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|b Each name has a meaning and significance to all the peoples of the world. There are nicknames circulated among people, and other names in the official papers of some. Names, surnames and nickname in Sudan are linked to religious, social or political occasions according to the culture of each family. The study lists some of those names in the diverse cultures and different environments (Islamic, Arabic, African) in Sudan and the Nile Valley. The Sudanese have distinguished names which express that diversity. They have a day to name the newborn, called "Semaya Day", in which the large family meets to choose the name for the baby by consent. It is a day when snacksare offered or a sheep is slaughtered according to the financial situation of the family. The study presents groups of names from nine major regions: Northern Sudan, Khartoum, Omdurman, Bahari, Kassala, Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile, Bahr Al Ghazal, Upper Nile and Equatoria. Each group of names is linked to the socio-cultural heritage that extends over time in each region. Names are associated with some phenomena, such as slavery, fear of envy, fashion, travel to the Arab Gulf after the emergence of oil, the fame of a football player, and the dominance of classical Arabic. There is also an influence of Moroccan and Andalusian culture. There are many nicknames, such as Abu Qu- saisa who had a strand of hair on his forehead. There is also Abu Qatati. In Sudan, Qattiyais a house made of straw and clay. It has a small dome and does not exceed two meters in height. It appears the Qatatiwas a builder of such houses. There is also Abu Kasawi, a nickname for the devout Sheikh. The study concludes with a brief documentation of some Arabic names in Sudan, after female companions, ancient female poets and famous female singers.
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