Glen Lewis Opens Up About His Name and the Family Rift It Created

Glen Lewis Opens Up About His Name and the Family Rift It Created

Names are more than just labels—they hold deep cultural, emotional, and even spiritual significance. For renowned radio host Glen Lewis, his name has been a source of both personal identity and family tension.

During a recent show of Kaya Drive 959, Glen sparked a thought-provoking discussion with his audience: “Did you always love your name, or have you ever struggled with it?” His own answer to this question revealed a complex story of tradition, belief, and family dynamics.

A Name That Sparked Family Division

Glen, who comes from both Tswana and Venda heritage, shared that his parents had very different ideas when it came to naming him. His mother gave him English names, while his father insisted on Venda names. However, one name in particular—Mbulaeni—was rarely spoken in his household.

“My family avoided calling me Mbulaeni because my mother believed it would bring bad luck,” he explained.

The name Mbulaeni, which translates to “Mpolaye” in Setswana (meaning “Let them kill me”), became a symbol of division within his family. His mother preferred to call him Mpotseng, believing it carried a more positive and protective meaning. But his father remained firm—he was Mbulaeni, a name that, as Glen later discovered, held deep family significance beyond just him.

“For the longest time, I didn’t understand why my father was so adamant about it. Then I realized—it wasn’t just about me. The name carried weight in his side of the family, tied to relationships and history that I wasn’t fully aware of.”

The Meaning Behind a Name

Glen’s story resonates with many who have experienced similar struggles with their given names. Whether passed down through generations, rooted in culture, or chosen for spiritual reasons, a name is more than just an identifier—it can reflect history, beliefs, and even unresolved family conflicts.

His heartfelt reflection sparked an emotional response from listeners, many of whom shared their own journeys of accepting, changing, or even rejecting their birth names.

What’s in a Name?

Have you ever questioned the meaning of your name? Do you carry a name that holds deep family significance, or one that has caused personal conflict?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

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