International Journal of Language & Linguistics

A Study of Honorific and Titular Names Use as Part of Kanuri personal Names
Dr. Isa Mohammed

Abstract
This paper investigated the wisdom behind the use of honorific and titular/political names by Kanuri people as part of their personal names which is an aspect of Onomastics. The study used qualitative (Ethnographic) method of data collection in conducting this study and descriptive method of analysis was adopted. The names under this category are either honorific or titular/political names that are regarded as names of prestige. The study was able to realize that these types of names are bestowed on individuals as a result of excellent performances that the individuals have achieved in a given profession, occupation, business enterprise, scholarship, education, meaningful contributions to the development of the community and/or the person is a member of the royal family who should be saddled with a political responsibility. The study was able to discover that these kinds of names precede the owner’s real names. Therefore, those who are bestowed with these kinds of prestigious names are much more popular and proud with these names than their real names and consequently some children who are named after these prominent personalities are also much more popular with these names than their real names. Both male and female personalities are given these names based on their gender.

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