Psycholinguistic Perspectives on Jordanian University Students’ Attitudes toward Uncommon Arabic Personal Names

Personal names are fundamental linguistic and social markers that influence identity, self-perception, and societal interactions. This study examines the attitudes of Jordanian university students toward uncommon Arabic personal names, focusing on their perceptions of the social and psychological implications of these names. A dataset of unusual Arabic names was extracted from the University of Jordan Yearbook (2019/2020), identifying names that appeared only once. A structured 13-item questionnaire was administered to 150 University of Jordan students, with validation conducted by a panel of psycholinguistics experts. Results indicate that 74% of students hold positive attitudes toward uncommon names, with 76% willing to name their children accordingly. Perceived benefits include individuality and distinction, whereas concerns focus on potential social ridicule. Students attribute the rise of unique names to societal shifts, cultural identity, and influences from modernisation. