All Chechen names, according to their origin stories can be roughly divided into three main groups.
Folk Chechen names.
The most ancient of them are primordially Chechen names that arose from the beliefs, traditions and ideas of the Chechen people. They are easy to pronounce and differ in that they usually consist of one or two syllables. Meaning these Chechen names reflects the connection of the Chechen people with nature, a subtle perception of the surrounding world. Most of them are formed from the names of animals, birds and plants. In male names, masculinity, speed of reaction, strength are most often emphasized - Borz (wolf), Bula (bison), Cha (bear), Nal (boar), Lecha (eagle), Makkhal (kite). Women's names are associated with the names of beautiful plants and animals, precious metals - Lu (roe deer), Zezag (flower), Kemsa (grape), Birlant (diamond), Zhovkhar (pearl).
borrowed names.
Names of Turkic, Arabic and Persian origin make up the largest group of Chechen names. In the XIV-XVIII centuries, names borrowed from the Turkic languages were used - Albek, Akhmatkhan, Mansur, Raslanbek, Khasbulat. From the middle of the 19th century, the influence of Islam in Chechnya became so strong that Muslim names with Arabic and Persian roots occupied a dominant position in the Chechen name book. Basically, these are the names of prophets and caliphs - Ibrahim, Muhammad, Mohammed, Ismail, Suleiman, Ali, Osman, Umar. Many parents began to willingly name boys Chechen names with religious value- Abdurrahman (slave of the Merciful), Abdumalik (slave of the Lord), Sayfulla (sword of Allah), Shamsuddin (sun of faith).
Among the female names, melodic Arabic names are firmly established, emphasizing the beauty and virtues of Chechen women - Maliika (angel), Yasmin (jasmine), Azaza (respected), Zukhra (flower), Kamila (perfection). And, of course, the names from the Koran, traditionally popular among all Muslim peoples - Maryam, Zuleikha, Aisha, Zeinab, Madina.
Names of modern Chechens.
Today, the vast majority of Chechens in choosing a name for a child try to adhere to established traditions. 90% of modern Chechen names are of Arabic origin. At the same time, borrowed Russian and Western names, mostly female ones, sometimes “penetrate” the Chechen name book. Some of them are even a short form of names - Lisa, Sasha, Zhenya, Raisa, Tamara, Rosa, Louise, Zhanna.
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At birth, a person acquires what remains with him for life - a name. Loving parents, choosing it for their child, take into account many factors: nationality, traditions, personal preference, respect for relatives, significance, time of birth. In this article we will consider the most common male Chechen names.
List and their meaning
The Chechen people are especially sensitive to how to name a newborn, especially a boy. Each name for this nation has some meaning, mainly it is associated with the culture of the people and religious affiliation, or denotes human qualities.
Chechen male names are distinguished by their beauty and grace of sound.
They are easy to pronounce, diverse, some are quite exotic. The inhabitants of the Chechen Republic have several dialects, so the same name most often has different pronunciations.
Below is a list of the most popular and modern Chechen names for men:
- Abdurrashid is a slave of the Guide to the true path;
- Abbas is a lion, sullen;
- Abu - father;
- Akram - very generous;
- Ali - senior, exalted, proud;
- Alkhazur - an eagle prone to movement;
- Amir - prince, ruler;
- Arzu - desire, desire;
- Ashab - friendly;
- Ahmat - the one who is worthy of praise;
- Anzor is the most responsible;
- Bashir - one who brings joy;
- Bekhan - head, prince;
- Bishr - delight, fun;
- Borz - wolf;
- Bulat - steel;
- Wadud - God-lover;
- Walid - a descendant;
- Daud - chosen, beloved (derived from the name of David, the prophet of the true God);
- Denis is the god of wine;
- Jabrail - close to God;
- Jamal - perfect;
- Zaman - reliable;
- Zahid - modest, well-bred;
- Zelimkhan is a long-liver;
- Zuhair - shining;
- Ibrahim - the ancestor;
- Idris - dedicated to God;
- Izzuddin - the power of belief;
- Ikram - reverence, honor;
- Ismail - may the true God hear;
- Ishak - laughing (derived from the name Isaac);
- Ihsan - sincere service to God;
- Kura - falcon;
- Magomed - praising;
- Majid - great, noble;
- Malik is a king;
- Mansur - the one who grants victory;
- Murad - hardworking;
- Musa - taken from the water;
- Mustafa - the best, reliable;
- Muhsin - loving good, worthy;
- Nazir - observing;
- Nokhcho - Chechen;
- Ovlur - lamb;
- Olhazar - a bird;
- Rajab is the seventh month in the Muslim calendar;
- Ramadan - the holy month of fasting among Muslims (ninth on the calendar);
- Rahman - sympathetic, compassionate;
- Rahim - kind;
- Rashid - one who goes the right way (one who does not turn off);
- Ruslan - from the word "Arslan" - a lion;
- Said - successful;
- Salman - peaceful, friendly;
- Sultan - dominating;
- Tagir - immaculate;
- Umar - living;
- Hamid - praising God;
- Haris is a hard worker;
- Sharif - selfless, selfless;
- Emin - fast, smart;
- Yunus - dove;
- Yusup - exalted;
- Yakub - pursuing, annoying.
