A sociolinguistic study on parental naming practices

Abstract

This dissertation reports on the findings of a study that primarily aimed to uncover the major factors that influence naming practices among parents of young generation children in Bouhamza, a commune in the Bejaia province of Algeria. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with a convenience sample of thirty-four (34) parents of children aged between one (1) day and twelve (12) years old. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that naming decisions were shaped by a complex interplay between five main factors: cultural, religious, familial, musical and aesthetic, and modern influences. The findings indicated that cultural identity and heritage remained foundational, with many names reflecting the community’s values such as social privileges and personal aspirations. Religious motivations, particularly the adoption of Muslim names, were prominent, with parents expressing a sense of duty towards this practice, emphasising the importance of instilling a religious identity in their children. Familial tradition, such as naming after ancestors, persisted but was sometimes viewed as a constraint by parents seeking greater autonomy in the naming decision. Aesthetic considerations, including the musicality of names, also played a significant role, especially in the creation of a harmoniously coherent family naming system, or in marking distinctiveness of children through unique names. Finally, modern influences driven by globalization and media exposure were increasingly evident, especially through the adoption of foreign trendy names for children. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the anthroponymic systems in the Kabyle Berber society and Algeria more broadly, offering valuable insights into how names are more than simple labels, functioning as markers of identity, heritage, social and cultural values, as well as personal preferences and contemporary trends.