What the study found
The study found that Iranian boys’ names reflected shifts in identity orientation over 1962–2021. The main pattern reported was that National Islamism, a blend of national and Islamic identity, was the dominant orientation, but it has recently faced a serious challenge from Archaist Nationalism.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors use naming patterns as a way to track social change and identity shifts in Iranian society across major political and historical periods. The study suggests that these changes in names can indicate broader movements in cultural orientation.
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 interpreted the patterns using a socio-psychological typology of social change.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis showed a gradual increase in Modern Nationalism orientation and a decline in Traditional Islamism orientation. It also showed that National Islamism remained the predominant orientation overall, while Archaist Nationalism became more prominent in recent periods.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe specific limitations of the study. The summary provided here is limited to boys’ names, the 50 most common names, and the cultural categories used by the authors.
Key points
- The study examined Iranian boys’ names from 1962 to 2021.
- The 50 most common names were categorized by cultural orientation.
- National Islamism was reported as the dominant orientation overall.
- Archaist Nationalism was described as a serious recent challenge to National Islamism.
- Modern Nationalism increased gradually, while Traditional Islamism declined.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Iranian boys’ names shifted from Traditional Islamism toward other identities
- Authors:
- M. Fouladiyan, Amin Majidifard, Nafiseh Roshandel
- Institutions:
- Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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