{"id":1372,"date":"2023-10-30T22:33:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T22:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/?p=1372"},"modified":"2025-10-30T22:45:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T22:45:10","slug":"samisk-navnetradisjon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/samisk-navnetradisjon\/","title":{"rendered":"Sami naming tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are two examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>J\u00e1hko Bill\u00e1: Bill\u00e1 was the daughter of J\u00e1hko. Those called Billa in Sami were often called Berit in Norwegian.&nbsp;<em>J\u00e1hko<\/em>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<em>Jacob<\/em>&nbsp;in Norwegian.&nbsp;<em>J\u00e1hko Bill\u00e1<\/em>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<em>Berit Jakobsdatter<\/em>&nbsp;in public records. She was born in Birtavarre in 1852, but moved to G\u00e1iskeriidi in Manndalen when she married.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tin oil<\/em>:&nbsp;<em>Ola<\/em>&nbsp;was the son of&nbsp;<em>Tina<\/em>.&nbsp;<em>Tina<\/em>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<em>Morthine Olsen<\/em>&nbsp;in Norwegian.&nbsp;<em>Tin oil<\/em>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<em>Peder Olaf Pedersen<\/em>&nbsp;in public records. He was born in Olderdalen in 1906 and had a shop near Olderdalselva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, three generations were used, grandparent - parent - child. For example.&nbsp;<em>Heik Hans Mikkal<\/em>, born in Ysteby in 1900. He was written as Mikal Hansen in Norwegian. Grandfather's name&nbsp;<em>Heika<\/em>, was&nbsp;<em>Mr Henrik<\/em>&nbsp;in Norwegian. In some places, it is said that it was usually the father's name that was used as the&nbsp;<em>first name<\/em>. In Manndalen, both mum's and dad's names are used equally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bertus-Inga-web-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bertus-Inga-web-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bertus-Inga-web-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bertus-Inga-web.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bertus I\u014bg\u00e1 from Manndalen was named after his mother Bertus (Bertine Pedersen). Photo: Tor Mikalsen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Place name in name<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<em>Ittarvuon Johan<\/em>&nbsp;came from Ittarvuotna - Lenangen in Lyngen and settled at Storvollen in Manndalen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&nbsp;<em>Donkey Harald<\/em>,&nbsp;<em>Bernhard Anna<\/em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Knut Eva Hans<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tor Mikalsen talks about the Sami naming tradition<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Sami naming tradition\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kLgyHDdk4P8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Examples of Sami and Norwegian names<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>SAMIAN<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>NORWEGIAN<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u00c1ne\u0161, \u00c1ne, \u00c1nu<\/td><td>Ane, Anne, Anna (ex \u00c1ne\u010de Nils)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u00c1nte, \u00c1ndaras<\/td><td>Arne, Anders, Andreas, Andr\u00e9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Binn\u00e1, Bill\u00e1, Bigge, Bikkul, Biret<\/td><td>Berit, Bente (ex Bireha J\u00e1nna)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Begas, Biede, Bieht\u00e1r, Biera, Biera\u0161<\/td><td>Peder, Per (ex. Biera\u010de Jussa)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bekka, Bierran, Petto, Petta, Pelle<\/td><td>Peder, Per<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Berttus<\/td><td>Berte, Alberte<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ellus<\/td><td>Erling<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Erkke, Ierkke, Er\u010de<\/td><td>Erik, Eirik<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Giste, Girste\/Girst<\/td><td>Kirsten, Kirsti<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>H\u00e1nn\u00e1<\/td><td>Hanna, Hanne, Johanna<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>H\u00e1ns, H\u00e1nse, H\u00e1dja, H\u00e1inta<\/td><td>His<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Idus<\/td><td>Ida<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ielle, Elle<\/td><td>Elen, Ellen<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>I\u014bg\u00e1, I\u014bggo\u0161, Inggut<\/td><td>Inger, Ingrid, Inga (Inggu\u017ea Marja)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Iss\u00e1, Isku<\/td><td>Isaac<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J\u00e1ku, J\u00e1hko,J\u00e1kka, (J\u00e1ga\u0161)<\/td><td>Jacob<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J\u00e1nn\u00e1<\/td><td>Julianne, Janne (ex J\u00e1n Ing \u00c1ne)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jons\u00e1, Jovnna, Jondu<\/td><td>John (Jonns Ierkke)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Juss\u00e1, Juggu, Jutta<\/td><td>St John<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>K\u00e1ll\u00e1<\/td><td>Karl<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>L\u00e1sse, L\u00e1\u010du, L\u00e1ja, L\u00e1rsa<\/td><td>Lars, Lasse<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kikku, Kikka<\/td><td>Christian<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kristu, Ristu, Risten, Ristiinn\u00e1<\/td><td>Kristine, Kristin<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M\u00e1htte<\/td><td>Mathis, Mathias, Mats<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M\u00e1jen, M\u00e1rj\u00e1, M\u00e1rjut, M\u00e1rj\u00e1nn\u00e1<\/td><td>Marie, Marianne<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M\u00e1l\u00e1, M\u00e1lu<\/td><td>Malene, Marit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M\u00e1ret\/M\u00e1reha<\/td><td>Marit, Margrethe<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Miga, Mihku (Migu)<\/td><td>Mikkel, Mikal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Moarta<\/td><td>Morten<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nigo, Niill\u00e1, Nila\u0161, Nilta, Nilso<\/td><td>Nils (ex Nilla\u010de Hansa)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nuvtte, Knutsa<\/td><td>Knut<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ovll\u00e1, Vuolle, Vuolan, L\u00e1vu<\/td><td>Ole, Ola, Olaf (ex Vuolla\u010de Biret)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sill\u00e1<\/td><td>Seselie, Cecilie<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Siinn\u00e1<\/td><td>Hansine, Jensine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tina<\/td><td>Tina, Albertine<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">TEACHING PROGRAMME:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1: Video as an introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch the introduction video on the Centre for Northern Peoples website&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/sjosamene\/sprak-navn-ord-og-uttrykk\/samisk-navnetradisjon\/\">here.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2: Task - create your own traditional Sami name<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A: Name after parents<\/strong><br>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then try to see if you can create a Sami aural twist on the name. For example, Inger could be Inga, Anne could be \u00c1ne\u0161, Marit could be M\u00e1lu, Maria could be M\u00e1jen, Kari could be K\u00e1re, Tor could be Torro, Per could be Piera or Pegas, Erling could be Ellos, Isak could be Issa and Lars could be L\u00e1ja or L\u00e1se. Or you can try to come up with a twist on the names yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See the list of examples of Sami names above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if your mum's name is Berit and your name is Marcus, your traditional name could be \u201cBinn\u00e1 Marku\u201d. If your father's name is John and your name is Cecilie, your name could be \u201cJovnn\u00e1 Silla\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>B: Name by location<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<br><br>If you live in Steinlien\/Gilvatgieddi and your name is Isak, your traditional name may be \u201cGilvaget Iss\u00e1\u201d. If you live in Vannet and your name is Marianne, your traditional name may be \u201cJ\u00e1vre M\u00e1rja\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Home tasks:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In writing:<\/strong><br>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Digital - media:<\/strong><br>Conduct an interview about S\u00e1mi 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Download the questionnaire proposal here:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sporreskjema-for-hjemmeoppgave.pdf\">Questionnaire for home assignment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The project is supported by:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69fa101de6d9d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69fa101de6d9d\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Albescent-White-Colorful-Soft-Texture-Background-Rounded-Rectangle-Frame-Mockup-Photo-Collage-300x240-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1375\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sami Parliament Troms County Council<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1371,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sprak-navn-ord-og-uttrykk"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1372","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1372"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1372\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1376,"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1372\/revisions\/1376"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1371"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nordligefolk.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}