of young people, born after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, could let one believe that Rwandans are moving from naming their children names that imply God, his power and divinity, to names that imply beauty, greatness, and patriotism/heroism.

Hagenimana (God is the provider), Nsengimana (I pray to God), Harerimana (It’s God that raises children), Nsabimana (I ask to God), Habonimana (its God the overseer), Hatungimana (God is the most wealthy), etc are names you would previously hear almost every day at your workplace, or area of residence.

But now, you increasingly find names like Irebe (water flower), Keza (pretty), Uwase (her father’s) Ntwari (hero), Shema (pride), Ngabo (shield), etc.

Rwanda, unlike many countries in Africa, has always been monotheistic, even long before Christianity or Islam was introduced in the country. Historic facts show that from far back, Rwandans believed in one God or creator, doer of all good, one who is above all things. 

For Rwandans, God was seen as the provider of children, cattle, marriage partners, and blessings. Their strong belief influenced the naming of children even in pre-Christianity times, which became even stronger with the introduction of Christianity by missionaries.

Jeanne Nikuzwe, a 34-year-old resident of Kigali, said that back then names were given to children as a means of communication towards God, sometimes in accordance with the situation parents are going through.

"For example, if the child is born in a good time for parents, she may be named ‘Nikuzwe’ (May God be exalted). The same goes for hard times,” she said.

According to her, names were a language of expression of gratitude or asking for help from God. She noted, however, that the trend of naming may be changing, because today, people would rather opt for shorter names.

Jean-Jacques Nkubito, who gave all his two children the same name as his, said that the trend may too be embedded in Rwandan culture. 

"It’s either children are named after their fathers, which is more likely going to be a Godly name or given their own Godly name, which may be shorter for example, Ishimwe (thanks to God) or Kwizera (faith in God),” he said.

Christine Mugabekazi, a mother of three, finds that children are a very crucial part of someone’s life. "You have to give your child a name that is less for you and more for them. A name is also like a prophecy upon their life. One has to speak good things upon her children,” she noted.

She named her children Mugisha (blessing), Rumuri (light) and Rugero (role model).