Personal Names in Algeria: Meaning and Usage

Our project builds upon the work conducted over many years at the CRASC on onomastics (anthroponymy and toponymy) within the framework of the PNR (2003) and the PE (since 2005). The management of a project on Algerian first names (2007–2010), the completion of a Magister on the patronymic and anthroponymic foundations of the Algerian civil registry, and the preparation of a thesis on the semiotics of space in literary works, have all introduced us to research in onomastics.

This project, which we propose within the framework of the PE, will initially allow us to broaden our field of investigation, which to date has been limited to anthroponymy, by taking an interest in onomastics in general. According to A. Dauzat, onomastics is “a systematic study of the etymology of proper names” (A. DAUZAT, 1980.07). This science is divided into two main branches: anthroponymy (personal names) and toponymy (place names). These two branches are closely interconnected, given the frequency of place names within family names and vice versa.

An individual may carry more than one name throughout their life. While a single name may once have been sufficient, a newborn is initially identified by a specific given name, yet over time that person may acquire other names or nicknames bestowed by society or their surroundings. In some cases, these names become more commonly used than the personal name officially recorded in the family register. A person may even become known by their original name only when combined with the nickname given by their social environment, whereas one name had once been enough to identify an individual.

Here, a strong relationship emerges between the name and the person who bears it.

Among the many issues surrounding names is the existence of neutral identifiers that possess neither scent, form, nor color. These rely on numbers, such as identity card numbers, examination numbers, telephone numbers, prisoner identification numbers, vehicle serial numbers, and even the number worn by an athlete.

Another important issue addressed in the study of names concerns freedom. Although we feel free when choosing names, names often carry an implicit value that subtly constrains our choices within a particular framework, without us necessarily perceiving this limitation.

Since the issue of “freedom and implicit value” is particularly significant, it has been selected as the central focus of this research.

The choice of a name within a society, tribe, or specific group is governed by two elements:

The first is the apparent freedom involved in this choice. The second, implicit element, lies in the connection between this apparent freedom and an underlying value that influences the choice of a name and limits freedom of selection to a narrow margin. Though this freedom appears broad, it remains subject to a certain attraction that may be described as the value that shapes and sustains the choice.

The variation in the meanings and connotations of names undoubtedly reflects the diversity of events and realities within any society. With the development of mass media and the qualitative transformations it has brought about, a corresponding qualitative shift has also emerged in names, according to the meanings they convey, particularly those associated with ideas of goodness and beauty.

The study encompasses the naming of people and places (cities, villages, neighbourhoods, transport stations, bus, metro and tram stops, etc.), private spaces, literary characters, names of saints and their social dimensions and impact on society, the influence of media on the choice of boys’ and girls’ names, the citation of toponyms and anthroponyms in artistic and cultural production (popular poetry, songs, etc.), and the naming of products intended for commercialisation. All these linguistic, anthropological, and social phenomena merit study, taking into account the rapid changes experienced by Algerian society over the past twenty years, which, according to some researchers, are consequences of globalisation.