The election of the first African-American president in the
U.S. will have a lasting impact in Kenya for years to come—not only because this historical moment has been ingrained in the people’s memories, but because
“Barack Obama” will be a popular name amongst the next generation of
schoolchildren.
Several mothers at a hospital in Kenya proudly told Reuters
that they were christening their newborns “Barack Obama,” and that they hoped their
little Baracks would grow up to possess the same qualities of success,
intelligence, and perseverance that they see in America’s 44th president.
"I would like that by the time he is in his 40s he becomes the president of this country," one mother said, indicating that not only is the American Dream live and well in the U.S., but it is being exported to other countries as well.
The Obama naming trend may also catch on in the U.S. A Florida couple named their child, who was
born shortly after the election, “Obama Hall.” Obama was the first name of the president-elect’s Kenyan great-grandfather,
so using it as a first name is actually makes sense.
The name Barack means blessed.
Photo: Reuters
