What the study found
The study found that Iranian boys’ naming patterns shifted over time in ways linked to different identity orientations. It reports that National Islamism was the predominant orientation, but in recent periods it has faced a serious challenge from Archaist Nationalism.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the naming trends can be used to track social change and identity shifts in Iranian society. The study suggests that changes in boys’ names reflect broader political and historical periods and corresponding identity orientations.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed the 50 most common boys’ names in Iran from 1962 to 2021. They categorized the names by cultural orientation and used a typology of social change from a socio-psychological approach as the study’s framework.
What worked and what didn't
The findings suggest a gradual increase in Modern Nationalism orientation and a decline in Traditional Islamism orientation. The study also found that National Islamism remained the dominant orientation overall, while Archaist Nationalism became more prominent in recent periods.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations, and the summary here is limited to the 50 most common boys’ names and the period 1962–2021. It also does not provide the underlying counts or statistical details behind the reported trends.
Key points
- The study analyzed Iran’s 50 most common boys’ names from 1962 to 2021.
- National Islamism was reported as the predominant identity orientation.
- Archaist Nationalism is described as posing a serious challenge in recent periods.
- Modern Nationalism showed a gradual increase.
- Traditional Islamism showed a decline.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Iranian boys’ names shifted from traditional Islamism
- Authors:
- M. Fouladiyan, Amin Majidifard, Nafiseh Roshandel
- Institutions:
- Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
- Image credit:
- Photo by Sima Ghaffarzadeh on Pexels · Pexels License
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