Of all the tribes in Plateau State, the Berom people bear unique names, with each of them telling a story, sending a message, revealing a prophecy, a memory, or a testimony.
Traditionally, the Berom people do not just give names at random; the names definitely convey a strong statement and tell a story that portrays history, hope, responsibility, and a clearly defined identity.
Another unique aspect of most Berom names is that they are mostly derived from animals, not because the child is childishly likened to an animal, but because each animal represents a deep natural strength, character, or spiritual lesson observed by our ancestors.
To the typical Berom person, these names remind them that their ancestors studied nature deeply and used it to shape human character.
A Berom name can be given because of the circumstances of birth, family history, communal events, spiritual insight, hope, and expectations for the child’s future.
Many are inspired by nature and animals, chosen to reflect a child’s character, the circumstances of their birth, or a family’s hope for the future
Most Berom names are derived from game animals, most importantly the Duiker antelope, due to their perceived beauty.
Popular Berom names such as Gyang, Pam, Dung, Davou, Chuwang, and Badung for boys, and Kaneng, Lyop, Chundung, Nvou, and Kangyang for girls, are all names for different species of the Duiker. Others, such as Bot, Tok, and Tsok, are names for other non-domesticated animals.
The symbolism means that every Berom name carries a living piece of nature and culture. Every Berom name is a window into a civilization that found beauty in nature, celebrated the hunt as a sacred art, and encoded their philosophy into the names they gave their children.
These are not just names. They are identity. Heritage. Resistance. Pride.
Today, PlateauChroniclez.com brings you the 10 most popular Berom names, their meanings, and the animal symbolism behind them.
1. BOT – Frog
Literal meaning: Frog
Cultural meaning: Survivor, Adaptability, Resilience
Symbolism: The frog survives both in water and on land.
Because of this, Bot is traditionally given to a child who survived a sickness or a child born after loss or repeated miscarriages by the mother, or a child born during hard times.
Why it is given: The name speaks of endurance and perseverance. It tells the child and the community:
“This one has passed through difficulty and still lives.” In Berom thought, Bot is a declaration that life will continue despite adversity.
2. GYANG – Buffalo
Literal meaning: Buffalo
Cultural meaning: Strength, Protection, Quiet Power
The buffalo is massive and calm, but highly dangerous only when provoked. It represents controlled strength.
Why it is given: The name Gyang is often given to a child expected to become powerful and a protector of the family. When a family desires stability and strength after periods of threat or conflict, the name comes in handy.
Traditional belief: A child named Gyang is expected to grow into someone firm in decision-making, strong in presence, and protective without being unnecessarily aggressive
3. PAM – Water Buck
Literal meaning: Water Buck
Cultural meaning: Grace, Survival, Alertness
The water buck lives close to water, always watchful and graceful, with an uncanny ability to escape danger with speed and wisdom.
Why it is given: The name Pam is usually given to a child born during uncertain or dangerous times. Such a child is believed to need wisdom to navigate through life in later years, with the belief that life is not always won by strength alone but with a combination of tact, wisdom, and awareness.
4. DUNG – Wild Ass (Equus)
Literal meaning: Wild Ass
Cultural meaning: Endurance, Independence, Stamina
The wild ass travels long distances, survives harsh terrain, and does not rely easily on others.
Why it is given: Dung is given to a child born into struggle or poverty. When parents foresee a life that will require self-reliance and instill perseverance, the natural name that comes to mind is Dung.
Traditional expectation: A child named Dung is expected to carry the burdens of the family without giving up. He is expected to walk long journeys in life and be resilient even when alone. In a nutshell, he is the expected saviour of the family.
5. CHUWANG – Reindeer
Literal meaning: Reindeer
Cultural meaning: Leadership, Guidance, Provision
The Reindeer is known for leading large herds across long, dangerous terrain during their migrations.
Why it is given: The name Chuwang is given to a firstborn male child who is expected to be a leader. He is expected to lead the household and carry others along with ease and be at the forefront when the family needs direction.
Cultural lesson: Chuwang is not just a leader; he guides others safely through hardship and difficult times.
6. KIM – Eagle
Literal meaning: Eagle
Cultural meaning: Vision, Nobility, Spiritual Height
The Eagle is an elegant bird that sees farther than all other birds and flies higher.
Why it is given: When parents desire a child of wisdom and foresight, they name him Kim. A child named Kim is believed to have a very strong destiny, vision, farsightedness, and values honour and clarity.
Cultural belief: The Berom people believe that a child named Kim should not live a restricted or ‘small’ life, as he is expected to see beyond the present.
7. KANENG – (Female) Ostrich
Literal meaning: Ostrich
Cultural meaning: Endurance, Protection, Responsibility
Despite its size, the Ostrich is an elegant bird that runs fast and protects its eggs fiercely.
Why it is given: A female child named Kaneng is expected to bear the family responsibilities when she grows up. She is a child born when the family needs strength, protection, and much is expected of her. She is the symbol of one who carries the weight of others without complaint.
Traditional lesson: She is bestowed with great responsibilities and is not expected to slow you down, but powers on with great strength and resilience.
8. LYOP – (Female) Gazelle
Literal meaning: Gazelle
Cultural meaning: Speed, Beauty, Alertness
The Gazelle is a swift and elegant Duiker which is always alert.
Why it is given: The name Lyop is given to a child who was born easily with no complications whatsoever. Such a child is admired for her grace or beauty, and families wishing for quick success and intelligence often settle for Lyop.
Cultural understanding: It is believed that speed without awareness is dangerous, but Lyop represents grace with wisdom.
9. NVOU – (Female) Deer
Literal meaning: Deer
Cultural meaning: Gentleness, Sensitivity, Wisdom
The Deer is calm, observant, and deeply aware of its environment.
Why it is given: A child given the name Nvou is seen as one with a gentle and calm spirit, especially in families that value peace. She is also seen as a symbol of restoration after a period of conflict.
Cultural significance: The name is believed to provide strength that is not always loud but still open enough for all to see.
10. NYAM – Antelope
Literal meaning: Antelope
Cultural meaning: Balance, Agility, Survival
The Antelope is a resilient Duiker that survives through speed, balance, and coordination.
Why it is given: Nyam is given to a child born in changing times, with the parents hoping for adaptability. Nyam is a symbol of balance between danger and opportunity.
Traditional meaning: Nyam teaches that life is about knowing when to run, when to wait, and when to leap.
Other popular Berom Names:
Chollom – Roan antelope
Dashwey – Leopard
Garose – Female antelope
Tok – Fish
Gwom – Python
Gyem – Pouch/Purse
Dareng- Yam
Dusu – Crocodile
Dung – Horse
Kangyang – Gazelle
Davou – Duiker
Kachollom – Roan Antelope