Personal Names in Azerbaijan: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

This study uses a sample of over 1500 personal names to analyze gender roles and attitudes in Azerbaijan. Categories analyzed include names: 1) from natural phenomena, 2) from outside the Turkish/Middle Eastern cultural milieu, 3) denoting physical beauty, 4) reflecting parental aspirations for the child, 5) showing desirable character traits, 6) with religious significance, and 7) expressing the parents' joy at the child's birth or desire to have the child. Male names reflect their culturally approved roles in public leadership and religion, while female names imply physical attractiveness and exoticism. Moreover, a few women have pejorative names showing parental desire for male children.