In English, my name translates to gift (ore) from God (oluwa) (“What Does”). A gift from the most powerful, most supreme being in the universe. In my nickname Ore, God has been removed. I am no longer a gift from God but rather just a gift. Ore in Yoruba means friend, and gift. In Yoruba, you say Ore mi in order to say “my friend”. To a loved one saying "Ore mi," is both an expression of friendship and the profound sense of being a precious gift to each other. It is an intimate acknowledgment of being not just companions but also cherished gifts and friends of one another. It is a phrase that captures the depth of their connection. This connection is one that goes beyond love, signifying companionship and the value they drench each other in. My friend, my gift, my Ore.

It is a melody, a name that hits like a ball of happiness when it is uttered. It carries the essence of friendship though its owner. It brings happiness and companionship to others, yet to me it brings pressure. Pressure to smile, to be happy. Expectation to be intuitive, patient, and nurturing.

Beneath the surface of its beauty lies a weight of expectations and pressures. As a name bestowed upon me, it carries the implicit anticipation of embodying its meaning – of being a gift, a source of joy and companionship to those around me. This expectation can sometimes feel burdensome, like a heavy cloak I must wear at all times, engulfing me in my entirety and wrapping how I truly feel sometimes. It’s a name that when given to someone demands a constant display of happiness and nurturing from them, fostering a sense of obligation to live up to its significance. 

I’m swamped by a kaleidoscope of eyeballs, the glow in each of their eyes a reflection of my every action worthy of my name, and my every mistake. Whether the eyes are real or imagined, the feeling of being under scrutiny, of having to deliver something of value is real. While I carry this burden the weight is lightened when I am reminded of the significance that my name holds as well as the bond it represents. It serves as a constant reminder to me of the value of friendship and the importance of nurturing meaningful connections with those around me. Despite the challenges “Oreoluwa” may bring, it remains a source of strength and identity, grounding me in my roots and guiding me towards a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me, serving as a beacon of light and friendship.

Works Cited

“What Does the Name Oreoluwa Mean?” Names.Org, Names.org, www.names.org/n/oreoluwa/about. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.