Nama

Nama is a term with multiple meanings across languages and cultures. In Sanskrit, nāma means “name” and appears in religious and philosophical contexts, including terms and devotional practices centered on the divine name. In Indonesian and Malay, nama is the everyday word for “name.” The term also occurs in ethnographic and linguistic contexts beyond these languages.

Nama people: The Nama, also known as Namaqua, are an ethnic group of southern Africa, primarily inhabiting Namibia with communities in South Africa. They are part of the Khoikhoi group and speak the Nama language, also called Khoekhoe. The Nama have a long pastoralist heritage and are known for beadwork and livestock culture. They have a history that includes contact with European colonial powers and neighboring communities.

Nama language: The Nama language (Khoekhoe) is a member of the Khoikhoe branch of the Khoisan language family and is notable for its use of click consonants. It is spoken by the Nama people and has regional dialects. In Namibia and parts of South Africa, there are ongoing efforts to support language maintenance through education and media, reflecting its cultural importance and ongoing revitalization work.

Other uses: The word nama appears as a given name in some cultures and as a surname in others. In Hinduism and related traditions, nāma is used in many compound terms and devotional expressions involving the name of the divine. In summary, Nama serves as a linguistic term, an ethnographic designation, and a religious or philosophical concept with diverse meanings.