“What is in the name?” A critical analysis of names given to female characters in selected isiXhosa literary texts

Naming characters in literature forms part of characterization. The name assigned to a specific character is the author’s conception as well as a message the author wants to pass to his audience, because names have a significant meaning and they relate to specific issues. AmaXhosa are named based on their clan names, Christian beliefs, family experiences, parents’ expectations, events surrounding birth, or after a certain forefather. Although scholars have researched character naming in isiXhosa literary texts, using literary onomastics, there is a paucity of extended research on naming of female characters and analysis of their names using feminism. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyse names given to female characters in selected isiXhosa literary texts. We used qualitative research approach to analyse seven names from four literary texts written in the past and contemporary ones. In analysing these texts, we used literary onomastics as well as black South African feminism. Although authors may have followed the African manner of naming characters and the assumptions of onomastics in naming female characters, names given to female characters reveal gender inequality, which lead to acts of gender-based oppression, portray female characters as second-class citizens who depend upon men. This paper contributes in encouraging writers to consider other principles in naming female characters in their narratives, so that they are not accused of singling one gender for oppression.