Okello

/ oh-KEL-loh /
Gender
Boy
Origin
🇺🇬 Uganda
Religion
Traditional
First Seen
Trait
Resilient

Meaning & Etymology

born during a famine

born during a famine

Etymology

The name is derived from the Lango word ‘kelo’ (hunger, famine) with the prefix ‘o-‘ indicating a person born under specific circumstances.

Linguistic family: Nilo-Saharan > Eastern Sudanic > Nilotic > Luo

Cultural context

Okello is a common name among the Langi people of northern Uganda. It reflects the historical reality of living through periods of food scarcity and serves as a reminder of resilience and survival.

Symbolism

The name symbolises strength and endurance, highlighting the ability to overcome hardship from birth.

Related names

Famous People

Bazilio Olara-Okello

politics · Uganda · b. 1929

Former Ugandan military officer and head of state who served as the chairman of the Military Council of Uganda in 1985.

Similar Names

Nawanyoli
Uganda

Daughter of the leopard

Namazzi
Uganda

Water

Namusese
Uganda

Born during the windy season

Jamil-Mukasa
Uganda

Beautiful servant of God

Parents who saved this also liked…

Eric
Rwanda

Eternal ruler

Zoro
Côte d'Ivoire

courage

Mosha
Tanzania

gift

Mikiyas
Ethiopia

Gift of God