Semantic Meanings Encoded in Indigenous Kĩĩkamba Personal Names: A Componential Analysis

Abstract: Personal names are crucial linguistic devices by which societies transmit knowledge, values and historical experiences. The purpose of this paper was to establish the semantic information encoded in indigenous Kĩĩkamba personal names using the Componential Analysis of Lyons (1977). Six elders were drawn from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties which comprise the three main dialect zones of Kĩĩkamba. Their names were elicited using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The data indicate that Kĩĩkamba personal names encode semantic meanings that can be grouped under three broad fields: phenomena of nature, society and administration and values, desires and feelings. The research found the following semantic components recurrent in Kĩĩkamba personal names: [+Strength], [+Authority], [+Continuity], [+Resilience] and [+Symbolic Meaning]. The research concludes that indigenous Kĩĩkamba personal names can be regarded as an embodiment of knowledge, social values and identity. The research adds to African onomastics by showing the significance of indigenous naming patterns in representing communal values.