Name and Naming in Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay With Me: An Onomastic Exploration — Kikelomo Adeniyi, Francis Olabisi Jedege, Peluolami Adebisi Olowofoyeku

ABSTRACT: The study examines the onomastic landscape of AyobamiAdebayo’s “Stay With Me” (SWM), exploring the significance of names andnaming patterns in the novel set in a Yoruba locale of South West, Nigeria.By analyzing selected characters and recurring naming motifs, the studyexplores how these linguistic elements contribute to the overall themes andcharacter development in the novel. The research further investigatessymbolic and allegorical meanings associated with names, their relationshipto the cultural and historical context of Yoruba, so much so that anindividual’s name is considered his primary identity. Through a closeexamination of the onomastics of SWM, this study reveals how names areemployed in the novel to lend meaning to specific phenomena and explaincertain situations that unfold during the interaction among the selectedcharacters. Research indicates that names have an impact on the portrayal ofcharacter and behavioral patterns of the individuals being identified.KEYWORDS: Onomastics, Ayobami Adebayo’s Stay With Me, YorubaNaming Pattern, Names, Anthroponomy.