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Mizo names are personal names used by the Mizo people in, or originating from, Northeast India and Myanmar. In the Mizo traditional system, a given name is specifically gender-based and the whole name is single-worded (mononym).[1] As in many Asian traditions, the Mizo and related Tibeto-Burman names normally do not have surnames. However, unlike other Tibeto-Burman languages, the Mizo language adopted gender classification in the given name: a suffix with -a denotes a male and -i, a female.[2] However, not all clans of the Mizo universally use the system and modernised names have multiple parts, including English or other foreign given names and surnames.[3]

The British rule of the Mizo people and the ensuing mass Christianisation coupled with westernisation had huge influence on the Mizo naming system. Erstwhile not known names, including foreign names and surnames, became commonly adopted.[4] The proper names in modern times are popularly a reflection of Christian worship; some of the common prefixes, "Lal", "Van" and "Vanlal", which were once restricted to regal names, are popular as allusion to god and heaven.[5] An impetus for the change into and popularisation of foreign names and western naming order consisting of first, middle name and surname, or at least two-part name is that Mizo traditional names, both spelling and pronunciation, are difficult for others,[6] some countries prohibiting single-part names (like the Middle East countries[7][8]) and some Indian official registry requiring surnames and other parts of the name.[9]

Traditional name

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Background

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Mizo language is originally part of the Sino-Tibetan and Tibeto-Burman languages with several common linguistic roots to Burmese language.[10] Within the language subgroup Mizo shares names of people, objects, verbs and nature with other ethnic languages.[11] Mizo language is further categorised under the central Kuki-chin group that includes Mizo (Duhlian), Bawm (Sunthla and Panghawi), Falam (Hallam, Ranglong, Darlong, Hauhulh, Simpi, Hualngo, Chorei), Thor (Tawr), Hmar, Hrangkhol, Biate (Biete), Hakha (Lai/Pawi, Mi-E, Zokhua), Pangkhua, Saihriem, Laizo/Tlaisun, Khualsim, Zanniat, Zahau, and Sim.[12] People using the Mizo language are distributed in Pherzawl district of Manipur, parts of Cachar district and Karbi Anglong district of Assam, southern Tripura, and the entire Mizoram, in India; as wells as western regions of Myanmar and the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.[13][14] The people and their language emerged as a result of Zo or Zomi diaspora in the 19th century.[15][16]

Mizo was purely an oral language until the people encountered the British in the late 19th century. In 1894, Welsh missionaries under Robert Arthington's Aborigines Mission, James Herbert Lorrain and Frederick William Savidge arrived in Aizawl, and their first work was creating the Mizo alphabet.[17][18] Lorrain and Savidge, and later missionaries, established the written Mizo language and largely influenced creating personal names.[2]

Structure

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A sample name in Mizo and its structure. Here, the Mizo given name would act as a middle name, and would be written as Issac L. Sailo.

Traditional Mizo names are a single given name and strictly composed of one part (mononyms). A complete name is typically two to four syllables, but never monosyllabic.[19] Mizo names are unisex but rely on suffix identification.[20] Although written in one word, the name basically comprises two components: the main given name which identifies individuals and a terminal syllable which is a gender determinant. The gender suffix is either -a for males and -i for females; in spoken, a sounds as English short a (IPA ə), while i is English short e (IPA ɪ).[2] The main name without the suffix can be common to both sexes, as a neutral gender.[19]

Examples:

  • "Khuma" and "Khara" were the first Mizo to receive Christian baptism in 1899.[21] The suffix -a indicates they were males.
  • "Ropuiliani" was the chieftain of Denlung and surrounding chiefdoms during the Chin-Lushai Expedition of 1889–90.[22] The suffix -i identifies the person as a female.

Pre-Mizo script records

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The British army officers and administrative officials were the first foreigners to make contact with and survey the lands inhabited by the Mizo people, and started the first written records of the culture and society of the different tribes.[23][24][25] Captain Thomas Herbert Lewin first mentioned one Mizo chief named "Rutton Poia" in his monograph The Hill Tracts of Chittagong and the Dwellers Therein in 1869.[26] Lewin mistook the name as two parts in all his accounts,[27] but the correct name is "Rothangpuia".[28] A. Campbell, a medical officer, reported in 1874 some Mizo (then variously called and spelled Lushais or Looshais or Kookis or Kookas) names based on English phonetics and alphabets such as:[29]

    • "Vanpilal", which would be properly written in Mizo script as "Vanpuilala", name of a chieftain.[30]
    • "Vanolel", which would be "Vanhnuailiana", a major chieftain.[31][28]

