Abstract:
Written sources make it clear that the process of formation of
personal names in Georgian ethnocultural space was of heterogenous
nature and in terms of that the ongoing process changed gradually.
It we look at the topic diachronically, in personal names, ancient
Georgian written monuments allow us to identify the patronymic function
ian
[<*ivan
<*evan]
suffix. Historically, the two-segment-ian
formator,
aside from the meaning of having, gained the function of indicating the
last name starter, its owner and that is how in ancient Georgia appeared
personal names Parnavazian’I,
Gorgaslian’,
Nersian’I
or Marushian’i.
“And he has given… Chukhchakherity to Marushyan, son of Chukhcharekh”,
reads
the history essay Historian and Azman, written by unknown author
from Tamar’s epoch (XII century) [Historian and Azman, 1959, pg. 33]. In
parallel with the mentioned personal names appears the -el
origin – the-
suffix-added
forms indicating origins; for example, Machabeli’I,
Torel’i,
Mkhargrdzel’i
and others such. Second historian of Tamar’s epoch, Basili
Ezosmodzgvari says in his essay that: “”and up there [was] Javakheti, where
Sargis Mkhargrdzelidze Tmogueli and Shalva Torelive are” [Ezosmodzgvari,
1959, pg. 129]. The -el
affix of descent was used in ancient Georgia far
more extensively and along with secular persons, it often indicated the
location of service by clergymen [for example, Martskvereleli, Bolneli
and etc.] Such diversification of the names of descent was the result of
general meaning of -el
affix, which made the extensiveness of its usage
in Georgian historical reality quite understandable. In general, last names
were the indication of rank level and in Georgian ethnocultural space,
existence of such anthroponyms for lower social classes or levels, the so
called “those without last names”, is not present at all.
The fundamental turning point in terms of form of Georgian personal
names takes place when -dze
and -shvili
endings appear as result of
influence from oriental languages. The fact is that organic Georgian
formations are replaced by descriptive formations, which is accompanied
by certain social-cultural
requirement – formation of the social class
without last names by personal names. The universality of -ian
affix (-ian
affix names’ result in modern Eastern Georgia – Odzelaani
< Odzeliani,
Keshelaaani
< KeshelianI
and etc.), is gradually weakening.
It is apparent that Arabic language – “ibn”/”ibnu” [shvili/son] or
Persian originated “zade” [given birth by] have their influence on Georgian
language and -dze
and -shvili
endings gain systematic character in Georgian reality. Pressure by foreign languages in terms of change-formation
of
anthroponyms was present in the Georgian reality back in the V century
and following epochs. Historical sources reveal that interesting linguistic
facts can be detected as result of impact from Iranian policy and Persian
language. Namely, names of noble women often add duxt,
central Iranian
[V c. B.C. – III c. A.D.] root. Considering that during the named period names
of father and daughter were not different, the necessity of adding duxt
to
them was reasoned by the necessity for such difference.
In Georgian ethnocultural terms, according to impact from epochs
and foreign cultures, different linguistic fact appear, although, it must also
be said that the XIX century (especially its first part) is truly distinguished
in view of usage of last names. The 1832 Conspiracy case clearly shows
what situation we are dealing with. The interrogation protocols of Georgian
aristocrats or public figures directly point to the alarming situation.
It cannot be claimed that the linguistic change in absolute majority of
last names, namely, appearance of Russian ov/
ev
endings, is without
exception, however, it also a fact that the change of Georgian last names
is not only started, but it is a reality, which, clearly points to the great
power of Russification policy and fundamental change in the language
and culture of leader Georgians. Even in Solomon Dodashvili’s testimony,
there are no Georgian formulations of historic last names.
The situation is a substantially homogeneous in view of usage of last
names in the materials of 1832 Conspirators, which clearly indicates the
gravest political course of Russification started in early XIX century and
the attempt of deep intrusion into the nation’s mental mind. Russification
of last names cannot of course be by its significance equalized with the
lingual facts of usage of barbarisms detected in rare cases in XIX century
Georgian language, as the latter were originally perceived as barbarisms
and had less connection with the change of cultural heritage. The same
cannot be said about the Russification of noble names. The conspirators
initially named themselves and affiliates (here: Conspirators) with the
changed last names, which significantly changed the appearance of the
educated and leader Georgian community, which had to think for the
recreation of Georgian Statehood in future.