In the past, first names and surnames were not used in Sami. Instead, one of the parents' names was often put in front of the child's name.
Here are two examples:
Jáhko Billá: Billá was the daughter of Jáhko. Those called Billa in Sami were often called Berit in Norwegian. Jáhko the Jacob in Norwegian. Jáhko Billá the Berit Jakobsdatter in public records. She was born in Birtavarre in 1852, but moved to Gáiskeriidi in Manndalen when she married.
Tin oil: Ola was the son of Tina. Tina the Morthine Olsen in Norwegian. Tin oil the Peder Olaf Pedersen in public records. He was born in Olderdalen in 1906 and had a shop near Olderdalselva.
In some cases, three generations were used, grandparent - parent - child. For example. Heik Hans Mikkal, born in Ysteby in 1900. He was written as Mikal Hansen in Norwegian. Grandfather's name Heika, was Mr Henrik in Norwegian. In some places, it is said that it was usually the father's name that was used as the first name. In Manndalen, both mum's and dad's names are used equally.
Place name in name
In some cases, the place you came from could also give you a name. People who came from out of town often had the place name included in their name. Ittarvuon Johan came from Ittarvuotna - Lenangen in Lyngen and settled at Storvollen in Manndalen.
During the 20th century, the Sami language was pushed aside, while Norwegian was spoken in schools and elsewhere. The naming tradition also continued in Norwegian and completely Norwegian-sounding names such as Donkey Harald, Bernhard Anna and Knut Eva Hans.
Tor Mikalsen talks about the Sami naming tradition
Examples of Sami and Norwegian names
| SAMIAN | NORWEGIAN |
| Áneš, Áne, Ánu | Ane, Anne, Anna (ex Áneče Nils) |
| Ánte, Ándaras | Arne, Anders, Andreas, André |
| Binná, Billá, Bigge, Bikkul, Biret | Berit, Bente (ex Bireha Jánna) |
| Begas, Biede, Biehtár, Biera, Bieraš | Peder, Per (ex. Bierače Jussa) |
| Bekka, Bierran, Petto, Petta, Pelle | Peder, Per |
| Berttus | Berte, Alberte |
| Ellus | Erling |
| Erkke, Ierkke, Erče | Erik, Eirik |
| Giste, Girste/Girst | Kirsten, Kirsti |
| Hánná | Hanna, Hanne, Johanna |
| Háns, Hánse, Hádja, Háinta | His |
| Idus | Ida |
| Ielle, Elle | Elen, Ellen |
| Iŋgá, Iŋggoš, Inggut | Inger, Ingrid, Inga (Ingguža Marja) |
| Issá, Isku | Isaac |
| Jáku, Jáhko,Jákka, (Jágaš) | Jacob |
| Jánná | Julianne, Janne (ex Ján Ing Áne) |
| Jonsá, Jovnna, Jondu | John (Jonns Ierkke) |
| Jussá, Juggu, Jutta | St John |
| Kállá | Karl |
| Lásse, Láču, Lája, Lársa | Lars, Lasse |
| Kikku, Kikka | Christian |
| Kristu, Ristu, Risten, Ristiinná | Kristine, Kristin |
| Máhtte | Mathis, Mathias, Mats |
| Májen, Márjá, Márjut, Márjánná | Marie, Marianne |
| Málá, Málu | Malene, Marit |
| Máret/Máreha | Marit, Margrethe |
| Miga, Mihku (Migu) | Mikkel, Mikal |
| Moarta | Morten |
| Nigo, Niillá, Nilaš, Nilta, Nilso | Nils (ex Nillače Hansa) |
| Nuvtte, Knutsa | Knut |
| Ovllá, Vuolle, Vuolan, Lávu | Ole, Ola, Olaf (ex Vuollače Biret) |
| Sillá | Seselie, Cecilie |
| Siinná | Hansine, Jensine |
| Tina | Tina, Albertine |
TEACHING PROGRAMME:
1: Video as an introduction
Watch the introduction video on the Centre for Northern Peoples website here.
2: Task - create your own traditional Sami name
A: Name after parents
Choose the name of one of your parents, e.g. use the one from the place where you live. Then add your own name. If you have more than one name, you can choose which name to use.
Then try to see if you can create a Sami aural twist on the name. For example, Inger could be Inga, Anne could be Áneš, Marit could be Málu, Maria could be Májen, Kari could be Káre, Tor could be Torro, Per could be Piera or Pegas, Erling could be Ellos, Isak could be Issa and Lars could be Lája or Láse. Or you can try to come up with a twist on the names yourself.
See the list of examples of Sami names above.
For example, if your mum's name is Berit and your name is Marcus, your traditional name could be “Binná Marku”. If your father's name is John and your name is Cecilie, your name could be “Jovnná Silla”.
B: Name by location
Try to find a place name in Sami in or near where you live. Then add your own name. If you have more than one name, you can choose which name to use.
If you live in Steinlien/Gilvatgieddi and your name is Isak, your traditional name may be “Gilvaget Issá”. If you live in Vannet and your name is Marianne, your traditional name may be “Jávre Márja”. It's not a big deal if you're unsure of the spelling. The most important thing is that you can use the name orally.
Home tasks:
In writing:
Ask your parents, grandparents or others at home if they have heard of Sami personal names. It could be someone in the family, neighbours or others. Write down the names and ask if they know where they come from. Try to find at least five names and include an explanation of the origin of the name.
Digital - media:
Conduct an interview about Sámi personal names in your family or in the area where you live. Ask your parents, grandparents or others at home if they have heard of a Sami personal name. Write down the names as best you can and record the interview by phone, or film the interview. The interview can be stored at the school or sent to the Centre for Northern Peoples, post@nordligefolk.no
Download the questionnaire proposal here: Questionnaire for home assignment
The project is supported by:
