Background of the Study
Name-changing practices in Abeokuta South have long been embedded in cultural, religious, and social contexts, serving as markers of identity, status, and life transitions. Traditionally, names carried deep significance, reflecting lineage, destiny, and communal affiliation (Balogun, 2023). In recent times, however, the phenomenon of name changing—often influenced by modernization, globalization, and religious conversions—has raised concerns about the dilution of traditional identity markers. Contemporary trends show that many residents adopt new names that align with modern aspirations or foreign influences, sometimes at the expense of ancestral heritage (Oduwole, 2024). This study examines the cultural implications of such practices, investigating how they affect the continuity of cultural narratives and social bonds. It explores the tension between the desire for modernity and the preservation of traditional naming customs, drawing on historical records, interviews, and community observations (Akinyemi, 2025). The research aims to understand whether name-changing practices represent a loss of cultural identity or an adaptive response to changing social landscapes (Olatunde, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
The increasing trend of name changing in Abeokuta South is raising concerns about the erosion of cultural identity and loss of traditional values (Oduwole, 2023). As modern influences encourage the adoption of new names, the historical significance attached to traditional names is being undermined. This shift poses challenges for cultural preservation and the intergenerational transmission of heritage. The study seeks to understand the underlying causes and consequences of these practices, and to identify measures that can help maintain the cultural significance of traditional naming conventions (Balogun, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To examine the cultural significance of traditional naming practices.
2. To analyze the factors driving modern name-changing trends.
3. To propose strategies for preserving cultural identity through naming conventions.
Research Questions:
1. What is the cultural significance of traditional names in Abeokuta South?
2. What factors contribute to the increasing rate of name changes?
3. How can cultural heritage be preserved through naming practices?
Research Hypotheses:
1. H1: Modern influences significantly contribute to name-changing practices.
2. H2: There is a negative correlation between name changing and cultural identity preservation.
3. H3: Educational interventions can promote the retention of traditional names.
Significance of the Study
The study is significant as it highlights the impact of modern trends on traditional identity markers. Its insights will assist cultural custodians and policymakers in developing initiatives that promote the preservation of indigenous naming practices, thereby reinforcing cultural heritage (Akinyemi, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to exploring the cultural implications of name-changing practices in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Ogun State, focusing solely on local naming customs.
Definitions of Terms:
• Name Changing: The act of adopting a new personal or family name.
• Cultural Identity: The expression of heritage and traditional values through naming.
• Traditional Naming Practices: Customary methods of naming that reflect ancestral heritage.
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