Naming Patterns of Children in Nahavand: Reflections of Four Identities and Hybrid Tendencies

Given names are recognized as one of the most prominent symbols of individual and social identity, reflecting not only the beliefs, values, and cultural and class positions of individuals and their families but also the patterns of childbearing within social structures. The process of naming goes beyond a mere choice and is considered a sociolinguistic-cultural act that presents a complex representation of both individual and collective identities. This study, adopting a sociolinguistic approach, examines the naming systems of adolescents in the city of Nahavand, aiming to identify and analyze the relationship between name selection, cultural identity, and social class. To achieve this objective, data were collected in 2024 by compiling lists of students’ names from lower and upper secondary schools in both public and private institutions in Nahavand. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and teachers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the motivations and patterns behind name choices. The data analysis was based on criteria such as linguistic origin, cultural connotation, religious tendencies, and geographical location (urban and rural). The findings indicate that naming patterns in Nahavand are primarily grounded in four main dimensions: religious, traditional, ethnic, and Iranian, each reflecting diverse aspects of the cultural and social identities of adolescents. Moreover, the results suggest the emergence and expansion of hybrid naming patterns, which stem from changes in child bearing practices and the increasing cultural diversity within the society. This study emphasizes the significance of naming as a key tool in representing the identity of Iranian adolescents.