Highlights from the Latest Issue of NAMES: A Journal of Onomastics

 The American Name Society has released Volume 73, Issue 1 (2025) of NAMES: A Journal of Onomastics, focusing on the theme "Names, Naming, Bias, and Prejudice." This special issue delves into the intricate relationships between names and societal perceptions, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of how names influence and reflect social biases.

Featured Articles:

• "How Does It Feel When People Forget Your Name or Name You Incorrectly?" by Serge Brédart, Christel Devue, and Valentine Vanootighem examines the personal and psychological impacts of name misidentification and mispronunciation, shedding light on the significance of correct name usage in social interactions.

• "Unveiling Identity: Understanding and Addressing Name Bias and Prejudice among the Marginalized in Turkey" by Ömer Gökhan Ulum explores the experiences of marginalized communities in Turkey, analyzing how name-based biases affect their societal integration and personal identities.

• "For the Love of Karen: A Socio-onomastic Investigation into Prejudice and Discrimination Targeting Karen and its Name-Bearers" by I. M. Nick investigates the recent cultural connotations associated with the name "Karen" and the resultant prejudices faced by individuals bearing this name.

• "Bias and Progressiveness in Textbook Naming Patterns: Gendered and Cultural Norms Presented to Young Readers in Sweden" by Emilia Aldrin analyzes naming patterns in Swedish educational materials, highlighting how these choices reflect and potentially perpetuate gender and cultural biases.

Additional Contributions:

• Book Reviews: Insightful critiques of recent publications in the field of onomastics by George S. Matejka and Alexander M. Volk.

• Name of the Year Report 2024: A comprehensive analysis by I. M. Nick, discussing the most impactful names that emerged in 2024 and their societal implications.

• 2024 Award for Best Article in NAMES: An announcement by I. M. Nick, celebrating outstanding scholarly contributions to the journal.

This issue offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of names in shaping perceptions and experiences. Readers are encouraged to engage with the articles to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of naming.

For full access to these articles and more, visit the journal's website: NAMES: A Journal of Onomastics, Vol. 73 No. 1 (2025).

Note: The above summary is based on the table of contents and available abstracts from the journal's website.