The Names of TOFE
When we first started, we unintentionally made it a point to choose names with beautiful meanings.
It wasn’t something we did on purpose, but over the years, it became a tradition we naturally followed. Now, it’s something we take seriously, spending a lot of time finding names with meaningful and lovely backstories.
So, we thought—why not create a glossary page showcasing all the names we’ve used over the years?
STAPLES
SADE
In its original Yoruba language, Sade means “honor earns a crown,” “rule or lead with nobility,” or “assume royalty with your wealth.” It is a shortened form of Fọláṣadé.
SAPHIR
Saphir is a masculine variation of the precious name Sapphire, referring to the deep blue gemstone.
THE EWA COLLECTION
The name EWA has two meanings:
EWAOLUWA
A Yorùbá name meaning “God’s beauty”
EWATOMI
Meaning “Beauty is enough”
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ISEOLUWA
A Yoruba phrase meaning “the work of God.”
ADEYEMI
A Yoruba name that translates to “the crown or royalty befits me” or “crown is meant for me.”
SIMISOLA
Meaning “rest in wealth/nobility/success.”
ADESEWA
In Yoruba, “Ade” means “crown” or “royalty,” “Ṣe” means “to make,” and “ewa” means “beauty.” Together, Adesewa translates to “the crown makes beauty.”
TITILAYO
A Yoruba word meaning “eternal happiness” or “happiness is forever.” It combines “Titi,” meaning “forever” or “perpetual,” and “Ayo,” meaning “joy” or “happiness.”
THE SEKAI COLLECTION
SEKAI
SEKAI, meaning one who brings laughter and great joy from shona origins. The body of work is inspired by laughter in its purest form. It draws from the spontaneity of expression and gestures, as well as the kinetic energy and movement brought about by the action of laughing.
" ... Our founder found herself appreciating those small moments of joy and laughter while surrounded by loved ones during COVID. Laughter creates warmth from within and emits it. With that we focused on colours with warmth at its core, from bright oranges and pink to comforting browns and wines. We chose colours that represent laughter, light and dark (dark risky humour)..."
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SEKANI
Of African origin, meaning “laugh.” It symbolises joy, happiness, and harmony.
ADASSA
A variation of the Hebrew name Hadassah, meaning “myrtle tree,” a symbol of love, peace, and prosperity. The name also has roots in Guanche, derived from *sseḍs, meaning “laughter.”
AMARA
(f, Japanese) – Derived from Japanese, combining 天 (ama) meaning “sky, heaven” with 笑 (ra) meaning “to laugh, to smile” or 良 (ra) meaning “good, virtuous, respectable.” Other kanji combinations are possible.
EATO
(m, Japanese) – From Japanese 笑 (e) meaning “laugh” and 空 (a) meaning “sky,” combined with 斗 (to), referring to a Chinese constellation. Other kanji combinations are also possible.
EMIKO
(f, Japanese) – From Japanese 恵 (e) meaning “favor, benefit,” 栄 (e) meaning “prosperous,” or 絵 (e) meaning “picture, painting,” combined with 美 (mi) meaning “beautiful” and 子 (ko) meaning “child.” It can also derive from 笑 (emi) meaning “laugh, smile,” and 子 (ko) meaning “child.” Other kanji combinations are possible.
KUSEKA
(f, Shona) – A Shona word meaning “to laugh” or “smile.” Shona is a major language spoken in Zimbabwe. The name also has a Yiddish masculine variant meaning “precious one.”
SAENA
(f, Japanese) – Derived from 紗 (sa) meaning “gauze, thin silk” and 笑 (e) meaning “to laugh; smile,” expressing humility.
THE REIKO COLLECTION
REIKO
A Japanese feminine name meaning “beautiful child,” derived from the characters 麗 (rei) meaning “beautiful” and 子 (ko) meaning “child.”
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SEIA
A name with various meanings, including “star,” “blue,” “green,” “comet,” “sky,” “color,” “love,” and “affection.” It is also a Roman name, linked to the agricultural goddess Seia, who protects seeds once sown.
LO
Named after the founder’s best friend, for whom the dress was originally created as a birthday gift.
