Kakpo

/ kah-POH /

Gender: Girl
Origin: 🇧🇯 Benin
Religion: Traditional
First Seen: —
Trait: Traditional

Meaning & Etymology

Born on Thursday

Born on Thursday

Etymology

The name ‘Kakpo’ derives from the Fon words ‘kɔ’ (to be born) and ‘kpɔ’ (Thursday).

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Volta-Congo > Gbe

Cultural context

In Fon culture, the day of the week on which a child is born is significant and often influences the choice of name. Thursday, or ‘Kpɔ’, is associated with the deity ‘Sakpata’, who is linked to the earth and smallpox.

Symbolism

The name ‘Kakpo’ symbolises the day of the week the child was born and is believed to influence the child’s destiny and character traits.

Naming ceremony

The traditional Fon naming ceremony, known as ‘Vidodo’, typically takes place a week after the child’s birth. During this ceremony, the child’s name is announced and blessings are bestowed upon them.