Names are an important part of the identity and history of a people. In Ugep, some of the names that were commonly given to male children in the past are gradually becoming less common today.
Many of these names are names that our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and even some people still living today were born with. They are names that generations of Ugep people grew up meeting around them.
At the moment, we do not have confirmed meanings or explanations for all of these names. We are still researching their origins, meanings, pronunciations, and the circumstances surrounding their use. It is therefore important that we do not attach meanings to them based on assumptions or modern interpretations.
What we do know is that these names formed part of the naming tradition of Umor (Ugep) for several generations. Many people born in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and even the 1990s encountered these names as part of everyday life in Ugep.
Over time, however, naming patterns began to change. Newer names, particularly names with clearly understood meanings or names expressing specific hopes, circumstances, virtues and aspirations, became more popular among parents. As a result, some of these older traditional names are gradually disappearing from everyday use.
This list is therefore not simply a collection of old names. It is an attempt to document a part of Ugep's cultural heritage before some of these names are forgotten.
We invite elders, historians, linguists, families and anyone with knowledge of these names to help us learn more about them. If you know the meaning, origin, correct pronunciation, history or story behind any of these names, we would be glad to document and verify that information.
Traditional Male Umor (Ugep) Names
1. Otu
2. Ikpi
3. Usani
4. Ofem
5. Ubi
6. Ikoi
7. Ubana
8. Eteng
9. Okri
10. Inah
11. Eyong
12. Uket
13. Abam
14. Onen
15. Osong
16. Arikpo
17. Usua
18. Ekpon
19. Ebanamke
20. Edet
21. Etim
22. Ukwa
23. Ibor
24. Egede
25. Ugbor
26. Egu
27. Ekor
28. Ibiang
29. Ofegobi
30. Ujong
31. Obono
32. Kepam
33. Okoi
34. Nwoyi
35. Onun
36. Unoh
37. Ngombelijoi
38. Iwara
39. Utum
40. Kokala
41. Omini
42. Ewa
43. Leko
44. Apih
45. Sokol
46. Loghangha
47. Kiwel
48. Edel
49. Osu
50. Inyang
51. Enang
52. Otoba
53. Kofeli
54. Esukpa
55. Utre
56. Iwara