Azerbaijan surnames and names, their meaning

Azerbaijan is included in the group of Turkic languages. This includes the Turkish, Tatar, Kazakh, Bashkir, Uigur and many others. That is why many Azerbaijani names and names have eastern roots. In addition, the Persian and Arab cultures, as well as Islam, had a significant influence on this people. Therefore, some common Azerbaijani names have been known since the time of the Caucasian Albania. Actually they are used to this day. Today the anthroponymic model of the Azerbaijanis, as well as many other peoples of the East, has three components: a surname, a name and a patronymic.

Names

Many Azerbaijani names and surnames are so ancient that it is sometimes very difficult to find their sources. By tradition, many locals call their toddlers in honor of their ancestors. At the same time, necessarily adding: "Let it grow in accordance with the name." Female names in this country are most often associated with the concepts of beauty, tenderness, kindness and subtlety. It is very popular to use "flower motifs": Lale, Yasamen, Nargiz, Reyhan, Gizilgul and others. It sounds simple and beautiful.

In general, the prefix "gyul" means "rose". Therefore, it is constantly used by Azerbaijanis. After putting this piece to almost any name, you can get something new, surprisingly beautiful and unusual. For example, Gulnisa, Gulshen, Naryngul, Sarygul, Gulpari and others. Male names emphasize courage, unbending will, determination, courage and other character traits inherent in the strong sex. Very popular with boys are names such as Rashid, Heydar, Bahadir.

How is the patronymic formed?

Just like the Azerbaijani names and names, patronymic here are formed differently. This is their difference from Russian and other Slavic languages. In Azerbaijan, when determining the patronymic of a person, the name of his father does not change in any way. Attachments such as ours-owl, -evice, -one, -event does not exist. Rather, they are, but refer to the period of "Sovietization". And today they are used only with formal and business communication. Today, the Azerbaijani government is trying to bring the country back to historical roots. Hence - to traditional names and patronymics. And it is right.

In spite of this, the Azerbaijanis also have two patronymic names:

• Ogles;
• Gizi.

The first means "son", and the second means "daughter". The name and patronymic of a person consists of two names: one's own and one's father's. And at the end a corresponding prefix is added. For example, a woman can be called Zivar Mammad gizi. This literally means that the girl is the daughter of Mamed. Accordingly, a man can be called Geidar Suleiman oglu. It is clear that the guy is the son of Suleiman.

Surnames: principles of formation

After the arrival of Soviet power in these places, many residents also changed their surnames. The Azerbaijani, whose significance has been formed for centuries, have been changed. To them was added Russian-or -ev. Until now, very different endings were in progress:

• -good;
• -li;
• -de.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani surnames began to revive in the country: women's and men's. This is done very simply. From the former "Soviet" version, the ending is simply cut off. Thus, the former Ibrahim Gubakhanov now sounds like Ibrahim Gubakhan. The names of Azerbaijani girls are also cut off: Kurbanova was Kurban.

Origin of last names

Simply put, the names for Azerbaijanis are a relatively recent phenomenon. In the old days the anthroponymic format of this people consisted of only two parts. It's about the proper name and father's with the addition of particles "oglu", "gizi" or "zade." This form was considered a norm in the XIX century. And in Iranian Azerbaijan, it is often used today. They left a tradition here.

Strangely enough, Azerbaijani surnames began to be formed under the influence of Russian culture. Among ordinary people, they often became nicknames, which somehow distinguished a person from other people. Surname and name could, for example, look like this:

• Uzun Abdullah is a long Abdullah.
• Keshal Rashid - bald Rashid.
• Cholag Almas - lame Almas.
• Bilge Oktay - wise Oktai and others.

With the advent of Soviet power, Azerbaijani surnames (male and female) began to change. And for the basis could be taken as the name of the father, and grandfather or other relatives. That is why today in Azerbaijan there are quite a few surnames, reminiscent of the ancient patronymic: Safaroglu, Almaszade, Kasumbeyli, Juvarly and the like. Other families were completely "Sovietized". Therefore, today you can meet Aliyevs, Tagiyevs and Mammadovs in Azerbaijan on every street corner.

