| Abstract [eng] |
This article studies the tendencies observed in naming practices and the formation of Baltic names given to children of Lithuanian emigrants in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 2020. The most characteristic Baltic names for girls are relatively uncommon among emigrant families, comprising 16.4% of girls’ names and 7.8% of boys’ one-member names given in the UK. Children, especially girls, are given names inspired by Lithuanian natural elements, such as coastal landmarks, positive and/or highly valued features, and symbolic materials like precious metals and stone names. Additionally, names of pagan deities, legendary personalities, princes, kings, and famous families are frequently chosen to emphasize cultural roots and express a deep appreciation for Baltic heritage. Approximately one-tenth of children carry double names, with those featuring at least one Baltic name being even less common (9.9% of girls and 14.9% of boys). Baltic names tend to precede in double names for girls more often than for boys, mirroring patterns observed in single names. In the UK, variation in Baltic names of emigrants’ children is prevalent, particularly in suffixes, with common derivations including suffixes -ėja, -ita, -ūnė, -ūnas, -ija, and -ijus, among others. Compound names often incorporate stems like mant- and min- as well as some others as the second member. Most likely the coincidence of the terminations of some compound names with the terminations of some suffixed names has been a factor favoring the spread of similar sounding combinations, which shows the importance of euphony in naming practices. |
