The Name “Anambra” Is Not New: A Look at Its Indigenous and Colonial Origins

Many believe “Anambra” is a recent invention created during Nigeria’s post-colonial period. However, historical records prove that variations of the name—such as “Anambara” and “Anambala”—were in use long before British rule. These earlier versions reflect the Indigenous Igbo pronunciation. The spelling “Anambra” is simply a colonial adaptation of the traditional name.

The written record

Historical context

Early Mention of Anambara in 1898

One of the earliest written records of “Anambara” appears in Imperial Africa: The Rise, Progress and Future of the British Possessions in Africa by Augustus Ferryman Mockler-Ferryman (1898). On page 328, the book mentions “Anambara,” proving that the name was used before the British fully established their colonial administration in Nigeria. This contradicts claims that the name was a modern invention and shows that it had already been recorded in historical texts over a century ago.

The Indigenous Name: Anambara and Anambala

“Anambara” and “Anambala” are indigenous names the Igbo people have long used. The name comes from the river now called the Anambra River, which was traditionally known as Omambala. This river was historically significant for trade, agriculture, and settlement. Since Igbo was primarily an oral language before colonial contact, variations in spelling occurred when indigenous names were written down. This explains why different versions—Anambara, Anambala, and later Anambra—appeared in historical records.

Anambra in Precolonial Times

Before colonial rule, the region now known as Anambra was home to powerful Igbo societies. The Kingdom of Nri, which existed for over a thousand years, was one of the most influential precolonial Igbo states. Other major towns like Onitsha, Awka, and Aguleri were important centres of trade, culture, and governance.

Archaeological Findings in the Region Confirm its Deep Historical Significance. Notable Sites Include:

• Igbo-Ukwu: Famous for its sophisticated bronze works, dating as far back as the 9th century CE. These artefacts demonstrate advanced metalworking skills and long-distance trade networks.

• Ezira: Known for its iron-smelting technology, the Ezira site shows evidence of early industrial activities in the region. Artefacts from this site provide insights into the technological and socio-economic practices of the precolonial Igbo people.
• Ogbunike Caves: Located in Ogbunike, these caves have been used for centuries and hold spiritual significance for the local people. The site features a network of caves and tunnels with streams and a large colony of bats, making it an important cultural and natural heritage site.
• Ihiala: Is an important archaeological site known for its early human settlements. Excavations have revealed evidence of tool-making and other activities dating back to ancient times, contributing to the understanding of the early development of the Igbo people.

Given its economic and cultural significance, it is likely that traders, travellers, and missionaries used the name “Anambara” to describe the region long before British officials documented it. The name was not an invention of colonial administrators but a long-standing indigenous term.

The claim that “Anambra” is a modern name is incorrect. Historical records, such as Mockler-Ferryman’s Imperial Africa (1898), prove that “Anambara” was already used in the 19th century. The change in spelling over time resulted from different attempts to write down the name, not from British mispronunciation.

Additionally, archaeological discoveries in Igbo-Ukwu, Ezira, Ogbunike, and Ihiala confirm the region’s long-standing historical and cultural importance. This evidence shows that Anambra is not a recent creation but a name deeply rooted in Igbo history.

Sources and references

1. Chikwendu, V. E. (1983). Early Iron Technology in Southeastern Nigeria: The Ezira Evidence. Nsukka: University of Nigeria Press.
2. Eze, I. N. (1994). Prehistoric and Historical Archaeology of Anambra: The Ihiala Excavations. Enugu: Eastern Nigeria Press.
3. Mockler-Ferryman, A. F. (1898). Imperial Africa: The Rise, Progress and Future of the British Possessions in Africa. London: S. Sonnenschein & Co.
4. Shaw, T. (1970). Igbo-Ukwu: An Account of Archaeological Discoveries in Eastern Nigeria. Evanston: Northwestern University Press.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Ogbunike Caves.

Cite this article

Idenze Ezeme. “The Name “Anambra” Is Not New: A Look at Its Indigenous and Colonial Origins.” Ozikoro, 2025. https://ozikoro.com/the-name-anambra-is-not-new-a-look-at-its-indigenous-and-colonial-origins/

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