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Celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has shared the personal journey behind her famous name, offering a rare glimpse into how “Chimamanda” came to be.
Speaking at a student gathering, the Half of a Yellow Sun author revealed that she was born Ngozi Grace, but the names never truly felt like her own. “Grace was my mother’s name. I think Grace is a beautiful name, but it never felt like my name,” she said.
As a child, she embraced the name Ngozi but often felt it was too common. In search of something unique, she adopted “Amanda” during her confirmation after being inspired by a novel she was reading. “There were a few arguments with the church hierarchy because Amanda is not a saint’s name. But I made my case, and they allowed me.”
However, after moving to the United States for school, she quickly realized Amanda was not only common but often mispronounced. One moment in class became pivotal: “Someone was referring to me, but I didn’t turn because I didn’t realize they meant me. That’s when it hit me Amanda was not my name.”
She began reflecting on identity and heritage, determined to reclaim a name that connected to her roots but still retained part of “Amanda” for documentation consistency. Then came a divine spark: “Honestly, it came as a revelation…
The name Chimamanda came to me. In Igbo, it means ‘My God will never fall.’ I gave it to myself, but I was also given the name.”
Today, that name is known globally, representing not just a literary voice but a strong symbol of identity, culture, and self-affirmation.
#ChimamandaAdichie
#EntertainmentDaily
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