Social Meaning Behind Names A Cultural Perspective on the Javanese Naming System

Abstract

The Javanese naming system represents a complex cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond mere identification, embodying social stratification, philosophical values, spiritual beliefs, and community aspirations. This article examines the intricate layers of meaning embedded within Javanese names, exploring how naming practices reflect and reinforce cultural identity, social hierarchy, and worldview among the Javanese people of Indonesia. Through analysis of traditional naming conventions, including birth order names, symbolic meanings, and the influence of Islam and Hindu-Buddhist traditions, this study reveals how names function as cultural texts that communicate social information, express parental hopes, and maintain connections to ancestral heritage. The naming system demonstrates the persistence of indigenous Javanese cosmology alongside religious influences, creating a syncretic practice that adapts to contemporary contexts while preserving traditional values. Understanding Javanese naming practices provides insights into broader questions of identity construction, cultural continuity, and the ways linguistic choices encode and transmit social meaning across generations in Southeast Asian societies.