Mokekoli
/ mo-ke-KO-li /
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Small
Meaning & Etymology
Little one
Little one
Etymology
Derived from the Kikongo root kekoli, meaning ‘small’ or ‘little’.
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Benue-Congo > Bantoid > Bantu > Kikongo
Cultural context
In Lari culture, names often reflect the circumstances of the child’s birth or physical attributes. ‘Mokekoli’ is a diminutive form indicating a small or young child.
Symbolism
The name symbolises the value of smallness or youth, often associated with innocence and the beginning of life.
Naming ceremony
The Lari people traditionally hold a naming ceremony called ‘libanga’ where the child is presented to the community and given their name.