Two army officers, Robert Gosset Woodthorpe (in his 1873 book The Lushai Expedition, 1871–1872) and Thomas Herbert Lewin (in A Fly on the Wheel: Or, how I Helped to Govern India of 1885), who led the Lushai Expedition, were the first to document comprehensive lists of the Mizo chiefs. In addition to "Vanpilal" (or "Voupilal" according to Woodthorpe) and "Vanolel", some notable names are:

Regal names

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In the past, regal names were reserved within the use of Mizo chieftains. The Mizo has an idiom "lal hming sakna dâl lo" signifying the traditional rule that literally means "unhindered to the chief's name" so that it was customary for a commoner to avoid any name that might be associated with the chieftains.[5] Names of the chiefs popularly included "Lal"[35] and "Van"[28] which refers to chieftainship and greatness are unsuitable for the commoners.[5] The elitist naming was practically ended due to Independence of India from the British rule in 1947. The birth of new democratic government facilitated creation political parties for the citizens. The first major party in Mizoram, the Mizo Union, which largely proliferated out of anachronistic attitude towards tribal chiefs was particularly effective in ousting the Mizo chiefdoms and thus obliterating the regal naming tradition.[40][41]

Warriors

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Warriors were central to the safety and security of the Mizo communities, and were distinguished from the general public and attire.[42] [43] Their names also carried social distinctions not shared by others. For example, "Kapṭiala" would be that the person had shot (kap) a striped beast, a tiger (ṭial).[44] "Saizahawla" signifies, in exaggeration, one who faught hundred elephants.

Hypocorism

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Pet names were also given to warriors to replace their birth names. "Taitesena" was a new name given to Ralthatchhunga – a birth name already an expression of bravery against enemies.[45] Thangzachhinga as a warrior became "Vanapa".[20][46]

Firstborn-derived names

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Many notable people changed their birth names by adopting the names of their firstborn. Thanzachhinga's firstborn was Vana, hence his new name "Vanapa" (literally "Vana's father"). Another warrior, Khawtindala had a firstborn daughter, Burkhawni, so he became "Burkhawnipa". A noted folk composer, Hmarlutvunga was later known as "Awithangpa" after his firstborn son, Awithanga.[45] This custom of identifying parents by their children's name is known as Fa Hming Koh (naming after the firstborn).[20]

Bawi names

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Names in Mizo society often carried deep cultural and social significance, and the institution of bawiship was no exception. One example is Bawichhuaka, whose name means "an emancipated slave of the Khawbung family of the Hmar clan". The descendants of a Bawi would see the social status associated with their name.[47]

Modern names

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Mononyms

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Following the traditional Mizo names, many modern names are made of one part, multisyllabic words and with gender determinant.[19]

Example:

Hypocorism

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It is customary in Mizo community to use and have pet names in diminutive forms of the full names.[19] Full names are not used in verbal communication and is considered a rude behaviour. Especially in a close family, calling by a full name is an indication of confrontational situation and aggressive interaction.[51] An individual name can have a variety of pet names.

Example:

  • "Lalrinoma" can be called "Rina", "Rintea", "Marina", etc.
  • "Zothanpari" can be called "Zovi", "Thani", "Pari", "Zotei", "Partei", "Athani", etc.

In all the derivatives, the gender suffixes are retained and can be transposed to other syllables such as in "Marina" (Ma-rin-a, not Ma-ri-na) in which -a is originally part of the syllable -oma. In extended derivatives like "Marina" and "Athani", the prefixes Ma- and A-denote endearment and is used in a close community; additional insertion such as in -te- as in "Rintea" and "Partei" are also similar endearment.[19]

In some cases, the pet name can completely replace the given name while still retaining the gender determinant. For example, Lalnghinglova Hmar (a journalist and Minister of State of since 2023) is most widely known as "Tetea";[52][53] Lalrindiki Khiangte, a popular singer, is mostly known by the name "Daduhi".[54]

Christianisation

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The establishment of British rule in 1889, the mass christianisation was of the Mizo people and development of formal education had huge impact in the naming conventions of the Mizo people. The title and common prefix Lal-, previously reserved for chiefs to signify their authority and sovereignty, came to represent the "Almighty God" in Christian theology, democratizing its usage across society. For instance, "Lalrinchhani" means "having faith in God."[44]

In addition to Mizo names with religious references, Biblical names such as John, Isaac, Esther, Ruth, and Jacob have become common, replacing the traditional first name with the Biblical names and moving the Mizo given names as the middle name or surname. Some names have integrated the Biblical names into the Mizo given name, such as "Lalkrawsthanga".[55]

