Publication Details
Abstract
Onomastics, the study of names and naming practices, plays a crucial role in understanding both cultural and linguistic identity. As names carry historical, social, and symbolic meanings, they function as markers of collective memory, cultural values, and linguistic evolution. This article explores how personal names, place names, and other onomastic categories reflect the worldview, traditions, and sociocultural dynamics of a community. By examining the etymological origins, structural patterns, and sociolinguistic functions of names, the study demonstrates that onomastic analysis provides meaningful insights into cultural continuity, identity formation, and language development. Furthermore, the article highlights how naming practices contribute to social classification, group belonging, and intercultural communication. The findings emphasize that onomastics is not merely a linguistic subfield but a multidisciplinary tool that helps reveal the deep connections between language, culture, and identity.