A Semantic Study of Jordanian Bedouin First- Name Preferences

Abstract

The present study is an investigation of the Preferences of Bedouin first- names in central Bedouin tribes (Al-dʒiiza District) in Jordan from the semantic and sociolinguistic points of view. This study aims at exploring the semantic meanings of the Bedouin first- names (Note 1). It, also, aims at discussing the socio-cultural influences that come behind these Bedouin personal first-names. To achieve the goal of this study, 177 personal names were collected from the passports of Bedouin people whose years of birth were from 1950 to 1960 registered in the Civil Status and Passport Department. Then names were classified into seven main categories based on their meanings and the socio-cultural factors that they reflect. For example, names taken from the surrounding environment, animal and birds, times of the day, plants, personality and body parts, weather, and travelling. As a result, we can conclude that Bedouin names aren’t arbitrary and carry semantic and sociolinguistic implications.