06.18.04
Five hundred Genghis Khans
The Times has a charming article about Mongolia’s reintroduction of second names, which were banned in the Soviet era because they reinforced tribal bonds.
The problem is that, in a still largely nomadic culture with relatively few written records, many people can’t remember what their family or tribal name was. Hence, they’re allowed to choose anything they like, leading to a wholly predictable glut of Genghis Khans. Others are helped by Serjee Besud, director of the Central State Library:
“I tell them to think of something they were born near,” he said, “the name of a river, valley or mountain. Or people might call themselves after their occupation. We have many Mr Writers and Mr Hunters, even a Mr Policeman.”
So, if you could choose your surname, what would it be? I’ve currently got a soft spot for the horse-gallop name of the Latvian left-back Blagonadezdin, one of the few names that sounds better the faster it’s said.
The Prandial Post said,
June 21, 2004 at 2:34 pm
It isn’t just one of your holiday games
“Where’s it from?” From cashiers to library assistants, everyone always asks. My wallet currently holds six pieces of plastic or paper containing the eight letters of my surname. And it acts as a conversation starter all over the world….