Böhnchen, Fritzi, Rumpel – Linguistische Aspekte von Pränatalnamen

Abstract

Sociological research has revealed that naming foeten during pregnancy is a marker of social existence. It shows that social birth has been decoupled from biological birth. This article deals with the linguistic description of so-called prenatal names. The aim is to provide an overview of the naming process and the usage, form and function of these names. The very great formal diversity of prenatal names is due to the fact that they are unofficial and without obligation. Names based on an anthroponym (e. g. Anne, Pepe, Thomas) are used as well as names constructed without any reference to potentially official names (e. g. Bauchzwerg, Hummel, Es). Addressing the fetus and talking about it are clearly essential needs experienced by parents if they already conceptualize the fetus as an individual baby. The naming process also establishes, consolidates and represents a relationship characterized by affection and emotional closeness between the parents and the unborn child.