Onomastic Reforms: Family Names and State-Building in Iran

In the mid-1920s, the Iranian state legislated a reform of citizenry naming practices, abolishing honorary titles and honorifics, making family names obligatory, and establishing an office for registering names and citizens' life events. The main motivation for this reform was conscription, which necessitated knowledge of young men's ages, identities, and whereabouts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2020
Publisher: Harvard University, Center for Hellenic Studies

In the mid-1920s, the Iranian state undertook a comprehensive reform of its citizenry's naming practices. This reform encompassed a range of measures, including the abolition of honorary titles and honorifics, the mandatory use of family names, and the establishment of an office responsible for registering names and citizens' life events such as births, marriages, divorces, and deaths. The primary driving force behind this onomastic reform was the need for conscription, which required accurate knowledge of young men's ages, identities, and locations. The introduction of conscription itself was a part of the state-building efforts that followed the weakening of the central government induced by the First World War.

Before the reform, Iranians had a rich and diverse range of naming practices. Honorary titles and honorifics were commonly used to distinguish individuals based on their achievements, social status, or religious affiliations. Family names, on the other hand, were often derived from various sources, including personal characteristics, geographical locations, and ancestral lineages. The use of surnames was not universal among Iranians, and many individuals continued to use their given names as their primary identifier.

The debates surrounding the obsolescence of traditional naming practices began in the early 20th century. Some scholars and intellectuals argued that these practices were outdated and hindered social progress and national unity. They advocated for a more modern and uniform system of naming that would facilitate easier identification and communication among people.

The Iranian state responded to these calls for reform by enacting legislation in the mid-1920s. The first step was the abolition of all honorary titles and honorifics, which were deemed unnecessary and cumbersome. Family names were then made obligatory for all citizens, regardless of their social status or religious affiliation. An office for registering names and citizens' life events was established to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the records.

The introduction of conscription in the following years further reinforced the importance of the onomastic reform. The military required precise information about the age, identity, and whereabouts of potential recruits, which could only be obtained through a standardized system of naming. The reform also aimed to address the issue of identity confusion and fraud, which had been prevalent in the past due to the use of multiple names and the absence of a central registry.

Iranians faced several challenges during the implementation of the onomastic reform. Some individuals resisted the change, particularly those who were attached to their traditional naming practices or who felt that it violated their cultural and religious beliefs. Others struggled to choose or invent surnames that were suitable for their new identities. Some families also faced difficulties in registering their names due to bureaucratic complexities or lack of access to necessary documents.

Despite these challenges, the onomastic reform was largely successful in achieving its goals. Family names became more widespread, and individuals were able to identify themselves more easily. The establishment of a central registry for names and citizens' life events also facilitated the administration of government services and the tracking of population growth and migration.

In conclusion, the onomastic reform of the mid-1920s was a significant milestone in the history of Iran. It marked a departure from the traditional naming practices and a commitment to modernity and national unity. The reform was driven by the need for conscription and was part of the broader state-building efforts that followed the First World War. While it faced challenges during its implementation, the reform ultimately achieved its goals and had a lasting impact on the naming practices of Iranians.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674248199