What’s in a NAME? After watching the attached video clip by Hollywood Actress – Uzoamaka Nwanneka Aduba, I felt the need to showcase the extraordinary meaning of my Nigerian name and salute my amazing African heritage. But also emphasise, why all African parents give their children NAMES which somewhat connotes their future. It’s hard to really put it into content but do read on …

Primarily, I am known by my European name, Yvonne (which by the way is unique and soooo ‘French‘) but I never cease to also state my Nigerian name which is ‘Ndidiamaka‘ (from the beautiful Igbo tribe of Nigeria), which means ‘Patience is a Virtue’ or ‘Patience is Key’.

I remember when I was younger, telling my parents that it was such an irony for them to give me such a name as I was the least qualified to be identified as ‘Ndidiamaka’ because ‘Patience’ (its meaning) certainly did not apply to any part of my life (my family and friends can attest to that ???). My constant joke was that God had a funny sense of humour when He gave my parents the wisdom to name me as my temperament was far opposite to what the name denotes.

Like Uzoamaka stated: I too tried to change my name to either: Di, DiDi, Ndy, Ndyamaka – just to make it easier for other people to pronounce it but that actually lost the true essence and meaning and as I got older & wiser, I realised that Ndidiamaka was and has always been attached to my Life Journey, I had to ‘damn’ any excuse of pronunciation difficulties from people and insist that it is pronounced correctly as this name helped define who I am and where I am going.

I decided to search ‘google’ for their interpretation of the name, ‘Ndidiamaka‘ and the response below was shocking (as it actually defined my character to the point) which again, I am sure those close to me will attest to:

Meaning: Patience is the key; patience is a virtue (Igbo, Nigeria).

Soul Urge: People with the name Ndidiamaka have a deep inner desire for love and companionship, and want to work with others to achieve peace and harmony.

Expression: People with the name Ndidiamaka tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts, and often enjoy life immensely. They are often the center of attention and enjoy careers that put them in the limelight. They tend to become involved in many different activities and are sometimes reckless with both their energies and with money.

Well, let’s just say that over time with the birth of my son, who forcefully taught me the real meaning, coupled with subsequent events that have happened throughout my life, I grew into that name and can proudly testify that the name ‘Ndidiamaka’ was & is predestined to be part of my Life’s Journey… It’s my identity.

My Name! My Story!!

So here’s to accepting your NAME, no matter how unique or weird people might think it is. It is YOURS to Wear, Carry & Own with pride!!!

Happy Thursday Beloveds ❤️

The Renaissance Journey continues …

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Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©