Clan names

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Mizo names typically follow two main conventions, reflecting cultural and tribal identity. The first method involves using an initial to denote the person's tribe, clan, or sub-clan, such as in the name H. Malsawma, where "H" represents the clan, where it could be Hnamte, Hmar, Hauhnar, Hauchhum, etc. The second method uses the clan name as a surname, such as Malsawma Hnamte, Malsawma Hmar, or Malsawma Hauhnar. It is important to note that Mizos do not traditionally use surnames in the conventional sense.[56]

Honorifics

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In Mizo culture, titles like "Pu" and "Pi" are used to show respect and are typically given to older individuals or those of high stature, though they can also indicate someone who is married. "U" (pronounced like "oo" in "moo") is another respectful title used when addressing someone who is at least one year older, such as "U Sawmte" or "U Sawmpui." Additionally, "Ka u" (lit. 'my sibling') is used when introducing an elder sibling or cousin. For unmarried young people, "tlangval" is used for boys and "nula" for girls. For older unmarried individuals, "pa" is used for males and "nu" for females.[57]

References

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Citations

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  1. ^ Pachuau, Joy L.K. (30 September 2022). "Names and Naming". In Wouters, Jelle J. P.; Subba, Tanka B. (eds.). The Routledge Companion to Northeast India. Taylor & Francis. pp. 359–363. doi:10.4324/9781003285540. ISBN 978-1-000-63699-4.
  2. ^ a b c Bik, Kenneth Van (14 June 2019). "The origin and spread of Mizo gender suffixes *-a and *-i on personal names". Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area. 42 (1): 137–142. doi:10.1075/ltba.16019.bik. ISSN 0731-3500.
  3. ^ Kawlvawm, Huna (8 October 2022). "First name, middle name, surname chungchang" [Use of first name, middle name, surname]. Vanglaini (in Mizo). Retrieved 4 April 2025.
  4. ^ Zama, Margaret Ch. (2006). "Globalization and the Mizo Story". Indian Folklife. 22: 10–11. S2CID 162481860.
  5. ^ a b c "Kan hming sak dan hi" [Our naming system]. mi(sual).com (in Mizo). 10 April 2010. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
  6. ^ Kingbawl, Rebecca Lalrinmuani (16 June 2023). "What's in a name?". East India Story. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Embassy of India, Kuwait". indembkwt.gov.in. Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Single name on Indian passport? Won't be allowed to travel to this country". Live Mint. 25 November 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
  9. ^ Patnaik, Rojalin (15 December 2023). "One Nation, One Person, One Name – Compulsory Name Format in all states in all over India". YouAware. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
  10. ^ Matisoff, James A. (2009). "Stable roots in Sino-Tibetan/Tibeto-Burman". Senri Ethnological Studies. 75: 291–318. doi:10.15021/00002570. S2CID 211505588.
  11. ^ Baclawski Jr., Kenneth (2023). "Multi-functional deictics in South Central Tibeto-Burman". Himalayan Linguistics. 22 (1): 165–201. doi:10.5070/H922154093.
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  15. ^ Thangtungnung, H. (1 July 2015). "Ethnic History and Identity of the Zo Tribes in North East India". Journal of North East India Studies. 5 (1): 39–50. doi:10.5281/ZENODO.12779089. ISSN 2277-6869.
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  18. ^ Deb, Debraj (4 May 2022). "Distortion, imposition: Why Northeast groups are against Centre's Hindi push". The Indian Express. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  19. ^ a b c d e Chhangte, Lalnunthangi (1986). A Preliminary Grammar of the Mizo Language. University of Texas at Arlington. pp. 80–83. OCLC 17473784.
  20. ^ a b c Thangliana, David M. (15 June 2024). "Decoding Mizo Names". The Mizos. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
  21. ^ Subba, Tanka Bahadur; Puthenpurakal, Joseph; Puykunnel, Shaji Joseph (2009). Christianity and Change in Northeast India. Concept Publishing Company. p. 290. ISBN 978-81-8069-447-9.
  22. ^ Lalneihzovi (1 July 2014). "Political Empowerment of Women in Mizoram". Indian Journal of Public Administration. 60 (3): 649–659. doi:10.1177/0019556120140322. ISSN 0019-5561.
  23. ^ Damant, G. H. (1880). "Art. VIII. – Notes on the Locality and Population of the Tribes dwelling between the Brahmaputra and Ningthi Rivers". Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society. 12 (2): 228–258. doi:10.1017/S0035869X00017494. ISSN 2051-2066.
