On the Significance of Names in an Arab Village

General properties of naming, and a specific case of nicknaming in the Scottish outer Hebrides

“…Antoun (1968) and Bernard (1968) list complimentary as well as derisive nicknames, whereas Dorian (1970) comments on the predominance of pejorative nicknames in Scotland. Whatever the cause of variation among societies/ in an environment of mutual watchfulness and interdependence, the development and use of nicknames provide a major source of amusement.…”

“…The use of nicknames in the West and Near East has been described by Allen (1956), Antoun (1968), Bernard (1968), Brandes (1973), Cohen (1973), Collier and Bricker (1970), Dorian (1970), Parman (1973), Pitt-Rivers 1961, and Spencer (1961), among others. The function of nicknames may be explored by comparing them crossculturally; and choice of alternative forms within a single culture is determined by situational factors.…”

“…Many authors call attention to the identifying function of nicknames (Antoun 1968;Bernard 1968;Collier and Bricker 1970;Dorian 1970;Gardener 1954). In early Christian Europe, only the single baptismal name was recognized (Stewart andPulgram 1971: 1159), and nicknames were used to distinguish the many Johns and Peters from each other.…”

“…Derogatory nicknames may be used to exert social control (Antoun 1968;Bernard 1968;Collier and Bricker 1970;Pitt-Rivers 1961), and may also contribute to or express social solidarity (Bernard 1968;Collier and Bricker 1970;Dorian 1970).…”

Family Names in Palestine: A Reflection of Culture and Life

“…As a side issue, Kayed and Lance (2002) looked into the family names of 141 individuals. Antoun (1968)studied nicknames in one village in the Jordan valley. His analysis covered nicknames expressing character, physical and personal traits, occupations, hostility, and place of origin.…”