The Attribution of Kabyle Personal Names

Abstract

The present study attempts to investigate the socio-cultural dimensions of anthroponyms among the Kabyle people, with a specific focus on naming practices within both family and village contexts. It investigates the underlying factors that influence the choice, transmission, and transformation of personal names and surnames, including historical, cultural, social, and administrative considerations. Drawing on a corpus of personal names gathered from a range of Kabyle villages—namely Sahel, Wizgan, Ahriq, Ihitoussen, Tabouda, Igreb, Abourghes, Hijeb, and Tazrout—the research adopts a descriptive and interpretive approach to analyze the evolution and significance of naming practices over time. The analysis reveals that Kabyle names are not merely individual identifiers but carry deep symbolic and social significance. They serve as markers of ancestry, tribal affiliation, geographical origin, and collective memory. In this sense, anthroponyms function as a vital component of cultural identity, reinforcing social cohesion and continuity within the community. The study also highlights how naming conventions have evolved over time in response to broader socio-political influences, such as colonial rule, state administrative policies, migration, and the growing interaction with other cultures and languages. The findings suggest that the Kabyle naming system reflects a complex interplay between tradition and change. While many names continue to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage, others reveal signs of adaptation or loss due to external pressures. Moreover, the study emphasizes the role of names in shaping both personal identity and group belonging. Understanding these naming practices thus provides valuable insights into Kabyle society, its historical transformations, and its ongoing negotiation of cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.