About the project
Répertonymes is the directory of family names and history of Burkina Faso — a collaborative encyclopedia, free and open to all.
What is Répertonymes?
Répertonymes is a participatory directory that catalogs, documents, and promotes Burkinabè family names. Much like Wikipedia, it is built on community contributions: anyone can add a patronyme, enrich an existing entry with its origin, meaning, variants, allied clans, or the joking relationships (kinship alliances) tied to it. Every edit is traceable and subject to collective oversight.
Our mission
In the digital age, a vast portion of our cultural heritage risks disappearing for lack of written transmission. Oral traditions, family narratives, interethnic ties, and the richness of Burkinabè patronymes deserve to be preserved, documented, and made accessible to future generations. Répertonymes aims to become the reference where anyone — researcher, student, diaspora member, or simply a curious individual — can consult verified information about a family name.
A community-driven project
While the technical infrastructure of the site was set up by a passionate developer, the bulk of the content comes from the community. It is the contributors — amateur historians, genealogy enthusiasts, village elders, family representatives — who bring the directory to life. Each entry is the product of collective work, enriched over time by anonymous hands or recognized specialists.
How to contribute?
Anyone can participate. Do you know the story behind a name? Do you have information about its geographic origin, ethnic group, totems, or alliances? Use the "Quick Add" button available on the site to submit a suggestion, or use the anonymous contribution form if you don't have an account. You can also comment on existing entries to provide details or report errors. Every contribution, however small, enriches our shared knowledge.
Verified information
Répertonymes aspires to become the go-to source for any research on Burkinabè family names. To this end, contributions are moderated and the community is encouraged to flag inaccuracies. Over time, strengthened verification mechanisms and partnerships with academic institutions will anchor the directory in a rigorous scientific approach.
Join the journey
This project exists only thanks to those who devote their time to it. Whether you are an expert in oral traditions or a newcomer curious about your roots, your voice matters. Create an account, browse the directory, add what you know. Together, let us build the memory of Burkina Faso's families.