KURIA NAMES DERIVED FROM EVENTS AND VARIOUS CONDITIONS

Kuria people also name their children according to an event which took place during the birth of a child. Some of the events are natural occurrences such as Earthquake ( Kirigiti), Lightning (Nkobha), Rains( Wambura/Nyambura), Famine (Wanchara), Harvest (Magesa/Mogesi). Floods(Nyamanche). The list is not exhaustive.
The following list is some of the Kuria names and their literal meaning. Note that all names have deep spiritual relevance and meaning and can be interpreted differently according to circumstances and objectives as discussed earlier. This is a sample list, Wakuria have many more names than we what we always expect. It is not Chachas and Mwitas only!

Kuria names derived animals or birds

Nyamburi – Goat
Nyang’ombe – Cow
Gaini – Bull
Nyangoko/Magoko –Chicken
Wangwe – Leopard
Wandui – Lion
Nyanswi – Fish
Tyenyi – Animal
Machage – Zebra
Nchoka/Waichoka - Snake
Nguti- Dove
Sariro - Eagle
Mang’era – Buffalo
Nyanchugu – Elephant
Wankuru – Tortoise
Kehengu – Rock rabbit
Ngocho – Parrot
Ng’wena – Crocodile
Magige – Locust
Kinyunyi – Bird

Names after action or fortune.
Mokami – Milkman
Motegandi/ Mohagachi – Builder
Murimi – Farmer
Nyantahe – From Container
Muya- Beauty
Mohoni – Salesman
Motongori – First Harvester
Mtundi – Food provider
Matinde- Land tiler
Waitara- Granary
Mataro/ Machera/Mogendi –Traveller
Moseti – Hunter
Mbusiro – Seeding grain

Names after clans/tribes

Mwikabhe/Ikwabhe - Maasai
Mtatiro – Tatoga
Mogaya – Luo
Mgusuhi – Kisii
Nyabasi – From Nyabasi
Mtimbaru – From Butimbaru

Mystical/Abstract Names
Nyanokwe – God
Wainani – Jinni
Mgosi – From North
Wanyancha – From West/Lake
Mirumbe - Mist/Fog
Sabure – god of the Wanchari
Melengali- Sunlight
Nchota/Nsato – Mystical snake
Matiko/Butiko – Night
Ryoba/Rioba – Sun

The next article will look at Wakuria tools and weapons. Happy reading!