Naming systems

Introduction

These are notes to help my understanding, paraphrased from better sources (which do not always agree). Please do not assume that what follows is accurate as I have probably misinterpreted in a widespread manner. In particular, I have opted for the term ‘Family Name’ as a loose cover-all, rather than ‘Surname’ (which I have reserved mainly for UK and USA practice). The two do not necessarily have equivalence and there are many more ethnic naming systems not covered here. References are selective, entered as I come across them.

Select the first letter of a country below. [Only countries A-G located – KB, 2019].

A	B	C	D	E	F	G

For further information on the language and ethnic groups in a country see the CIA Factbook online.

Abbreviations

ClN = clan name	NN =Nickname	f=father’s
DayN =Day Name	PlN=Placename	gf=grandfather’s
FamN= Family Name	PT = patronymic	m=mother’s
GN = Given name	SN = Surname
IN = Incidental name	TN= Tribal name
MN=Middle name	wPN = Western Personal Name

Sources used:

Names of persons: national usages for entries in catalogues 4th rev ed
T.L. Shanson International guide to forms of address
Wikipedia article on family names
Dictionary of American Family Names-1 (intro pages)
Lawson More names and naming

International (potential) sources

Ingraham, Holly (1997) People’s names: a cross-cultural reference guide to the proper use of over 40,000 personal and familial names in over 100 cultures
Utsey, Ruth (2006) A world of names: nearly one hundred thousand names and spellings
Vroonon, Eugene (2001) Les noms du monde entier et leur significations (Archives et Culture)
Kaleta, Zofia (ed.) (1998-9) Personal names across countries and cultures Onoma 34: pp15-263