Brazilians and Their Names: Theory and History of Anthroponymy in Brazil

 The latest book on Brazilian onomastics, A Revolução Antroponímica no Brasil, uncovers the fascinating history of Brazil’s unique naming practices, shedding light on the socio-cultural shifts that have shaped Brazilian identity through names. The author delves into what is referred to as Brazil’s “anthroponymic revolution,” a period between 1925 and 1950 marked by the emergence of uniquely Brazilian first names. This revolution, peaking in the 1940s and 1950s, reflects a growing departure from traditional Judeo-Christian names, especially within Brazil’s Afro-descendant communities, who began embracing innovative names as a form of cultural expression and, possibly, subtle resistance.

The book argues that these newly created names differentiated Brazilian Portuguese from its European and African variants, infusing the language with distinct cultural markers that underscore Brazil’s evolving identity. The author, Soledade, suggests that these naming practices might have served as an assertion of autonomy for Afro-Brazilian communities, while still appealing to a broader cross-section of Brazilian society.

The study does not only focus on the 20th century but also digs deep into Brazil’s colonial past. By examining the onomastic systems of both Black and White communities during the colonial period, as well as the largely overlooked indigenous naming practices, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the influences that shaped Brazilian naming conventions.

More than just a historical overview, A Revolução Antroponímica no Brasil positions itself as a groundbreaking reference in Brazilian anthroponomastics, contributing a well-researched, detailed understanding of the country’s personal naming history. This work is a call to future researchers to continue exploring Brazil’s rich and diverse onomastic traditions, promising to inspire new studies on how names mirror the Brazilian experience.

With this book, readers can expect an insightful journey into how names reveal Brazil’s cultural and historical tapestry, offering a fresh perspective on the deeply rooted connections between identity, language, and society.