family_restroom Meaning
20 Beninese family names
In Benin, the family name (xónlin) tells a story: ethnic group, trade, circumstances of birth. Here are the 20 most common family names and their origin.
schedule 6 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
1
Royal
5 names of the Fon nobility
HounkpatiHouse of wealth
AdjoviGift of the king
AhouangonouBorn of a victory
GléléFrom King Glélé
BéhanzinLineage of the last king
2
Vodun
5 names linked to the sacred
HounsaVodun initiate
VodounonVodun priest
SagboBorn on Sagbata’s day
HoungboChild of the drum
AkpoviChild of iron
3
Origin
5 geographic names
AïzoFrom Allada
MahiFrom the Mahi people
Yoruba (Houéto)Yoruba origin
GounGoun people of Porto-Novo
TofinLake people of Ganvié
4
Trades
5 occupational names
HouessouMaster craftsman
KpadonouBlacksmith
AdjanohounHealer
AdissodaMerchant
AhodégnonFarmer
Tip
To find the origin of a Beninese family name: break it down into Fon roots. E.g.: Houn (Vodun) + kpati (wealth) = Hounkpati.
Living surnames
Every Beninese family name is a fragment of history : ethnic group, trade, religion, event. The Fon carry their past in their name.
Nɛ a nɔ nyi ?
“What’s your name?” — lesson 3, chapter 1
Parlons Fongbe Academy
The full course
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.
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- 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