Lillian Ng’ang’a, the former wife of singer Juliani and ex-partner of Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, has set social media ablaze with a thought-provoking conversation on children’s naming traditions.
Taking to her Instagram page on Friday, Lillian voiced her opinion on the long-standing tradition where children primarily take the father’s name, questioning why the mother’s name is often left out.
“Children should have the names of both parents, and if possible, also include the names of grandparents or any other significant figure. I have never understood why the mother’s name is often disregarded in the naming process,” she wrote.
A Divided Conversation
As expected, Lillian’s post sparked mixed reactions among netizens. Supporters of her view argued that the naming system should evolve to reflect modern family dynamics.
They believe that a child’s identity should equally acknowledge both parents, considering the mother’s vital role in childbirth and upbringing.
On the flip side, traditionalists defended the existing naming culture, citing historical and cultural roots that have defined generations. Many argued that changing naming customs is not something that can happen overnight and requires deep societal shifts.
Celebrity Influence on Naming Trends
Lillian’s comments add to a growing global conversation where more parents are opting for hyphenated surnames or alternative naming conventions that honor both sides of the family.
Celebrities and influential figures have played a significant role in challenging traditional norms, making this discussion even more relevant in today’s world.
With the debate now gaining momentum online, one question remains: Is it time for a shift in how children are named, or should tradition remain untouched?
What’s your take? Should children carry both parents’ names, or should the traditional system stay? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬🔥
