What’s in a name?

My name is Sharmarke. It’s a traditional Somali name which translates to “see no evil” or “he who sees no evil".

My relationship to my name has evolved a lot over the years. Growing up, I often longed for a “simpler” name - one that wasn’t so difficult for other people to pronounce. I dreaded the inevitable back and forth of repeating my name upon introduction to someone new. Watching them struggle, try to sound it out, and sometimes give up and ask if I had a nickname. “Nope. My name is Sharmarke”, I’d respond. Although I do have a few nicknames, those are reserved for special people. Not ones too lazy to learn my actual name.

My own pronunciation of my name is Americanized. I grew up in Boston as the youngest son of a Haitian mother and Somali father. My cultural upbringing was Black American, though. The specific kind of Black American culture that Boston’s home to - which includes American, Caribbean, and African influences. Nonetheless, I didn’t speak Somali (or Haitian Creole for that matter) and my American tongue got used to saying my name a certain way.

But on the occasions my Dad would take my brothers and I to Somali events, like family weddings or graduations, I loved listening to my name’s Somali pronunciation. Hearing my cousins greet me - my name rolling off their tongues effortlessly - was amazing. How my Edos and Adeeros (Somali for Aunts and Uncles on your father’s side) said my name when they called out to me sounded like - home.

And with time, I gained a greater appreciation for my name. Regardless of the pronunciation. And the fact that the Somali naming tradition follows a strict patrilineal structure (carrying our lineage through our father’s and grandfather’s names going back hundreds of years) is a point of pride for me because my descendants will bear my name, Sharmarke, as well. And knowing that inspires me to live as honorably as I can because I am a living ancestor.

Now back to my name’s translation: see no evil. It’s meaning didn’t mean much to me in the past but now… I see it as both protection and a declaration. Although I’ve experienced my fair share of hardship and witnessed some wicked things, thanks to God, my ancestors, and the support of my many loved ones, I’m still here. And I declare it my mission to rid this world of evil so that we can build a new one based in love.

My name is Sharmarke. And no worries if it takes you a few tries to get it right. As long as you say my name with respect, that’s alright with me. We’ll sound it out together.

Love,

Sharmarke