Inquiry Regarding Identity and Heritage: Examination of Kazakh Names and Their Significance
Kickin' It Kazakh-Style: The Deeper Meanings Behind Those Names
ASTANA - In the heart of Kazakhstan, names are more than just simple words - they're a testament to the nation's rich traditions and values, often laden with profound meanings. Kazakh naming practices revolve around familial respect and customs, often resulting in names that hold significant weight.
Photo credit: Aiman Nakispekova/The Astana Times
Take a gander at the thousands of Kazakh names, each with unique origins and meanings. Most hail from the Turkic language, while others have roots in Arabic, Persian, Mongolian, Iranian, or Russian origins. For example, Tanirbergen, Kudaibergen, and Allabergen all share the common ground of meaning "given by God," yet their roots stem from Turkic, Iranian, and Arabic influences, respectively.
Families believe a name can influence a child's life. Names are carefully chosen to reflect virtues, strengths, or desired characteristics.
Naming Game: Boys vs. Girls
Historically, there were distinct differences in the naming traditions for boys and girls. It was believed that boys were more vulnerable to the evil eye than girls, leading to different emphasis in naming practices. Girls' names tended to spotlight beauty, purity, or nature, like Zhibek (silk), Raushan (rose), Kyzgaldak (tulip), Altyn (gold), Kumis (silver), Gaukhar (emerald), and Marzhan (pearl). Some named celestial bodies, such as Kunsulu (beautiful as the sun), Aisulu (beautiful as the moon), and Sholpan (morning star).
Boys' names, on the other hand, typically symbolized power, strength, and resilience. They could be inspired by animals, such as Burkit (eagle), Kyran (falcon), and Kaskyrbai (brave as a wolf), or strong materials like Temir (iron) and Shoiynbai (steel). Names tied to weapons included Kylyshbek (strong saber) and Naizabai (rich in stakes), expressing hope for a courageous and powerful child.
Names could also be inspired by ancestors, warriors, poets, and rulers. However, some families avoided naming children after great khans, generals, or batyrs, fearing that the weight of such a name might be too much for a child to bear. In such cases, parents would shorten names, like Tomiris becoming Tommi as a more manageable version of the name honoring the legendary queen of the Saka people.
The Power Within a Name
Kazakh names are frequently symbolic, tied to nature, events, or superstitions. A child born at the start of the month might be named Aibas, meaning the start of the month, symbolizing leadership. A child born at sunrise might be named Kunshygar, signifying a bright future.
Some names were chosen to protect a child. If a family had lost several children in a row, they might name the next baby Toktar (let it stop), Tursyn (let it stay), Zhursin (let him go), or Olmes (immortal) to prevent further loss. In cases where a family longed for a son, they might name their daughters Ulbolsyn (may there be a son), Ulzhalgas (may the son continue), Ulzhan (the spirit of a boy), or Ulbala (a girl like a boy). For premature babies, names like Shalabek, Shalabai, or Zhartygul were chosen.
Geographical locations, historical events, and religion also play a role in Kazakh naming practices. A child born during Ramadan or while fasting might be named Orazbek, Orazkul, or Ramazan. Those born on a blessed day, such as Friday, might be named Zhumabai or Zhumakul.
The Team Behind The Astana Times: In Their Own Words
Even today, Kazakhs continue to follow the tradition of giving their children names that seem simple but carry deep symbolic meanings. Many names remain linked to nature or represent a family's history, aspirations, or spiritual beliefs.
Wondering what Team The Astana Times' names mean? Do their names reflect their personalities? I asked some of my peers.
Aibarshyn Akhmetkali shared that her mother chose her name after having a dream about a lion or a tiger just days before giving birth. Her name literally translates to "truly brave" from Kazakh, although there's another interpretation linking it to a female eagle or wolf, symbolizing bravery and strength.
For a long time, Aibarshyn didn't consider her name reflected her personality. But as she grew older and wiser, she realized that her name indeed mirrored some bravery within her. She also grew to appreciate her unique name, feeling it made her memorable.
Dana Omirgazy's name means wise in both Kazakh and Persian, something she deeply cherishes. She hopes her name reflects her character, approaching life with care and seeking guidance from God in her decisions.
Assel's name carries the meaning honey or sweet in Arabic, with other interpretations like twilight, evening, or gentle. In Kazakhstan, it has evolved to symbolize the delicate and symbolic daisy flower. For Assel Satubaldina, her name connotes warmth and gentleness.
As generations change, naming trends evolve, but the depth and significance behind a name remain timeless.
- Intricate Kazakh naming practices often derive from deep-rooted traditions, reflecting familial respect and customs, with names holding significant weight.
- Kazakh superstitions have played a role in naming practices, as some names were chosen to protect a child or symbolize desired characteristics, such as leadership or a bright future.
- geographical locations, historical events, and religion also influenced naming practices, with names like Orazbek, Orazkul, or Ramazan being given to those born during special occasions.
- Kazakh fashion-and-beauty standards have started to influence naming trends, with honey or sweet-sounding names like Assel becoming popular.
- Education-and-self-development and career-development aspirations are reflected in some Kazakh names, as parents or guardians may choose names like Dana (meaning wise) to symbolize their hopes for their child's character and future accomplishments.
