CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
MODERN SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
71
MODERN NAMING TRADITIONS AND THE REFLECTION OF
NATIONAL VALUES
Ergashev Ulugbek Akbarali ugli
Independent researcher of Fergana state university
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15747139
Abstract:
This paper investigates how contemporary naming practices not only
reflect personal choices and aesthetic preferences but also emdiv deeper
socio-cultural, historical, and national values. As naming is both a linguistic and
a cultural act, it serves as a tool for identity construction, cultural memory
preservation, and value transmission. In many regions, particularly in post-
Soviet and Central Asian societies such as Uzbekistan, the tension between
tradition and modernity manifests vividly in naming trends. By examining
linguistic roots, semantic motivations, generational shifts, and societal
influences, this study highlights how national identity remains preserved even
within evolving global contexts.
Keywords:
Naming traditions, national identity, cultural values, anthroponymy,
Uzbekistan, socio-cultural linguistics, globalization, onomastics
Introduction
Names are among the first social identifiers assigned to individuals, and
they carry significant cultural, emotional, and historical weight. In every society,
the act of naming is a meaningful practice shaped by language, religion, ideology,
family customs, and societal norms. In modern times, as globalization
accelerates cultural exchanges, naming conventions have undergone substantial
transformations. Yet, in many communities, names still strongly reflect national
and ethnic values, symbolizing a community’s worldview and heritage.
The aim of this article is to analyze how modern naming practices reflect
national values through the lens of cultural anthropology, linguistics, and
sociology. Special attention is given to Central Asian contexts, where names
serve as a bridge between ancestral memory and modern identity formation.
National Identity and Naming Conventions
National identity is often articulated and reinforced through language—and
personal names are one of the most visible linguistic markers of belonging.
Across various cultures, names serve as codes of ethnic pride, spiritual
connection, and political alignment. In this regard, the naming system becomes a
mirror of society’s moral, ideological, and historical narratives.
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
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For instance, in Uzbekistan and other Turkic-speaking nations, many names
have roots in ancient epics, Islamic texts, and pre-Islamic mythology. Male
names like
Temur
,
Jaloliddin
, or
Rustam
evoke heroism and resistance, while
female names such as
Gulbahor
,
Nigora
, or
Mehriniso
symbolize beauty and
tenderness. These choices are not random; they reflect societal ideals and
historical consciousness.
Moreover, national identity is often asserted through the revival of
indigenous names, rejection of foreign-sounding alternatives, and deliberate
preservation of linguistic purity. For example, the preference for Turkic-origin
names over Russianized variants in the post-Soviet era is a clear indication of
cultural reassertion.
Modern Influences on Naming Practices
Contemporary naming is shaped by a diverse set of factors, many of which
stem from technological advancement, globalization, and changing social
dynamics. Several key influences include:
a) Westernization and Global Media
Exposure to Western culture via film, music, and the internet has led to the
adoption of globally recognizable names. Parents increasingly choose names like
Milan
,
Daniel
,
Sabrina
, or
Elina
, believing they sound modern, prestigious, or
globally adaptable. This trend is especially evident among urban families and
diasporic communities.
b) Digital Culture and Creativity
Online culture has given rise to unique or invented names. The influence of
video games, influencers, and pop culture figures has resulted in hybrid names
that mix different languages or novel spellings. These names reflect
individualism but often lack traditional semantic depth.
c) Migration and Diaspora Effects
Families migrating to Western countries often choose names that are easy
to pronounce internationally. As a result, names may lose their original linguistic
and cultural forms to adapt to foreign systems, resulting in assimilation over
generations.
d) Legal and Bureaucratic Factors
In some countries, governments regulate name registration to preserve
linguistic integrity or prevent inappropriate or harmful naming. In Uzbekistan,
names must conform to cultural norms, and authorities may reject names
deemed foreign, ambiguous, or disrespectful to local traditions.
National Values in the Face of Change
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Despite the growing influence of global trends, many families continue to
view naming as a moral and national responsibility. Names still function as
carriers of:
a) Respect and Lineage
Naming children after grandparents or ancestors preserves continuity and
familial respect. It also transmits intergenerational wisdom and love,
symbolizing cultural humility.
b) Virtues and Aspirations
Names with positive meanings remain highly preferred. Names such as
Sabriddin
("patience of faith"),
Zafar
("victory"), or
Gulsanam
("delicate flower")
reflect parental hopes and cultural virtues.
c) Language Revitalization
As part of national revival, there is an increase in names drawn from old
Turkic, Persian, or Arabic roots. This effort symbolizes pride in the linguistic
past and resists foreign cultural domination. For instance, names like
Bunyodkor
or
Iftikhor
became popular after Uzbekistan’s independence.
This continuity amid transformation illustrates the resilience of cultural
values even in a modernized, digitalized society.
Case Study: Naming Trends in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan provides a compelling case of how naming reflects national
evolution. Three distinct phases can be identified:
a) Soviet Influence (1920s–1990s)
During the Soviet era, names were often Russified (e.g.,
Anvar
became
Anvarov
), and traditional Islamic or Turkic names were discouraged. Some
parents adopted secular or ideologically neutral names to avoid persecution.
b) Post-Independence Period (1991–2010)
With national independence came a renaissance of cultural self-expression.
Names reflecting patriotism, Islamic heritage, and historical pride gained
popularity. Examples include
Shon-sharaf
(glory),
Istiqlol
(independence), and
Zubayr
(early Muslim figure).
c) Modern Period (2010–Present)
Today, naming is influenced by both tradition and trendiness. Some families
opt for international-sounding names, while others maintain strong local roots.
A growing number of parents are also reviving forgotten names from pre-
Islamic or early Islamic periods to distinguish their children’s identity in a
globalized world.
Conclusion
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
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Modern naming practices serve as cultural battlegrounds where tradition,
identity, modernity, and globalization intersect. While the globalized world
offers new sources of inspiration, national identity continues to play a powerful
role in shaping naming choices. Names act as vessels of memory, values, and
aspirations. In countries like Uzbekistan, names not only distinguish individuals
but also signify belonging to a rich historical and cultural continuum.
The persistence of national values in naming conventions—despite external
cultural pressures—demonstrates the enduring importance of names as both
linguistic and cultural symbols.
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