Kidane

Meaning & Etymology

Covenant

Covenant

Etymology

Derived from the Ge’ez root word kidan (ኪዳን), meaning ‘covenant’ or ‘agreement’.

Linguistic family: Afro-Asiatic > Semitic > South Semitic > Ethiopian Semitic

Cultural context

In Eritrean Tigrinya culture, the name Kidane is often given to signify a child’s connection to their faith and community, symbolizing a covenant with God and the community’s expectations for the child’s life.

Symbolism

The name Kidane symbolizes a covenant with God and represents the hopes and expectations of the community for the child’s life, often associated with faithfulness and divine protection.

Naming ceremony

The Tigrinya naming ceremony, known as ‘Aqiqa, typically takes place on the seventh day after birth. The name is often chosen by the family and announced during this ceremony, which includes prayers and blessings.

Related names

• Kidist (Amharic)
• Kidana (Amharic)
• Kidanemariam (Ge'ez)