Evolution of Anthroponyms: Transformation in the Naming of Newborn Babies and Its Role for Society in the Period of Linguistic Transition

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The study is aiming to show that name is a kind of social identification code, i.e., the names serve important social and legal functions that contribute to the identification of the person in society, allowing joining various social institutions. The functioning of personal names plays a significant role in the lives of every member of society.
 Methodology: The authors of the research article offer an empirical exploration of the transformation of naming newborns in the Republic of Kazakhstan. More specifically, the paper utilizes a grounded theory research procedure to investigate the transformations in the naming of newborn babies in Kazakhstan from the pre-Soviet times to the present.
 Main Findings: The authors indicated that from the pre-Soviet times, the changes in naming systems in Kazakhstan have been consistent with the socio-cultural and political events of each era recognizing, appreciating, and accommodating Kazakh identities, histories, languages, and cultures. The names should serve as beacon lights that imbue in them self-esteem, health, and wellbeing on the path of their adulthood.
 Applications of this study: The factual material, scientific results, and conclusions can be widely used in onomastic research, special courses on the theory of onomastics, on Kazakh anthroponymy, comparative onomastics, in lectures on semantics, word formation, lexicography. The results of the research can provide an opportunity for linguists, sociologists, psychologists, cultural scientists, etc. to draw appropriate conclusions on the formation of the national language and national consciousness.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: The paper carries implications for contemporary anthroponyms. It is important to consider traditional thought as a viable knowledge source for naming newborns and conceptualizing research in anthroponyms, this does not mean the denunciation of newborn naming practices borrowed from other cultures in favor of traditional naming practices. Every newborn is named by the parents for a purpose and a reason.