Ndjouke
ندجوك
/ n-JOO-kay /
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇲🇷 Mauritania
- Religion
- Islam
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Traditional
Meaning & Etymology
second wife
second wife
Etymology
The name ‘Ndjouke’ is derived from the Wolof language, where ‘ndey’ means ‘mother’ and ‘jukki’ refers to a secondary or second position, thus indicating the concept of a ‘second wife’.
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Atlantic > Northern > Senegambian > Wolof
Cultural context
In Mauritanian Wolof culture, the naming of a child can reflect family structure and social roles. ‘Ndjouke’ signifies the position of a second wife in a polygamous marriage, highlighting the cultural acceptance and familial roles within the community.
Symbolism
The name ‘Ndjouke’ symbolises familial roles and the structure of polygamous marriages within the Wolof culture, reflecting the importance of family and social hierarchy.