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.