A detailed analysis of the name Ramadan
The male name Ramadan (in Arabic pronunciation - Ramadan) comes from the name of one of the Muslim months, the ninth in a row, in which devout Muslims celebrate a holy fast. At this time, believers limit themselves to food, refuse intimacy, and also exclude all kinds of bad habits and sinful inclinations.
The name Ramazan is considered the most common male Chechen name. It has several meanings - "hot", "ardent", "hot", "sizzling", which vividly describes the features of the month itself. In earlier centuries, the Chechen people had a custom to call babies by this name if they were born in the month of Ramadan.
It was considered a great responsibility to give the boys such a name, since it in itself was regarded as sacred.
Psychotype by name
It is believed that people bearing the name Ramadan are distinguished by liveliness of character and independence. Already in childhood, boys show pronounced self-will, curiosity, leadership.
Men with this name are romantic natures. Thanks to amorousness, Ramadan can be a gallant boyfriend. But, despite the great popularity among the female sex, this type of man takes marriage very seriously.
Family for any Chechen man is sacred. In his house is always order, cleanliness. Perhaps he is unnecessarily demanding of his family, but he is fair. The attitude towards children is reverent, sometimes the father shows increased attention to his kids, which speaks of his ardent love.
Ramazan is a very hospitable host, thanks to this quality his house is always full of guests. As a caring and loving husband, Ramadan creates ideal conditions for his soulmate. Although jealousy, an inherent quality of this type of men, can spoil the family idyll. No matter what, the support of family members is very important for Ramadan. Only in a caring family, like any other person, he feels needed.
Many successful businessmen and politicians bear the name Ramadan. This speaks of the peculiarities of this type of personality. Hard work and the desire to achieve more help Ramazan to achieve considerable success in his career. They can be attributed to the mathematical mindset and the ability to calculate some situations in advance. An increased sense of responsibility, restraint in emotions, patience also help to quickly move up the career ladder.
Ramadan always strives to be ahead of everyone. Others try to equal him, which in the end he gains universal respect. Often these qualities help Ramazan to become famous in the sports field as well.
Name and hidden talents
Speaking about a number of excellent qualities of the owners of the name Ramadan, we must not forget that everything is not so simple. Each name suggests hidden talents, active potential. Understanding personal motivation will help you strive for a future that fits your state of mind.
The bearer of the name Ramadan will be able to prove himself in matters related to the salvation of people. The desire to bring considerable benefit to people will inspire Ramazan to master such professions as a surgeon, pediatrician, psychotherapist, teacher. Sacrifice of one's own strength and means will help to awaken organizational skills, thanks to which the creation of charitable foundations is possible.
In addition, the owner of a beautiful name can invest his capital in the construction of schools, hospitals, boarding schools and nursing homes, or use other ways to use money to help people in need.
Old Chechen names
Chechen names came to us from ancient times. The mixture of cultures and religions made it possible for many centuries to enrich their list. Some were borrowed from Persian or Arabic, some from Russian.
Each name has its own meaning. Some of them denoted the animal world, some wishes or human qualities. There were also those that included the names of countries or nationalities, luxury goods or precious metals.
