The names of the inhabitants of the Caucasus are quite diverse. In this article, we will talk a little about what they are and where they come from. In addition, we will provide a small list that includes the most characteristic Caucasian names.
Names in the Caucasus: composition
There are really many names in this region and they do not represent a single common Caucasian tradition. The onomasticon of the Caucasus is formed primarily from the independent traditions of all national states. Of course, each ethnic group has its own variants, rooted in the national culture and language. Accordingly, many names carry a certain flavor of the country from which they originate. Nevertheless, there is a certain common layer in the Caucasus, since many Caucasian names come from Persian and Arabic. Their distribution in this region is due to Islamization, which most of the Caucasian states have undergone. Christian countries, like, for example, Georgia and Armenia, have an onomasticon, which is a fairly distinctive tradition, which somewhat stands out against the general background. In addition to them, in the Caucasus there arevarious sub-ethnic groups, which, while maintaining their own unique cultural and religious traditions, also differ in the nature of the names that children are called.
Caucasian names: sources
Leaving out all sorts of particulars, let's focus on what constitutes the mainstream of the Caucasian onomasticon. With regard to the sources of names, it practically does not differ from other nationalities settled around the world. Firstly, the most ancient Caucasian names originate in the names of animals and plants. Equally popular are forms derived from the qualities of character that parents wanted to nurture in their offspring. Next come the names associated with we alth, prosperity and he alth. Among women's names, the theme of beauty also prevails. Often she is symbolically and figuratively associated with flowers and moonlight. Although, in general, the names associated with heavenly bodies can be distinguished into a separate category. Finally, with regard to male names, they often correlate with the categories of power, might and strength. Next, we will give some of the most beautiful Caucasian names in our opinion, so that you can feel their specifics.
Male names
Shamil. This is a very common name. You can translate it using the word "all-encompassing".
Abu. Actually, that was the name of one of the closest associates and relatives of the Prophet Muhammad. Because of this, it is considered honorable among the followers of Islam, and thereforeoften found in the Caucasus.
Rashid. Translating this option into Russian is quite difficult. It denotes several qualities at once, such as prudence, consciousness and worldly wisdom.
Said. Caucasian names of boys, as already mentioned, are often of Arabic origin. This name is one of them. It means "happy".
Ibrahim. A name especially popular in Chechnya. It comes from the Hebrew form "Abraham". Means "father of many nations."
Murat. Translated into Russian, this name means “desired goal.”
Deni. Another name, typical mainly for Chechnya. But it comes from Greece, where the god of winemaking was called that.
Mustafa. Means "chosen one". It is one of the favorite names among Muslims.
Rahman. A very beautiful name that translates as "grace".
Mansour. If you try to translate this name into Russian, you get something like “protected”.
Umar. Means "vital".
Ramadan. This is actually the name of the holy month of the Islamic calendar.
Female names
Ainura. Translated as "high light".
Aisha. This is a very common female name in the Caucasus. It is connected with the very concept of life and can be translated as “living” or “living”.
Aliya. A noble name that means "ex alted" or "eminent".
Balzhan. Caucasian names for girls are often based on some kind of symbolic analogy. For example, this option is literallymeans "honey", hinting at the "sweet taste" of its bearer.
Gulnaz. Translated into Russian, it means “delicate, like a flower.”
Samira. This name has two meanings. The first refers to motherhood and childbearing and literally means "fertile". Another version of its translation is "fruitful". But the second meaning that is invested in it is best conveyed by the word "interlocutor".
