<p><b>From a well-known expert who presides over African-American naming ceremonies comes the most comprehensive book of African names, over 4,000, both classic and contemporary.</b></p><p> </p><p>Obama, Iman, Kanye, Laila--authentic African names are appearing more often in nurseries, classrooms, and boardrooms. <i>The African Book of Names </i>offers readers more than 4,000 names from 37 countries from at least 40 different ethnic groups. What's more, the names are not just appropriate for babies, but for adults, businesses, and even pets. </p><p> </p><p>The names are organized by meaning rather than alphabetically, and readers will discover themes common to African naming, including, but not limited to: time of birth, location of birth, physical characteristics, desired characteristics, and religious or spiritual names. In addition to thousands of names from north, south, east, central and west Africa,<em> </em>the book reveals:</p><p> </p><p>• A checklist of things to consider when choosing a name--from sound and rhythm to origin and meaning</p><p>• Instructions on legal name changing in the United States</p><p>• A guide to traditional and modern African-American naming ceremonies and rituals</p><p>• A handy name worksheet to record favorite selections</p>