Virtually all Buryat names were borrowed from other languages: Tibetan and Sanskrit. But it happened quite a long time ago, more than three hundred years ago. That is why in modernity, most Buryans do not even suspect that some of their names have a completely non-folk history. They are perceived as their own. It should be noted that when using other languages in the compilation of names, their sound will be significantly different, since the features of the language have a place to be.
Names of the older generations
People who were born before 1936 were called too complicated. That is, the first Buryat names were composed of several words. For example, “Garmazhal” means that a person is “protected by a star”, or “Dashi-Dondog” - “creating happiness”. In addition, the influence of
religious worldviews is clearly visible in the names of the older generation
. Considering that Tibetans and Buryats observe the same religion, naming a child, first of all, attention was paid to how he would be guarded by higher powers. By the way, it was the same religion that caused the names of the Tibetans to take root in Buryatia. You should pay attention to grammatical traditions, because because of them there were no divisions on the male and female sex. Both the boy and the girl could be called alike.
Repression names
After 1936, when the time of repression came in history, the Buryat names underwent significant changes. Now, when compiling them, the native language was used. Boys were usually called various adjectives. For example, “Zorigto,” which means “bold.” The girls were called so that their name sounded feminine tender notes (“Sesegma” - “flower”). And also color characteristics begin to be used, the child can carry a name like “Ulaan Baatar” - “Red Hero”. However, even at this time, Tibetan traditions still do not leave the Buryat culture.
Double and "multi-colored" Buryat names
Later, already in 1946,
double names appear
. But they, too, are not of a true Buryat character, since Tibetan and Sanskrit languages are used in their compilation. For example, Genin-Dorjo is a "diamond friend." But at this time the most beautiful Buryat names appear. They can mean “ray”, “joy”, “hero” or, for example, “jewel”. Thus, native names only became widespread in 1970.
Foreign fashion trends in naming children
A few decades ago there was a fashion for calling a baby in a foreign way. That is why the Buryat names until 2000 are diverse. They came from European and English. This tendency caused the Buryats to forget about their own culture and join others, including Russian.
Restoration of native culture and traditions
For a long time this state of affairs could not remain normal, and soon people began to return to their own traditions. That is why the Buryat modern names are as close as possible to the ancestral culture. Today, the head of any family at the birth of a child addresses the monks in order to help with the name. They look at the stars and call the baby as cosmic luminaries prompt them.