Kiden
/ kee-DEN /
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇸🇸 South Sudan
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Traditional
Meaning & Etymology
Born on Sunday
Born on Sunday
Etymology
The name ‘Kiden’ derives from the Dinka word ‘kiir’ meaning ‘Sunday’ and ‘-den’ which is a suffix indicating ‘born on’.
Linguistic family: Nilo-Saharan > Nilotic > Dinka-Nuer
Cultural context
In Dinka culture, the day of the week on which a child is born is significant and often influences the child’s name. Sunday, being a day of rest and worship, is considered auspicious.
Symbolism
The name ‘Kiden’ symbolises the auspiciousness of being born on a day of rest and worship, and is believed to bring good fortune to the child.
Naming ceremony
The Dinka naming ceremony typically involves the elders of the community who bestow the name upon the child. The ceremony often includes blessings and traditional songs.