Nigerian comic actor Bayo Bankole, widely known as Boy Alinco, has urged parents to embrace traditional names to preserve cultural heritage.
Speaking on the Teju Babyface Podcast, he emphasized the significance of indigenous names in maintaining identity and history.
Encouraging parents to choose Yoruba names
Bankole expressed concern over the growing trend of African parents choosing foreign names for their children.
He encouraged them to prioritize traditional Yoruba names like Oluwaseun, Oluwapamilerinayo, and Oluwasoromidayo instead of popular Western names such as Jayden or Biden.
According to him, African names carry deep meanings and cultural significance, which should not be discarded.
He warned that abandoning indigenous names could lead to a loss of identity. “Names are more than just words. They tell a story about our origins, our values, and our heritage. When we replace them with foreign names, we erase a part of who we are,” he said.
Debunking pronunciation concerns
Many parents worry that African names may be difficult for non-Africans to pronounce. Bankole dismissed this argument, stating that people around the world pronounce complex names from other cultures without hesitation.
He pointed out that Dutch, Russian, and Indian names, some of which are lengthy and unfamiliar, are commonly used in schools and workplaces.
“If schools can pronounce names from other countries, why should ours be an exception?” he questioned. “Indian names are long, yet Indians hold on to them proudly. The same goes for Russians and the Dutch. Why should we feel the need to change our names?”
The importance of names in cultural identity
Alinco highlighted the struggles many African Americans face in tracing their ancestral roots. He compared this to Indian and Jewish communities, who maintain strong ties to their heritage through their names.
![Nigerian comic actor Bayo Bankole, widely known as Boy Alinco. [Photo credit: Google]](https://newdailyprime.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OIP-21-1.jpeg)
Alinco noted that Jewish surnames often link individuals to their ancestry, while Indian names like Patel represent entire communities and retain their historical significance.
“Our names connect us to our past,” he explained. “African Americans often struggle to trace their lineage because their names were changed. But look at the Jews and Indians. Their names are their identity, and they carry them with pride.”
A call to preserve tradition
For Bankole, keeping traditional names is not just about preserving the past; it is about securing the future.
He stressed that names serve as a bridge between generations and ensure that cultural heritage remains intact.
“If my name is the reason my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can trace their roots back home, then I consider it a blessing,” Alinco said. “Our names should not disappear. They should live on, just as our culture does.”
Conclusion
Bankole’s passionate plea highlights the importance of names in preserving cultural identity. Alinco encourages parents to rethink their choices and embrace the beauty of indigenous names.
By doing so, he believes they will protect their heritage and ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots.
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