What's in a Name?

Discovering the Roots of Our Names: A Journey of Reflection and Preservation

Have you ever wondered about the origin of your name and the story behind it? As a soon-to-be parent, I found myself pondering this question and realized I knew little about the rich history of Rwandan names. And so, the “What’s in a Name” project was born.

With the goal of creating a shared database of Rwandan names and their meanings, I set out on a mission to preserve a piece of our oral history. By bringing together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, I hope to create a resource that will allow us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of our unique cultural heritage. Join me on this journey of discovery and reflection. 

To visit our on-going, in progress database, please click here 

To submit a name, please fill out this form.

Black man and woman holding a baby