Are some names too ghetto?

Sun,

No doubt. Especially names that are based on cars (e.g., Mercedes, Maxima, Lexus, etc.) We should stick to names that come from Africa, the motherland, not made-up ones.

Thank you for the question.

Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com

Okay Jeff, whats your African name?

Absolutely. Is there any way I can find out what my american name means from the motherland?

Okpara,

First off, it's good seeing you again. I pray all is well. And to your point about my African name: Unfortunately, my parents didn't bless me with one. Therefore, I have to make do with what I have. That being said, my wife and I are more prone to going with biblical or African names. Our young son is named after a prominent figure from the bible.

Be blessed, and continue to be a blessing.

Got it! "The girl's name Veronica \v(e)-roni-ca, ver(o)-nica\ is pronounced ver-RON-ni-kah. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "true image". Saint Veronica (17th century) was an Italian mystic and saint. She was said to have offered Jesus a cloth to wipe his face as he faltered on his way to crucifixion. She obtained a miraculous "true image" (in Latin "a vera icon") of Jesus' face on the cloth. Also variant of Bernice (Greek) "bringer of victory". "http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Veronica

Some names are not of African origin obviously. Some names have no meaning at all, which is fine to some.

"The boy's name Jeffery \j(e)-ffe-ry\ is a variant of Geoffrey and Jeffrey (Old German). See for meaning of Jeffery.The boy's name Jeffrey \j(e)-ff-rey\ is pronounced JEF-ree. It is of Old German origin. Probably refers to "peace". Variant of Geoffrey. The three-syllable alternate spelling Jeffery (JEFF-er-ree) has been used since medieval times. "

Sundra my name is a variant of Sandra.
"Sandra-Helper Of Humanity, Gender: Female, Origin: Greek"

Sun,

Now that's news I never knew. Thank you for getting me of to speed on the origins of my name. Where did you find this information? I want to do similar searches for my wife and son.

Thanks.

Brother Jeff it's good to hear from you again. I had to throw that piece in for levity. Hope you're doing well. It's an interesting topic. All names are figments of ones imagination. People give meaning to what they wish to be called. We are given names by our parents here in America with very little thought of what the child will have to contend with. The translation of a name from an African perspective is sometimes based on the mood of the parent at the time. For example; Born on Tuesday (or any other day of the week), Warrior, Happy, Son of God, Hero, etc.

I would say 80% of us are not even aware of a meaning to our names. We are often named after a family members (Father, Uncle, Grandfather, etc). The name, tag or label historically has a meaning or purpose, something to live up to and be proud of. However, that tradition has lost its purpose over the years. There are those, such as myself, who romanticize the history and culture of an African name, because it was something that was absent from our social and cultural development here in America. I do believe it should be discussed more in order to expose others to the fact that we have options. Even name like Mercedes or Lexus are viable options in the "American" culture. They depict wealth and affluence, and maybe, just maybe, this is what the parents who have given children these names are aspiring towards.
My children also have African names and it's interesting that they did not appreciate the value until they were teenagers and were complimented by their peers. Their friend expressed the beauty of the pronunciation and flow of the sound. Prior to that they had reservations, because they did not sound like everyone else in the neighborhood. I have a tendency to look at these things from an anthropological perspective. There is no right or wrong in this matter, and substance is a matter of wants, likes and desire.
Peace to you my brother.

By the way, I had change my name to an African name 30 years ago for the purpose of creating dialogue and as an acceptance of the fact that I am of African descent. There will be no mistake when I'm laid in the grave of who's in that coffin.

Good Topic Sun !

Here it is Jefferey , http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning

Hi Sun: I'm often meeting people and I've heard many names. Some were "hard to pronounce" Some didn't spell like they anything like they sound, and some where made up from different associations. I often look at bibical names; or names of the tribes of men mentioned in the bible they are very different and unique too. There are many names that are Great! Ghetto names, well I feel it's how we associate the name. Even if we feel they are ghetto we must admit they are also different and have their own uniquie association as well. Best to you!

You're right Miisreal...just like Condoleeza Rice...it may sound strange but it is a name that will not be forgotten.

C'mon Jinnie, do you really think a name carries our destiny...What about Al Sharpton...Al is not a really destiny carrying sounding name...What about Lou Rawls...some people have really plain names but they still turn out to be exceptional. Some names have meaning others do not but at the end of the day...I believe the person you become makes the name...

Origin of the name Alfred:

Derived from the Old English Ælfred, a compounding of the elements ælf (elf) and ræd (counsel). Elves were considered to be supernatural beings having special powers of seeing into the future; thus the name took on the meaning "wise counsel."

Origin of the name Louis:

Derived from the Old French Loeis, which is from the Old High German Hluodowig (famous in war), a compound name composed from the elements hluod (famous) and wīg (war, strife). Var: Lewis, Luis.

WOW! Thanks Steve.

I will never be able forgivee who ever it was tha gave me the middle name of LEE. In the south it seem giving middle names like LEE/May/Sue was a must have for girl babies!!!

And, as "I" believe these names have been given to these children in the LAND OF THE FREE, anyone can have their name changed if they care to do so...as for me I like unusual names and if you do not like a person's name do you dislike that person...I know the White supremist will kill you if they do not like your name so be very careful...