Publication Details
Abstract
Anthroponyms, or personal names, are traditionally viewed in onomastics as rigid designators with minimal semantic content. However, from a cognitive linguistics perspective, German anthroponyms—encompassing forenames (Vornamen) and surnames (Familiennamen)—reveal rich conceptual structures, motivational patterns, and sociocultural embeddings. This article examines German anthroponyms through frameworks of cognitive semantics, conceptual metaphor theory, and prototype theory. It analyzes how etymological origins (occupational, locative, patronymic, descriptive) reflect historical conceptualizations of identity, social roles, and environment. A table categorizes common motivational sources with frequency estimates based on contemporary distributions. Findings indicate that while modern usage treats anthroponyms as proper names, residual appellative meanings influence perception, connotation, and occasional metonymic extensions. Implications for cognitive onomastics highlight anthroponyms as windows into cultural cognition and historical worldview.