Most of traditional Muslim names have variants and extra appellations. Apart from Muhammad, I don’t think there is any Muslim name with as many variants as Abubakar. Here are some of them: Bukar, Buba, Sadiq, Siddiq, Garba, Habu, Abu, Chika, Atiku, Ateeq, etc.
While Kanuri and Fulani clipped the name as Bukar and Buba respectively, Hausa chose a different appellation entirely, “Garba”.
“Garba” is a corruption of Arabic word “Al-Gharb” (the west). Scholars linked the origin to a tag given to the first caliph of Islam, Abubakar (RA), because his house was adjacent to the Western wall of the Prophet’s mosque.
While “Atiku” is popular in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara axis, another Abubakar variant “Chikasoro” – and by apocope “Chika” – is also peculiar to them.
“Chika-Soro” is one of Sultan Abubakar III’s honorific titles, denoting his sartorial majesty in his court.
Share your thoughts