SASKE
In South Africa, the name Saske means “She is of the earth.” In Japanese, Saskè means “helping hand,” symbolizing loyalty and a supportive nature.
ISAI
A Hebrew name meaning “God is salvation,” and a variation of the name Isaiah, the name of a prominent prophet in the Bible.
IZIA
A feminine name meaning “salvation of God” or “the Lord helps me,” a respelling of the masculine Hebrew name Isaiah.
ASAE
A Japanese name with the kanji 栄 meaning “prosperity, flourish, glory,” symbolizing prosperity, success, and splendor.
THE UDANE COLLECTION
UDANE
Is a name derived from the Basque word uda, meaning “summer.” It evokes warmth, vibrancy, and the essence of the summer season.
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SUMI
Has multiple meanings and origins. In Indian languages, Sumi means “smart” or “quick-minded,” reflecting intelligence and agility. In Japanese, Sumi translates to “elegant” or “refined,” symbolising grace and sophistication.
ZURI
Is a name rich in cultural significance with diverse meanings. In Swahili, it means “beautiful,” embodying physical and inner beauty. In Hebrew, Zuri means “my rock” or “my fortress,” representing strength and stability. Biblically, Zuri-el means “my rock is God,” referring to a leader of the Merarite Levites during the exodus.
ISARE
Has multiple origins and meanings. In Yoruba, it signifies “acceleration,” conveying a sense of progress and forward movement. In Greek, it translates to “gentle breeze,” evoking calmness and tranquillity. The name may also be derived from Isa, which means “God’s promise, laughter, salvation of God.”
ASIYE
Is a name with African and Hebrew roots. In isiZulu, a language spoken in South Africa, it means “let’s go together,” symbolising unity and companionship. In Hebrew, Asiye means “grateful” or “God saves,” expressing thankfulness and divine protection.
AÏSSA
Holds meanings in both Hebrew and Arabic. In Hebrew, it translates to “God rescues” or “Yahweh is salvation,” offering a sense of divine deliverance. In Arabic, Aïssa is derived from Isa, the Arabic equivalent of Jesus, signifying spiritual salvation.
AMAÏ
Is a name with various interpretations across different cultures. In Japanese, Amai (甘い) means “sweet” or “gentle,” often used to describe kindness or pleasantness. In Shona, a language spoken in Zimbabwe, Amai means “mother,” a term of respect for maternal figures. In Hebrew, Amai can be interpreted as “my people” or “my nation,” derived from the root word am (עם), which means “people.”
NOA
Is a Hebrew name meaning “motion” or “movement.” It is popular in Israel and has historical significance in the Old Testament. Noa was one of the daughters of Zelophehad who advocated for a change in inheritance laws, allowing women to inherit property, a significant step forward in gender equality.
ZAIRE
Is an African name meaning “river” or “person from Zaire.” It can also refer to the Congo River, which was historically known as Zaire in Portuguese. The name symbolises flow, continuity, and connection to the land.
THE NOË COLLECTION
NOË
Means “rest,” “repose,” “quiet,” or “peaceful.” Derived from the Hebrew root noach, it is an alternative to the name Noah.
We also used NOË as a nickname for Noel, as we launched this collection on Christmas Day.
NOEL
Means “born on Christmas” or simply “Christmas,” reflecting the festive spirit of the holiday season.
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LAUA
Is named after the founder’s best friend, who played a significant role in the creation of this design.
AJÉ
Originates from Nigerian culture and refers to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, worshipped in certain regions. The phrase “Aje wa a ta” is a common farewell, meaning “May Ajé be with you,” symbolising a wish for prosperity and success.
KEVWE
Holds deep significance in Urhobo culture, meaning “God’s gift” or “God provided for me.” It represents divine provision, gratitude, and blessings.
*GIVEAWAY WINNER*
EROS
Draws from ancient Greek mythology, derived from the Greek word “eros,” meaning love or desire. Eros, the God of Love, symbolises passion, desire, and attraction. Often depicted as a young, winged deity wielding a bow and arrow, Eros is believed to inspire love and captivate the hearts of both gods and mortals.
Thank you @queenbru_