World-renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has opened up about the origins of her name, sharing how she came to invent the name ‘Chimamanda’ and revealing the real name her parents gave her at birth. This insightful discussion took place during an engaging chat with media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, where she made this intriguing disclosure.
The author famous for writing the novel ‘Purple Hibiscus’ revealed that her parents never named her Chimamanda; rather she had invented the name for herself.
She stated that her parents named her Ngozi at birth and when it was time to choose a confirmation name, since she’s catholic, she chose Amanda, due to a novel she had recently read.
Chimamanda revealed that through out her secondary school, and early years studying medicine at University of Nigeria Nsukka, she had been known as Amanda.
However, she moved abroad, and found out that the name was too common and she didn’t particularly liked how it was being pronounced.
Since she had a novel underway, she thought had about how to modify the name because she wanted an Igbo name.
She revealed that that was when she came up with the name, Chimamanda, and she’s delighted with how far and wide the name has gone, as many kids are bearing the name now.
Watch her speak below …