Makelele
/ mah-keh-LEH-leh /
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Lively
Meaning & Etymology
Noise
Noise
Etymology
The name is derived from the Kikongo word ‘kelele’ meaning ‘noise’ or ‘commotion’.
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Benue-Congo > Bantoid > Bantu > Kikongo
Cultural context
In Lari culture, names often reflect characteristics or events surrounding a child’s birth. ‘Makelele’ may be given to a child born during a particularly noisy or chaotic time.
Symbolism
The name symbolises the presence of sound and activity, often associated with liveliness and vibrancy.