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 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 consists primarily of the independent traditions of all national states. Of course, each ethnic group has its own options, rooted in national culture and language. Accordingly, many names carry a certain flavor of the country from which they originate. Nevertheless, in the Caucasus there is also a certain common layer, since many Caucasian names come from Persian and Arabic. Their distribution in this region is due to the Islamization, which has undergone most of the Caucasian states. Christian countries, such as Georgia and Armenia, have an onomasticon representing a rather distinctive tradition, which is somewhat distinguished from the general background. In addition to them, there are various sub-ethnic groups in the Caucasus, which, while preserving their own unique cultural and religious traditions, also differ in the nature of the names that children are called.
Caucasian names: sources
Leaving behind brackets of various kinds, we dwell on what constitutes the mainstream of the Caucasian onomasticon. As for the sources of names, it is practically no different 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 stemming from character traits that parents wanted to cultivate in their offspring. Next are the names associated with wealth, wealth and health. Among female names, beauty themes also prevail. Often it is symbolically and figuratively associated with flowers and moonlight. Although, in fact, names associated with celestial bodies can be distinguished into a separate category. Finally, as for male names, they often correlate with categories of power, power, and strength. Next, we present some of the most beautiful Caucasian names in our opinion, so that you can feel their specificity.
Male names
Shamil. This is a very common variant of the 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. Due to this, it is considered honorable among the followers of Islam, and therefore it is often found in the Caucasus.
Rashid. Translate this option into Russian is quite difficult. It denotes several qualities at once, such as prudence, consciousness, and worldly wisdom.
Said. The Caucasian names of boys, as already mentioned, are often of Arab origin. This name is among them. It means "happy."
Ibrahim. Name especially popular in Chechnya. It comes from the Hebrew form of Abraham. Means "father of many nations."
Murat. Translated into Russian, this name means "desired goal."
Denis. Another name, characteristic mainly for Chechnya. But it comes from Greece, where the god of winemaking was so called.
Mustafa. It means “chosen one”. It is one of the favorite names among Muslims.
Rahman. A very beautiful name that translates as "mercy."
Mansour. If you try to translate this name into Russian, you get something like "protected."
Umar. It means "life."
Ramadan In fact, the so-called holy month of the Islamic calendar.
Female names
Ainura. Translated as "high society".
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”.
Alia. A noble name that means "exalted" or "outstanding."
Balzhan. Caucasian names for girls are often based on some symbolic analogies. For example, this option literally means “honey”, alluding to the “sweet taste” of its wearer.
Gulnaz. Translated into Russian means "tender, like a flower."
Samira. This name has two meanings. The first refers to motherhood and childbearing and literally means "prolific." Another version of its translation is “fruitful”. But the second meaning that is put into it is best conveyed by the word "interlocutor."