Unfortunately, over time, many names are already forgotten, recede into the past and are not used in the modern world. Nevertheless, in some villages one can occasionally still meet people bearing old male names.
Names derived from the names of wild animals and birds:
- Kuyra - hawk;
- Lecha - falcon;
- Bula - bison;
- Cha is a bear;
- Boar - denotes the power of the beast.
Nicknames that characterize a person:
- Kyig - crow;
- Alkhancha - starling;
- Zingat is like an ant;
- Sesa is a small tadpole.
There are Chechen names for boys that sound like requests.
Children wearing them were born in poor families, where there was a high mortality rate among newborns:
- Waha, Wahiita - let him live;
- Dukhavaha - live a long time;
- Wisiyata - stay alive.
The names that were formed during the introduction of Islam, denoted the names of the Eastern prophets, their companions:
- Abdullah is a servant of Allah or the Almighty;
- Abdurrahman - the servant of the Beneficent;
- Gabriel is an archangel.
Several old names of the inhabitants of the villages, popular several centuries ago:
- Aldzhurka;
- Aydymir;
- Bulu;
- Gagai;
- Misarkhan;
- Navrazak;
- Osma;
- Saadula;
- Savnak;
- Ullubay.
The male names of the Chechen people are undoubtedly a historical treasure.
Unfortunately, many of them are undeservedly forgotten. Nevertheless, many euphonious Chechen male names have been preserved, which honorably reflect the traditions of a beautiful nation.
Chechen male names: a list of modern beautiful names for boys and their meanings
Naming is the first, main event in the life of a newborn baby. Many people believed and still believe that the name plays an important role in the fate of a person. Therefore, the Chechens, like many representatives of other nationalities, treated this event with great seriousness and attention. But times pass and the legacy is lost, just like many of the traditions of the concept of Islam. In our time, the name is sometimes the only sign by which we can assume what denomination and sometimes nationality this or that person is.
Names are the historical heritage of the people. Unfortunately, many original Chechen names are undeservedly forgotten and become a thing of the past. Names carry a part of the history, culture, faith of their people.
Classification of names by origin
Some traditional Chechen names, which arose on the basis of his original lexical fund, reflect the attitude to the surrounding life. There are also specific names associated with the plant and animal worlds or which are attributive names. There are also names borrowed from other languages.
The next part of the names, which is by far the most common, are names of oriental origin. They took root in the territory of the Chechen people for the most part during the spread of Islam. Basically, these are the names of the Prophets and Messengers, the Prophet Muhammad. His associates, students, followers. Also, based on many hadiths, we learn that the best names are those consisting of the prefix "Abd" - a slave and one of the epithets of Allah. For example, Abdullah is the servant of Allah, Abdurrahman is the servant of the Merciful.
The most common names.
Modern Chechen names include both native Chechen anthroponyms and those borrowed from Persian, Arabic and Russian. The original names often denote birds and animals: Lecha (“falcon”), Kokha (“dove”), Kuyra (“hawk”), Tskhogal (“fox”), Cha (“bear”).
But more often they reflect a specific verb form: Vakha - “live”, Yahiita - “let live”. Often there are beautiful Chechen names formed from participles and adjectives: Dika - “good”. These anthroponyms reflect the attitude of people to life, flora and fauna: Zelimzan (“healthy, real”), Lu (“roe deer”), Mayrsault (“brave”), Nokhcho (“Chechen”), Suli (“Dagestan”). Such names are not as popular today as those borrowed from neighbors.
Names borrowed from other cultures
A lot of Chechen names were borrowed from Arabic and Persian languages: Ali, Umar, Yakub, Magomed, Akhmat, Shamsuddin, Sayfulla, Mukhsin, Ihsan, Zaman - common Chechen male names. And female: Jamila, Zuhra, Maimuna, Nazira, Savda, Leila, Amanat, Rebiat, Safiyya, Fazil, Halima, Yasmin. Names can also be compound, in which elements such as “bek” or “soltan” are attached to the main part. This part can be at the beginning or at the end.
Many Chechen female names were also borrowed from Russian: Liza, Raisa, Rosa, Louise, Zinaida, Zhanna, Tamara, Dasha and others. Often, the diminutive form of the name is recorded as the official one. For example, Sasha or Zhenya, which is quite common among mountain peoples.
