تعامل هویت ملی و قومی در نام گذاری فرزندان: مطالعه موردی خانواده­های فارسی زبان و ترکی زبان همدان

This study aims to investigate naming patterns and the factors influencing the choice of Turkish and Persian names among Iranian families. The present study employed a mixed-method approach (quantitative-qualitative) with the participation of 70 parents of young children from different districts of Hamedan. Research instruments included a researcher-made questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS and MAXQDA software. The findings revealed that Persian names account for the largest share of child naming at 64%, while Turkish names rank second at 26%. Data analysis indicated significant differences in naming preferences based on gender and educational level, with women and more educated individuals showing a greater tendency to choose Turkish names. Among the motivations for name selection, "preserving cultural identity" was identified as the most important factor at 38%. The results of this study suggest that naming in Hamedan today reflects the complex interaction between national and ethnic identity. In addition to confirming previous findings on the role of names as identity markers, this research emphasizes the need for cultural policymakers to pay attention to these developments. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for broader research in the fields of sociolinguistics and identity studies.