Unsere Welt in unseren Namen

Karlheinz Hengst zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet

Abstract

Proper names have their history, but they are also a mirror of history. This is especially clear in relation to brandnames. Therefore, they stand in the focus of observation. For example, this can be gathered from the 'Rügener Badejunge” (bathing boy) who appeared on the Camembert chees of recent German history. Invented in Stolp (today's Poland), produced on the Island of Rügen and later the leading brand in die GDR (German Democratic Republic), suspended after the reunification of Germany, and after a renaissance, a renowned brand. The skin cream 'Nivea' had to be renamed 'Skin Cream Containing Fat' in 1943. Lifestyle products such as Kombucha are typical of the present day. The use of food supplements is however, controversial. Other types of names also stand in the context of the times. This becomes especially clear in giving first names. This was marked for its individualization and internationalization by Karlheinz Hengst. In this way, the son of a married couple who were artists, was given the name Liam (the Irish shortform for 'William') and Taj (Sanskrit for 'The wisdom of God'). In addition, in the style of giving first names, one can observe the principle of 'dosed discrepancy' (Jürgen Gerhards): Phonetically similar sounding names are prefered (Christian, Christopher, Christoph, Chris). Greetings an congratulations are transmitted in special columns of daily newspapers. Pet names used in these are of significance, which, in part, are derived from the animal world (Maus, Bär). Such notices ar especially frequent on St. Valentine's Day (14 February). Names used in jokes on the entertainment pages have changed. The traditional figure of jokes 'Fritz' has become rare. Names of the middle generation are more frequent. This essay is dedicated to Karlheinz Hengst, the first Professor of Onomastics in Germany (Leipzig). He also occupied himself in his works with the tendencies in giving modern first names.