Abkhaz Personal Names, by Viacheslav Chirikba

Iran & the Caucasus Vol. 19, No. 4 (2015), pp. 343-356

Viacheslav A. Chirikba
Abkhazian State University, Sukhum

Abstract
The paper presents a study of the Abkhaz personal names. Traditionally, Abkhazians, a Caucasian people living in the Republic of Abkhazia (many Abkhazians live also in Turkey and in some Middle Eastern countries), used a two-name system, consisting, as a rule, of the surname plus the postposed first name. The Abkhaz personal names are analysed with regard to their origin, structure, semantics, and social status. The onomastic system in general, as well as the tradition of naming among the Abkhazians are outlined as well.

Keywords
Abkhaz, Abkhazian, Personal Names, Surnames, Naming, Republic of Abkhazia

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