Azerbaijan surnames: the list of the most popular

If you do not take into account the difference in the endings, you can make a small list, only 15 positions. The list is rather small. Despite this, according to experts, it is these fifteen families that account for about 80% of the country's inhabitants:

• Abbasov;
• Aliev;
• Babaev;
• Veliev;
• Hajiyev;
• Hasanov;
• Guliyev;
• Huseynov;
• Ibragimov;
• Ismailov;
• Musayev;
• Orujov;
• Rasulov;
• Suleimanov;
• Mamedov.

Although for the convenience of reading, they are all arranged in alphabetical order. But still the most popular name in Azerbaijan is Mamedov. It is worn by every fifth or sixth resident of the country. This is not surprising.

Since Mamed is a folk form of Muhammad in the Azerbaijani usage, it is clear that the parents were happy to give their child a name for all the beloved and revered prophet. This became a kind of tradition. Calling the baby Mammad, they believed that they would give him a happy fate and a great destiny. In addition, it was believed that Allah will not leave without mercy his child, named after the prophet. When the names began to appear in Azerbaijan, the Mamedovs were the most popular. After all, it was believed that the "name of the family" would give happiness and prosperity to all future generations of the same family.

Other Common Surnames in Azerbaijan

Of course, there are a lot of tribal names in this eastern country. They are all different and interesting. Here is another list in which there are popular Azerbaijani surnames (list in alphabetical order):

• Abiyev;
• Agalarov;
• Alekperov;
• Amirov;
• Askerov;
• Bahramov;
• Vagifov;
• Gambarov;
• Jafarov;
• Kasumov;
• Kerimov;
• Mehdiyev;
• Safarov;
• The Taliban;
• Khanlarov.

This is not a complete list, but only a small part of it. Of course, all Azerbaijani names, male and female, have their significance. Sometimes very interesting and beautiful. For example, the very popular name is Alekperov. It originated from the adaptive form of the Arabic name Aliakbar. It can be divided into two parts:

• Ali is great;
• Akbar - the oldest, largest, greatest.

Thus, Alekperov is "the oldest (the main) of the great." One way or another, but the basis of almost all Azerbaijani names are still the names of ancestors. That is why the next part of this article is devoted to the analysis and description of their origin and meaning.

Formation of a name

This process in Azerbaijan can be divided into several stages. In ancient times, local people had at least three names in their entire life. All of them could radically differ among themselves. The first - a child. It was given to the child by the parents at birth. Served only to distinguish him from other children. The second - adolescent. It was given to a teenager by fellow villagers, depending on the character traits, spiritual qualities or external characteristics. The third name is that which a person earned in his old age on his own, by his deeds, judgments, deeds and all his life.

In times of rapid development and establishment of Islam in this territory, people often preferred religious names. Thus, they reaffirmed their devotion to the Islamic movement. Mamed, Mamish, Ali, Omar, Fatma, Khadija and others became popular. Most of the names were still of Arab origin. When communism came to these lands, loyalty to the ideals of the party and the dominant ideology began to be shown. Popular names were names that could easily be pronounced and written to a Russian person. And some, particularly zealous parents, began to give their children strange things: the State Farm, the Tractor and the like.

With the collapse of the Union and independence, the formation of Azerbaijani names again comes a sharp turn. The idea and the semantic load associated with deep national roots are put on the first place. It's no secret that Azerbaijani names changed along with the names. The pronunciation and writing of them then approached the Arabic, it was completely Russified.

Features of the use of names

In the Azerbaijani language, names are most often pronounced not simply, but with the addition of an additional word. Often, it expresses a respectful or familiar attitude to the opponent.