  24. ^ Schwabe, Major G. Salis (1 January 1881). "Carrier Corps and Coolies on Active Service in China, India, and Africa, 1860–1879". Royal United Services Institution. Journal. doi:10.1080/03071848109418529.
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  27. ^ Lewin, T.H. (1885). A Fly On the Wheel: Or, How I Helped to Govern India. p. 90.
  28. ^ a b c Doungel, Jangkhongam (2021), Behera, Maguni Charan (ed.), "Colonial Administration in Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas of Undivided Assam with Special Reference to Lushai Hills", Tribe-British Relations in India: Revisiting Text, Perspective and Approach, Singapore: Springer, pp. 307–322, doi:10.1007/978-981-16-3424-6_19, ISBN 978-981-16-3424-6, retrieved 5 April 2025
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  32. ^ Woodthorpe, R.G. (1873). The Lushai Expedition, 1871–1872. p. 34.
  33. ^ Vanlalrochana, F. (3 May 2022). "Lalburha". vanglaini.org. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  34. ^ a b Woodthorpe, R.G. (1873). The Lushai Expedition, 1871–1872. p. 11.
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  37. ^ Lalthangliana, B. (1989). Mizo Lal Ropuite Vol. 1. p. 93.
  38. ^ Lewin, T.H. (1885). A Fly On the Wheel: Or, How I Helped to Govern India. p. 276.
  39. ^ Lalthangliana, B. (1989). Mizo Lal Ropuite Vol. 1. p. 79.
  40. ^ Lalfakzuala, Joseph K. (1 December 2017). "Encounter with the British: The Legacy of Autonomy in the Mizo Hills". Social Change. 47 (4): 582–597. doi:10.1177/0049085717730252. ISSN 0049-0857.
  41. ^ Chatterjee, Suhas (1995). Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. p. 125. ISBN 978-81-85880-72-3.
  42. ^ Pachuau, Margaret L. (30 January 2023). Negotiating Culture: Writings from Mizoram. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 50. ISBN 978-93-5640-021-4.
  43. ^ Hmangaihzuali, Jenny. B.; Ramswamy, Rama (1 September 2015). "Product Policies of Handloom Enterprises in Tribal Clusters of NE India". SEDME (Small Enterprises Development, Management & Extension Journal). 42 (3): 1–19. doi:10.1177/0970846420150301. ISSN 0970-8464.
  44. ^ a b Ralte & Lalhruaitluangi 2020.
  45. ^ a b ToMZ (6 October 2019). "Mizo milarte hming tak - Milarte hming" [Real names of famous Mizo people - Famous people]. Times of Mizoram (in Mizo). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  46. ^ Vungliana, Mordekai V. (22 June 2017). "Vanapa hun hnuhnung leh than bihchianna" [Critical study of Vanapa's last days and tomb]. Vanglaini (in Mizo). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  47. ^ Nag, Sajal (2016). The Uprising: Colonial State, Christian Missionaries, and Anti-Slavery Movement in North-East India (1908-1954). Oxford University Press. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  48. ^ "Who is Lalrinpuii? the only woman minister in Lalduhoma's Cabinet". Northeast Live. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  49. ^ PTI (8 December 2023). "Zoram People's Movement leader Lalduhoma sworn in as Mizoram CM". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  50. ^ Lutmang, Rempuia R. (30 April 2024). "CM Lalduhoma thusawi kha" [As CM Lalduhoma had spoken]. The Zozam Times (in Mizo). Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  51. ^ Thangliana, David M. (15 June 2024). "Decoding Mizo Names". The Mizos. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  52. ^ ToMZ (15 March 2019). "Lalnghinglova Hmar (Tetea) chanchin tawi" [Brief biography of Lalnghinglova Hmar (Tetea)]. Times of Mizoram (in Mizo). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  53. ^ "Tetea Hmar: Meet the man who revolutionised football in Mizoram". The Indian Express. 15 July 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  54. ^ Zadeng, Rinfela (30 October 2020). "Vanglaini - Kum 2000 hnu lama Mizo zaithiamte leh an hla by Rinfela Zadeng" [Mizo singers and their songs post-2000]. Vanglaini (in Mizo). Retrieved 6 April 2025.
  55. ^ Sangkhuma, Rev Z.T. (1995). Missionary te Hnuhma. Aizawl: Lengchhawn Press. p. 3.
  56. ^ Thangliana, David M. (15 June 2024). "Decoding Mizo Names". For example - H. Malsawma. "H" denotes the tribe, which can be Hnamte, Hmar, Hauhnar, etc. The second method of naming is by using one's tribe/clan name as a surname. In our example name of H. Malsawma, this becomes Malsawma Hnamte/Hmar/Hauhnar, etc. However it is a standard practice that Mizos do not have surnames as a rule.
  57. ^ Thangliana, David M. (15 June 2024). "Decoding Mizo Names". These are titles denoting respect, usually given to older people or people of great stature.

Sources

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