The male Abkhazian names were influenced not only by the rich culture of the mountainous country, but also by the influence of many ethnic groups who moved to Abkhazia. The formation of names is associated with the Muslim religion and ethnic characteristics of the population of the area.
Variety of options
In Abkhazia, like nowhere else, there are a huge number of names that are equally recognized and have their own meaning. Such diversity was influenced by:
- device of public life;
- wealth of folk art;
- historical past;
- ethnic composition of the population.
Historians, exploring male Abkhazian names, are surprised how, in the absence of national writing and recognition of common religious values, the Abkhazians were able to carry through time all the ancient traditions.
Influence of neighboring peoples
Own ethnic characteristics are deeply rooted in the minds of Abkhazians. Since ancient times, the people of the country honor traditions and believe in local traditions. On their basis, interesting Abkhazian names were formed for the boy, which always carried a certain meaning in themselves, capable of influencing the fate of the child.
However, neighboring countries influenced the structure of society and its traditions and way of life. To a greater extent, the formation of names was influenced by neighboring Turkey and the Christian religion that came to the country.
Noble families were especially distinguished, who wished to stand out with something and chose the names of Greek and Roman famous people for their heirs. Beginning in the fourteenth century, names such as Julian and Alexander were most common.
Further, with the increasing influence of Turkey, Muslim options, such as:
- Safarbey;
- Keleshbey;
- Aslanbey.
With the advent of official Christianity, primordially Russian names are spreading . Georgian traditions and similarities in mentality have also left their mark on the naming of infants.
All the changes that male Abkhaz names have undergone are associated with global changes in the economic life of society, its cultural values โโand political conflicts.
Identity of national names
Despite the influence of different nationalities and the interpenetration of cultures, the dominant place among the names is occupied by the indigenous. They always carried a different semantic load.
Abkhaz male names are more reminiscent of nicknames that highlight any defining property or dignity. So, for example, red-haired babies, they called Hapsh, which means "red-headed". A child who appeared in a mountain village or to emphasize his strength could be called Ahra, which means "cliff".
In the distant past, totemic names, which were used mainly for boys, were quite common. Often in the village ran:
- Tsgvy (cat);
- Abga (wolf);
- Khvinal (mouse).
The girls were also called in a similar way, but the bird names or the names of celestial bodies were taken as the basis.
Source of Names in Abkhazia
Often the choice of a name for a baby was influenced by his nationality. In connection with the resettlement of mountain peoples, the country was constantly inhabited by various nationalities. Children appearing in the family could have the following names:
- Shvamakh (Armenian);
- Urys (Russian);
- Chachan (Chechen).
Legends and traditions are very common among the people of the mountains. Based on them, many names were borrowed that personify the heroes from the folk epic. Modern Abkhazians do not change traditions, and now the names of legendary heroes are very popular:
- Batakva;
- Alhuz;
- Eating;
- Atlagikva.
Girls do not lag behind the strong half of humanity and receive the names of fabulous beauties who are saved by heroes from legends.
The meaning of the beautiful names of Abkhaz men
The centuries-old culture and rich folk epos have contributed to the fact that they called babies beautiful and sonorous. Parents, choosing male Abkhaz names, attach importance to many aspects. Their education depends on several nuances. To determine the kinship of all children of one family, a single letter in the name combines.
Modern newborns of Abkhazia receive names that symbolize traits of character, the surrounding area, the names of fabulous creatures and gods.
Abkhaz male names, the list of which is presented, are used by modern parents so far:
- Mkan - breathing health;
- Abzagu is a living heart;
- Amzan - the god of the moon;
- Naga - worthy;
- Shat - merciful;
- Abga - the wolf;
- Abrskil is a hero;
- Adgur - the sacrificial;
- Henri - courageous;
- Bagrat - the gift of God;
- George is a farmer;
- Zuhur is a victorious warrior;
- Inal is the kingโs son;
- Ratmir is the protector;
- Enver is beautiful.
The legacy of the people has given rise to many beautiful legends, and modern parents still strive to honor the memory of their ancestors. Given the deep respect for elders among young people in Abkhazia, parents try to carefully preserve memories of the past and name their boys beautiful, sonorous and meaningful names. This is part of the national culture.