Anthroponymy

The anthroponymy (or Anthroponomastik ) is a linguistic research area and branch of onomastics ( name of research).

The word is a scientific neologism consisting of ἄνθρωπος anthropos "man" and ὄνομα onoma " name ", that refers to the study of human proper names of all kinds In addition to the etymologies of names for people (Individual names, personal names) or groups (group name ) describes the anthroponymy z. example, their functions as well as geographical distribution and historical development; they also developed the classification of names.

Because of the diverse origins of the names of persons who anthroponymy it accesses most of the other subjects of the customer name as toponymy ( place and field names), Hydronymie ( waters) and so on, but also the Chrematonymen ( object name ) back.

Personal names

A basic distinction in the names of persons between individual and collective names, so names for individuals and for groups of people. There are other distinguishing criteria that specify these two groups further names, such as the distinction between official, such as civil, and unofficial names, such as house names.

Function of personal names

After today's perspective, a name used for identification; However, before he had a stronger lexical meaning, which is explored in the etymology. Those meaning related content on a frequent physical characteristic of an individual. Over time, this basic function is lost, however, and the name is usually in addition also sound changes, so that it is minimized to the identification function.

Formal outline

People -related names

• Einnamige names: first name (originally a proper name ) and surname ( additional characterization such as professional or origin name)
• Mehrnamige names: official and unofficial names. The official name is called total, of which Christian (first ) and family names are to be counted. One of the unofficial nickname include ( Spitz, ridicule and pet name ) and by- names (eg house names ). Example: Susanne Marie Mayer: Total Name Susanne Marie: Given Name Mayer: Surname Susanne: first name Susi: Nickname ( reduction of the first name ) Miller: House name (Accepted Susi lives on a farm, which is known under the name Müllerhof. )

Also invented by humans for mythical creatures names belong to anthroponymy, so for example names for demons, deities, or personified animals.