Depending on the dialect spoken by the inhabitants of Chechnya, the pronunciation and even spelling of the same name varies: Akhmad - Akhmat, Yunus - Yunas, Abuyazid - Abuyazit.
Recently, names of Arabic origin have become increasingly popular among the highlanders.
Factors in the formation of Chechen names
Original Nakh names reflect the attitude to the surrounding life. The Chechen language has a certain number of personal names that have arisen on the basis of its original lexical fund. These names are very specific and related to flora and fauna and attribute names. Original names represent the most ancient layer in Chechen anthroponymy, they are the property of the Chechen language and rarely penetrate into other languages.
Significant reflection in the personal Chechen names receives the animal world:
God (buozh) - a goat;
Bula (bul) - bison;
Borz (buorz) - wolf;
Ovlur - lamb of winter cattle;
Other names of predatory animals are used as nicknames that reflect one or another trait of a person:
Cha is a bear;
Peel - elephant;
Nal - boar;
Boar - strength is emphasized;
Tskhogal - a fox, cunning, flattery, servility are emphasized;
Dhaka - a mouse, the ability to go everywhere and avoid trouble is emphasized;
Tsitsig - a cat;
Lu (lu) - roe deer;
Sai - a deer, elegance, beauty, grace are emphasized;
Often in Chechen names there are names of domestic and wild birds:
Khokha - dove;
Moma (muom) - partridge;
Chovka - rook;
Kuyra - hawk;
Durgali - white-bellied swift;
Makkhal - kite;
Olhazar - a bird;
Hyoza - sparrow;
Lecha - falcon;
Arzu - eagle;
The following bird names are used as nicknames expressing evaluative characteristics:
kotam (kuotam) - chicken;
bad - duck;
kyig - crow;
atyokh - hoopoe;
alkhanca—starling;
The names of insects and reptiles are used as nicknames:
Churk - mosquito;
Moza is a fly;
Zingat - ant;
Sesa - tadpole;
Tsaptsalg - grasshopper;
The formation of personal names from the names of the plant world is a common occurrence in every language:
Zhola - a small shrub;
Dushta (duushto) - ash;
Zezag - flowers;
Zaza - flowering;
Datta - rowan;
There are also names in the Chechen language formed from the names of precious metals and stones:
Deshi - gold;
Children are silver;
Birlant - a diamond;
Jovhar - pearls;
Mokhaz - flint;
In the Chechen language, there are also names that reflect natural phenomena, cosmic bodies:
Marha - a cloud, a cloud;
Seda (shieda) - a star;
Batta - lunar;
Malkh - azni - sunny beauty;
Cameta - camet;
Qilba - south;
In Chechen anthroponymy, a large place is occupied by spell names formed from verbs. Male names:
Waha - live;
Dukhavaha - live long;
Vahita - let him live;
Visa - stay;
Visiyata - let him stay;
Women's names:
Yaha - alive;
Yahyita - let him live;
Yisa - stay;
Such names were given in families where children did not survive. The difficult economic situation, poverty and hunger led to high infant mortality. And then the desperate mountain family turned to names-spells. When there were many girls in the family, they gave names-spells:
Saciyta, Toita - enough, let him stop;
Chechens attached great importance to names. The name was taken care of. Chechens say that "The name is the glory of the strong, the name is the shame and misfortune of the weak."
There are names in the Chechen language formed from adjectives:
Dika - good;
Masa - fast frisky, Mayra, Mayrbek;
Mayrsalt - brave (bek);
Sutarbi - greedy;
Khaza - beautiful, (Khazabika);
Kurbika - proud (bika);
More about Nakh names
The semantics of many names on the material of the Nakh languages is not clear today. Unfortunately, many primordially and traditionally Nakh names are undeservedly forgotten and become a thing of the past. Yes, life changes and, reflecting these changes, names change, not just the words used as names, but what was meant by these names. There are many borrowed names in the Chechen language from other languages. It is generally accepted that among the peoples who converted to Islam, mainly Arabic names are common. This is not entirely true. In fact, these peoples have preserved several dozen names that were worn by the Arabs in the first century after the adoption of Islam. Of the proper Arabic names, only those that were in one way or another associated with the name of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and welcome, remain in use. And the names of his associates and students.
