Ndolola
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇦🇴 Angola
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Loving
Meaning & Etymology
The one who is loved by all
The one who is loved by all
Etymology
Derived from the Chilunda root -dolola, which means ‘to be loved’ or ‘to be cherished’.
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Benue-Congo > Bantoid > Southern > Narrow Bantu > Central > L > Lunda
Cultural context
In Lunda culture, names are often chosen based on the circumstances of the child’s birth or the qualities the community hopes the child will embody. ‘Ndolola’ reflects the community’s aspiration for the child to be cherished and loved by all.
Symbolism
The name ‘Ndolola’ symbolises the value of love, unity, and the importance of community acceptance and support in Lunda society.
Naming ceremony
The Lunda people traditionally hold a naming ceremony called chilemo where the elders of the community gather to bless the child and announce the chosen name. The ceremony is accompanied by traditional songs and dances.