Yemeni female personal names and implications : a sociocultural study

الملخص EN

This study deals with Yemeni female personal names and the sociocultural implications these names serve.

The paper shows that Yemeni female personal names can be classified into three categories: first, names that are used by the Yemeni females only.

Secondly, names that are shared with the Arab countries.

Finally, names which are foreign.

The classification shows that these names have been deeply influenced by social practices, historical motivations and religious beliefs.

The historical names are an indication of ethnic identity and solidarity while the religious names indicate submission and attachment to Allah, social concepts show man's fascination of beauty.

In addition, Yemeni female personal names include names of money, metals, instruments, coins, animals and food.