auto_awesome Girls’ names
The name Mawu
Mawu, the supreme deity of the Fon pantheon, also gives a female name full of spirituality. Often used in compound names, it expresses devotion and divine protection.
Mawu, a female deity
In Fon cosmology, Mawu is the creator deity, sometimes associated with the moon. As a name, it is given to girls who are hoped to lead a holy life.
Often in a compound name
The name is rare on its own, but very common in compounds:
Moon and femininity
Since Mawu is often associated with the moon (as opposed to Lisa, the sun), girls named Mawu are seen as:
Mawu-Lisa
In some Fon traditions, Mawu and Lisa form a primordial couple: Mawu (woman/moon) + Lisa (man/sun). The name Mawu therefore places the girl under the protection of this cosmic female force.
A name of the divine
Mawu is one of the most spiritually charged names in Fon culture. Giving this name to a girl = placing her under the protection of the supreme deity.
Behind every first name, there is a whole language.
A Fon name is a sentence. To truly hear it, you need the language: 79 video lessons with a native speaker — greet people, introduce yourself, talk about your family, understand your grandmother on the phone.
One free trial lesson when you sign up.
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test