Likeleli

Meaning & Etymology

It is beautiful

It is beautiful

Etymology

Derived from the Sesotho word lek-le-le, meaning ‘it is beautiful’.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Sotho-Tswana > Sotho

Cultural context

In Basotho culture, names often reflect the circumstances of a child’s birth or convey positive attributes. Likeleli is a name that celebrates beauty and positivity.

Symbolism

The name Likeleli symbolises the appreciation of beauty and the positive attributes associated with it, reflecting the cultural value placed on positivity and aesthetic appreciation.

Naming ceremony

In Basotho tradition, a child is typically named eight days after birth in a ceremony called lenyalo. The name is often chosen by the maternal grandmother or another respected elder.

Related names

• Puleng (peace)
• Thato (love)
• Nthabiseng (make me happy)