Pet Names & Butterflies
A pet name can be defined as a term of endearment, usually an augmented form of one’s given name or any other word. Pet names trace their etymological origin to the Scottish-Gaelic term peata, which means tame animal or spoilt child.
In preparing for this article, I decided to read up on the origin of pet names. One thing led to another, and I found myself reading stories of The Strangest Names People Have For Their Partners. My research has taught me or at least confirmed some things:
- While the term “pet names” may have an origin, the art mostly likely cannot be traced. I can almost hear Eve calling Adam Addie just before she makes him eat the apple.
- Pet names do not need to make sense to everyone except the namer and the named.
- The level of cuteness a pet name has depends on (a) the connection between both parties and (b) what the name means to both parties.
- Pet names derived from good jokes or sentimental moments will be more readily accepted than those derived from bad jokes or insensitive moments, regardless of the connection between parties.
- There is a thin (sometimes thick line) between nicknames and pet names. We love pet names. We don’t always love nicknames.
I am not very good with nicknames. As I am typing this, I am trying to think of original pet names I have come up with over the years. I can only place a few — Kid Gowrse (for Ufuoma after those humungous mountain goats that look like bastard offsprings of goats, cows, and horses) and Balucifee (for Ida because when I first met him, he physically reminded me of Baloo from Jungle Book and was as sly and vindictive as Lucifee from Cinderella).
But I have been called a bunch! For example, sometime between my graduation from the university and settling in Port Harcourt, my mother has taken to calling me Koko. While I do not know where it came from, I love it and always look forward to hearing it. The randomity of its origin and uniqueness makes it even more special — like a little secret between us.
Generally, I love native names — mostly because I believe there is more gravity to them than English names. I prefer Osebhahiemen (which means God did not disappoint/fail/abandon me) to Andrea (which means strong). And somehow, I associate this analogy to pet names too.
While there is nothing wrong with common pet names like baby, babe, love, darling, and honey, I feel traditional and even made-up names hold more weight. Personally, it is even more disconcerting to call my S/O conventional pet names when I literally call everyone by those names too. Everyone is baby, baby girl, baby boy, darling, and whatnot.
If you hold similar sentiments, I have gone digging, asking questions to find indigenous pet names from different tribes. Before we begin, here are some things you should know:
First, the Yorubas and the Igbos have Ph.D. certificates in this art. They remain the undisputed champions in this regard. Their expressiveness is out of this world.
Second, I will also advocate for made-up names. But the best made-up pet names cannot be actively created. They are born spontaneously in the heat of the moment.
Let’s get on the list already!
- Osemen (Esan) — Mine
- Onoyemen (Esan) — The one I like/The one that pleases me
- Ose (Esan)— Beauty
- Omonomose (Esan) — A fine child
- Enibiokanmi (Yoruba) — My soulmate
- Ayanfe (Yoruba) — My beloved
- Ihotu kum (Idoma) — My love
- Ekum (Idoma) — Mine
- Obiye kum (Idoma) — My better half
- Nkem (Igbo) — Mine
- Asa nwa (Igbo) — beautiful girl
- Omalicha nwa (Igbo) — Beauty
- Ololufe mi (Yoruba) — My lover
- Ife mi (Yoruba) — My love
- Ade ori mi (Yoruba) — Crown of my head
- Obidiya (Igbo) — The husband’s heart
- Ebelebeje oru (Igbo) — My work, looking at you, I will not go to work
- Omasirim (Igbo) — My choice
- Obi anwurim (Igbo) — My joy
- Echeta obi asom (Igbo) — Joy of my heart
Obviously, there are so much more. But these are the replies I got from the darlings who replied to my inquiry. As a bonus, I learned that the Asante man (Ghanaian) would rival the Yoruba or Igbo man in this world of pet names. Don’t believe me? Here is some evidence:
- Ode ye wu — My love till I die
- Ma kuma nu tofi — My heart candy
- Miwiesi — My world
- Madiebi — My precious thing
While I want to learn more, everything about this pet name affair tickles my insides. It’s almost silly. But I love it. Even the silliness of it.
So join me today. Pick up a traditional name for that man/woman! It will be worth it! *insert childlike, mischievous laughter.
Hey You!
If you have read this far, it is either you love me, my writing, or both. Whatever the reason, I am extremely grateful. Plus, if you tap the clap button quickly at least ten times, I just might hear you clapping for me.
What is the sweetest pet name you’ve ever heard? Do you prefer made-up names to conventional pet names too? What is the most absurd made-up pet name you’ve ever heard?
Let me know in the comments or on WhatsApp!
Really, now, do not forget to hit that clap button. T for Thanks
Once again, thank you so much for reading.
xoxo!
