Deodatus Privatus Pius

Lists of names are somehow always interesting and if you are a teacher it is hard to resist the temptation to amuse the class, Rowan Atkinson-style, when you call out the register. Here in Dodoma they have some lovely names. Class lists (long ones, up to 75 per class) are in alphabetical order of first names. Spelling is not considered important so, as with Shakespeare, the same person can write their name in two or three different versions, even in the course of one day. Sign the attendance list for an exam one way, then write your name at the top of the paper a different way. Especially common is an optional -i or -y at the end of the name. Daniel or Daniely. Alfred or Alfredi. Class lists are prepared by the form teacher writing down each name as they hear it, so this can produce yet another variant. If you can't find Hadija under H look for Khadija under K. Francis? Check Phlancis. L and R are interchangeable. Can't find Leonard? Look for Reonald. The Old Testament provides some nice names - Ezekiel, Nehemiah, Samson, Shedrack, Meshack, and Abednego. Deific compound names like Godlove, Godheaven, Godlisten are common for boys. And one fairly average lad in Form II has the middle name God. For girls Happy and Happyness are very popular. Tanzania's German colonial era might be responsible for the occasional Adolph. To finish, here are a few of my favourites: Filbert, Sixbert, Golden Leonard Tibu, Rashid Hunter Charles, Deodatus Privatus Pius, Godlove Goodluck Mahali, Wilbrod Renatus Mtuka.