Evolving naming patterns: anthroponymics within a theory of the dynamics of non‐Anglo Englishes

Abstract

Abstract: English place names show vestiges of the original languages spoken (e.g. Kent is Celtic): this is seen as characterising the early stages of dialect birth. In contrast to place names, little attention has been given to personal names. This paper attempts to explore ways in which this can be done by examining ethnic‐Chinese names in Singapore with a view to understanding how this could be related to the spread of non‐Anglo Englishes. To illustrate my point, I examine graduation lists as data; these are from Singaporean universities and span 40 years and characterise the patterns of change. One significant change is the rise of the proportion of the population with English‐based given names, although there are other patterns of change too: these are indicative of some of the tensions within Singaporean society. I also suggest that some aspects of anthroponymics can be incorporated into the theory of dialect birth.