Here are some of them:

1. Mirzag. This prefix is used as a respectful reference to scientists or just very intelligent and educated people. It sounds like "Mirzag Ali" or "Mirzag Isfandiyar". Today, the prefix almost disappeared from circulation.
2. Yoldash. At the time of the Union, the traditional "comrade" entered circulation. In Azerbaijani - yoldash. The prefix was also placed in front of the surname. It sounded like this: "Yoldash Mehdiyev", "Yoldash Khanlarova".
3. Kishi. This familiarity, a little panbratskoe treatment. It is used in conversation by the consoles: Anvar kishi, Dilyaver kishi and so on.
4. Anvard. Means the same, only in relation to a woman: Nargiz Avard, Lalay avard.

There are a few words-prefixes, used with respect for the young lady:

• Hanym - venerable;
• Hanymgiz - dear girl (for the young);
• Baji - sister;
• Geline - bride.

In addition to the above, there are many more respectful prefixes, formed from the degree of kinship. Moreover, when applying, it is absolutely not necessary that people are really relatives. There are so many prefixes that sometimes they become part of a name:

• Bibi is aunt. His father's sister is Agabibi, Incibibi.
• Amy is an uncle. Father's brother is Balaemi.
• Daina is an uncle. Mother's brother is Agadaina.
• Baba - grandfather: Ezimbab, Shirbaba, Atababa.
• Badzhykzy is a niece. Daughter of the sister - Boyuk-baji, Shahbadji and others.

Spoken features of male and female names

Like in Russian, Azerbaijani names have diminutive and caressing options. They are formed by affixing affixes:

• -y (-y);
• -ы (-и);
• -ish (-ish);
• -yush (-yush).

Thus, from the name of Kubra, Kyubush is obtained, and Walid becomes Walish. Nadir parents call Nadysh, and Khudayara - Khudu. Some diminutive forms become so established that they eventually transform into a separate name.

In colloquial speech, names that are formed by simple abbreviations are often used:

• Suria - Sura;
• Farida - Farah;
• Rafiga-Rafa;
• Alia - Alya and so on.

There are names suitable for both men and women at the same time: Shirin, Izzet, Haver, Shovket. And some, depending on the gender of the person, form the forms:

• Selim-Selima;
• Tofig - Tofiga;
• Farid - Farida;
• Kamil-Kamil.

Quite often, Azerbaijanis, especially the older generation, have double names: Ali Heydar, Abbas Gulu, Agha Musa, Kurban Ali and the like.

Traditional names of Azerbaijani children

Here is a small list of names, which, according to the Ministry of Justice, have become the most popular in 2015. Among the boys are:

• Yusif - an increase, profit.
• Hussein is beautiful.
• Ali is the supreme, supreme.
• Murad - intention, purpose.
• Omar - life, a long-liver.
• Muhammad is worthy of praise.
• Ayhan is joy.
• Ugur - happiness, a good omen.
• Ibrahim is the name of the prophet Abraham.
• Tunar - light / fire inside.
• Kyanan - born to reign.

Among the girls the record holder was Zahra - brilliant. Also very popular are such names:

• Nurai is the light of the moon.
• Fatima - adult, understanding.
• Eileen is a lunar halo.
• Ayan is widely known.
• Zeynab - full, strong.
• Khadija - born before time.
• Madina is the city of Medina.
• Melek is an angel.
• Maryam is the name of the mother of the prophet Isa, beloved by God, bitter.
• Layla - the night.

What names did the Azerbaijanis cease to like?

As you know, a daughter in the East is not always a welcome phenomenon. Especially if it's the fourth or fifth in a row. The grown-up girl will have to marry her parents, while collecting a considerable dowry. Therefore, in the old days, the names of girls were also relevant:

• Kifayat - enough;
• Gyztamam - there are enough daughters;
• Basti - that's enough;
• Gyzgait - the girl returned.

Over time, the problem of the dowry has ceased to be so acute. Accordingly, the names have changed. Now they mean "dream", "beloved" and "joyful". And the old ones, not too positive and beautiful, are practically not used today.

Conclusion

Many Azerbaijanis believe that the name of the child determines his fate. Therefore, when choosing it is worth taking into account not only the brevity and ease of pronunciation, but also the meaning behind it. Beautiful Azerbaijani surnames in combination with no less euphonious names can bring joy, prosperity and a long happy life to children.