Why Names Matter Now More Than Ever
In an era of digital identity, cultural representation debates, and linguistic diversity, understanding how names operate in society has never been more critical. The American Name Society's annual meeting brings together scholars who reveal how names function as:
- Cultural bridges and barriers in educational materials
- Creative expressions of identity and meaning
- Political tools that shape perceptions of diversity
- Linguistic puzzles that challenge our understanding of language structure
Must-See Panels for the Curious Mind
Names in Discourse and Knowledge Transmission
Discover how names in school textbooks subtly shape young readers' worldviews. Emilia Aldrin (Halmstad University) explores how "Karl" versus "Muhammad" in Swedish primary textbooks serves functions beyond mere reference - signaling status, engaging readers, and shaping identities. Irina Martynenko (RUDN University) reveals how Latin American writers transform real place names into powerful metaphors that construct national identity. This panel shows how the names we encounter in education and literature aren't neutral - they're active participants in knowledge transmission.
Structure and Creativity in Naming Practices
Ever wondered why paint colors are named "Kale Green" but not "Green Kale"? Elsi Kaiser (University of Southern California) analyzes 6,000+ paint names to reveal the linguistic structures behind our most eye-catching color terms. F. Nihan Ketrez (Istanbul Bilgi University) examines how Turkish thoroughbred horses get their names - discovering that Arabian horses receive shorter, more Turkish names while English thoroughbreds favor foreign names. This panel demonstrates how naming follows predictable patterns while allowing for creative expression.
Diversity in Youth Literature
In response to rising censorship of diverse books for young readers, this special panel addresses a critical question: How do names in youth literature reflect and shape cultural diversity? Edcel Javier Cintron-Gonzalez explores naming practices in Latinx youth literature, while Sharon N. Obasi examines how immigrant children navigate identity through names in fiction. Susan Behrens reveals how young protagonists use names to survive powerlessness. This session is essential reading for anyone concerned about representation in children's literature.
Forensic Onomastics
The most unexpected panel explores how names function in criminal contexts. Amira Hanafi Elzohiery analyzes Egyptian news discourse about "Al-Khott," "Al-Tourbini," and "Al-Mustarih" as criminal archetypes. Linnea Gustafsson and colleagues examine how online news anonymizes crime suspects. This cutting-edge research reveals how names can simultaneously stigmatize and protect individuals in digital spaces.
Why You Should Attend
Whether you're a linguist, educator, writer, or simply someone who's ever wondered why we name things the way we do, this meeting offers:
- New perspectives on everyday phenomena you've never considered
- Practical insights for educators, publishers, and content creators
- Critical tools for understanding cultural representation
- Networking opportunities with leading experts in onomastics
The American Name Society has been the premier organization for name research since 1951, and this year's meeting continues that tradition of excellence while addressing contemporary issues that matter to all of us.
Join the Conversation
This virtual event makes cutting-edge name research accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Registration is now open for the February 21, 2026 meeting, with sessions scheduled throughout the day in Eastern US Time.
Don't miss this opportunity to see how the study of names illuminates our understanding of culture, identity, and power.
The study of names isn't just academic - it's essential for understanding how we construct meaning in our world. See you at the meeting!
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