As I read the book Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, I became curious about the origins of the African names.  There are so many different language families throughout Africa, so that is why ethic origin and pronunciation are a major part of what is behind an African name.  North Africa is predominently Muslim, Central and South African nations speak Portuegese, French, and English, and have more European sounding names.  I find it interesting that names are often given surrounding the circumstances at the time of birth.  Things such as the day of the week in which they were born, the season, parents reactions, and desired characteristics they wish to bestow on the newborn. Also whether the name is masculine or feminine. The Language in which they are spoken is what makes the name sound so unique. In Things Fall Apart, it takes place in Nigeria, and with a particular clan or tribe called the Igbo. Some of the names and their meanings are Amara which means grace...Adanna which means father's daughter...Ekene means praise...Udo means peace.