Lady Who Left Catholicism for Islam Shares Why She Chose the Name Maryam

A young woman, Maryam Kenechi, who recently converted from Catholicism to Islam, has opened up about her decision and the story behind her Muslim name.

In a TikTok post, Maryam shared old photos of herself in the Catholic Church, explaining that she had taken St. Mary as her confirmation name at the time.

After embracing Islam, she discovered that Mary (English) and Maryam (Arabic) refer to the same person— the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus). This made her transition smoother, as she could keep a name that still held deep meaning for her.

She proudly noted that she can be addressed as Maryam or Mary, adding a picture of herself wearing a hijab to reflect her new identity.

Maryam wrote:

“I didn’t just accept Islam and change my name.
My name is Ugwu Kenechi Modesta Mary.
When I accepted Islam, I found out that Mary and Maryam have the same meaning — one in English, the other in Arabic. So you can call me Maryam or Mary.
I am still that Igbo Muslimah from a Christian home who found faith in Islam.”

She added that she is proud of her decision to convert, even though it meant stepping away from the Catholic tradition she was raised in.

Mixed Reactions Trail Her TikTok Post

Maryam’s revelation sparked diverse reactions online:

amii.interiors.ng: “It’s okay baby, we still love you. Christian or Muslim, let love lead.”

meliora jewelries: “You didn’t break any rule. You took the best path for yourself.”

Tamara_a: “Whatever helps you sleep well at night… it’s your choice.”

Martins Tony-nwafor: “From light to light. Let love lead.”

Abdulrahman: “Mashallah. You’re welcome to the religion of peace.”

baby girl: “What matters is knowing Jesus is the way… but you made your decision.”

𝒮𝒜𝒴 𝒪𝒮𝐻: “What did they promise you? Anyway, as a Catholic, I wish you well.”

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In a similar report, another Igbo lady went viral for her impressive Quran recitation.
Likewise, the Abuja National Mosque recently appointed its first-ever Igbo imam, Prof. Usman — a development widely celebrated for promoting inclusivity within Nigeria’s Muslim community.