Many of the names that the Chechens bear are oriental names, there are names borrowed from the Russian language and through it from other languages. Consider the etymology of some names:
Laila (Layla) - the name means lily.
Malik - the meaning of the name - owning, ruling.
Malika name meaning is queen.
Mansur name meaning is victorious.
Muhammad (Mohmad, Mahmud, Muhammad) - the meaning of the name is glorified, glorious.
Chechen names include various variants that came to this region along with the cultural influence of different parties. Below we will briefly discuss this process and give a list of the most typical names for this region.
Chechen names and surnames: composition
The whole variety of Chechen names consists mainly of original Chechen variants, preserved from pre-Islamic times, richly diluted with Arabic and Persian borrowings, introduced along with the Arabization of culture and the spread of Islam. In addition, there are also in the republic, albeit in a noticeably smaller number, names from other traditions, brought mainly through the influence of the Russian neighborhood.
Origin of names
A large number of names in Chechnya come from the names of animals and birds. The names of male Chechens often trace their traditions to predators. For example, Borz means "wolf". Kuyra is the name of a hawk, but the name Lecha corresponds to a falcon. In addition, verbs in various moods can be used to form a name. These can be both female names and male names.
Chechen traditions of naming a child are generally quite flexible - they use adjectives, participles and other parts of speech, as well as various verbal constructions. But most of the names that Chechens use today are still not their original heritage, but brought along with the new religion. Thus, being Muslims, they most often resort to Arabic and Persian variants, rather than to their native, primordial ones.
Especially popular among Chechens, as, probably, among all Muslims, are such options as Ali, Ahmed, Magomed, Umar and others. Male Chechen names, therefore, have their support in the Koran and in Islamic history. Naming a child by non-Muslim options is not accepted in this traditional conservative society. Chechen male names can also be compound, which reflects the local, mountain flavor. For example, the elements "bek", "soltan" and some others are added to many names.
As for the Russian language, it enriched the Chechen lexicon with such naming options as Raisa, Louise, Roza and some other, mostly female names. Especially often Russian variants are found in official documents, and in diminutive and abbreviated versions. For example, you can often find the name Zhenya or Sasha on the pages of business papers. But usually Chechen names and surnames stand behind them. Male and female versions of the Chechens always have an accent on the first syllable. This, as well as the peculiarities of local pronunciation, sometimes modify foreign names, so to speak, nationalizing them. For example, male Chechen names are often pronounced with the replacement of "y" with "a" and "d" with "t".
Chechen male names and their meanings
- Ruslan. This is an ancient Turkic name that means lion.
- Shamil. This option can be translated into Russian with the word "all-encompassing".
- Abu. A very popular name in Islam, belonging to one of the companions of Muhammad.
- Rashid. This name speaks of the consciousness and prudence of its bearer. At least in theory.
- Said. Arabic name meaning "happy".
- Hasan. A very popular name among the followers of Muhammad. It means "kind", "good".
- Ibrahim. This is an Arabized form of the Hebrew name of the prophet Abraham. Translated into Russian as "father of many peoples."
- Hamid. This is the name of a person worthy of praise. Another meaning is praising (in the sense of God).
- Murat. It translates as "desired goal" or "cherished dream." Comes from Arabic.
- Isa. The same as Jesus. From ancient Hebrew, it is most often translated as "help to Yahweh."
- Denis. Strangely preserved among the Chechens is the name that belonged in ancient Greece to the god of wine Dionysus.
- Mustafa. From Arabic, this name is translated as "chosen one."
- Moussa. The same as Moses. Literally from Hebrew means "taken from the water."
- Rahman. Nice Arabic name. Its meaning is close to the Russian word "mercy". That is, it will mean a merciful person.
- Mansur. From Arabic, this name is translated as "one who is protected" or simply "protected."
- Umar. Tatar name. Means "vital".
- Suleiman. A name that seems to say that in front of you is a person who lives in health and prosperity, who prospers.
- Ramadan. Name given in honor of the holy month of the Arabic calendar.
Conclusion
There are many other names common in Chechnya. But the options presented here are the most common among modern residents of the republic.
