Comments on: It’s not just a name

By: Laura Lee

Laura Lee — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:42:09 +0000

Hello Barbara! Thanks for your comment. Most Kenyans from Meru have two “first” names–they have a Christian/English name usually taken from the Bible, which would be Peninah, and then their traditional birth name, which is named after a grandparent or close relative. So, Nkirote would be her traditional name, which is in Kimeru (the mother tongue/language of the Meru people). Nkirote is a beautiful name (pronounced “N-keer-oh-tay), which means generous, someone who can make a home anywhere (ie, is easily accommodated), a good manager, and an independent lady). It might be an interesting question to ask her who she is named after (her “namesake”). So, my guess is that both of these names are technically “first” names–one English, one Kimeru. You can address her by either, but it is likely that her family calls her Nkirote. I hope this helps! All the best – Laura Lee

By: Barbara Stark

Barbara Stark — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:26:07 +0000

Hi, I sponsor a young girl from Kenya. Her name on the info is Peninah Nkirote. I’ve asked her translator several times which name is her surname, but so far I haven’t been given an explanation. Any ideas? I know that Peninah is a Biblical names so I’m thinking that is her given name with Nkirote her surname, but I also see that Nkirote is considered a given name. When I write her I’ve used one or the other name and she signs it whatever I happen to call her. :)

By: Laura Lee

Laura Lee — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:57:10 +0000

Well hi there Mommy! So you DO read my blog. :-) Thank you for the explanation -it’s sure to earn me a couple respect points. I like my name – both the way it sounds and now, what it means – I think I’ll keep it! Love – your beloved/beautiful/kind daughter – did my name also mean humble? :-)

By: Muriel Huttenbach

Muriel Huttenbach — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:34:54 +0000

Hi Laura Lee,
Since I am your mom, I have “inside information” as to why you were named Laura Lee Patterson Huttenbach (with Laura Lee being a double first name). Variations of your name Laura is used in so many languages and countries, probably starting in classical Greek and Roman times, and now used in Europe, Great Britain and the Americas. It refers to the laurel tree and is symbolic for honor and in early Olympic games for victory when an athlete was crowned with a wreath of laurel leaves. Laura means “beloved” and “beautiful heroic girl;” It refers to an honorable person. Granddad’s mother was named probably after the beautiful mountain laurels that grow in the Catskill Mountains. Your great grandmother was a teacher and actively promoted education, immunization for children and equal rights for women in her rural community. She attended church every week. Many nationalities were welcomed at her table.
The name Lee is almost universal-with variations found in Greek, English, French, Arabic, Celtic, Latin, Hebrew and even Chinese. It means “kind,” “pure,” “beloved,” “poetic” and “beautiful.” You are at least the fourth generation to have Lee as a middle or second name, starting with your great-grandfather Horace Lee Patterson, your grandfather Maurice Lee Patterson and continuing down to me, your sister and you. Patterson is of Irish origin. Huttenbach is German, meaning “little hut by the river.” Your name reflects the melting pot that is America in which many ideas, races and religions are assimilated and ethnicities live together. Actually your dad and I were considering another name, but your older brothers threatened to call you “Wilbur,” a boy’s name, if we called something other than Laura Lee. :>)
I hope The General and others in your adopted African family (as well as you), can have a better idea as to the meaning of your name.
With love, Mom