‘Be mindful of your name’, Igbo lady analyses surname of singer Nanyah bitten to death by snake
An Igbo lady, Amarachi Eddy has called on Nigerians to be mindful of the names they bear, as she analysed the meaning of the last name of singer Ifunanya Nwangene, also called Nanyah, who was recently killed by a snake venom.
Eddy asserted that names often carry deeper historical and spiritual significance beyond simple identification.
According to her, some names may be tied to ancestral histories, beliefs, or spiritual covenants, which she believes can sometimes influence a person’s life experiences.
In her post, Amarachi said the name Nwangene means “daughter of a deity”. Other translations imply, “daugther of a river” or “child of a river”.
Eddy said the name could not be divorced from her mysterious attack by a snake in the safety of her own apartment.
She used the situation as a lesson to encourage people to learn about the origins and meanings of their names by speaking with parents or elders, stressing that names can represent identity, history, and, in some beliefs, unseen spiritual burdens.
“Life is spiritual—whether we like it or not,” she wrote, adding that names are often given for reasons tied to experiences, promises, sacrifices, or beliefs.
She further advised that if anyone discovers their name is connected to a deity, shrine, or spiritual covenant, they should not ignore it but seek understanding and take steps they believe are necessary, including changing the name if they feel led to do so.
She concluded her post by urging people to know their names, understand their meanings, and redefine them if necessary, noting that “a name can open doors—or quietly shut them.”
Netizens have since been responding to her submissions. While some endorsed them, others dismissed her claims as speculation.
