Zewdu
ዘውዱ
/ zeh-WOOD-oo /
- Gender
- Boy
- Origin
- 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
- Religion
- Christianity
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Generous
Meaning & Etymology
Gift
Gift
Etymology
Derived from the Amharic word zewd (ዝውድ), meaning ‘gift’ or ‘blessing’.
Linguistic family: Afro-Asiatic > Semitic > South Semitic > Ethiopian Semitic
Cultural context
In Amhara culture, names often reflect the circumstances of a child’s birth or desired attributes. ‘Zewdu’ signifies the belief that the child is a gift from God.
Symbolism
The name symbolises the preciousness of life and the hope that the child will bring blessings to the family and community.
Naming ceremony
The traditional Amhara naming ceremony, called ‘Timkat’, involves baptism and the formal announcement of the child’s name in the community.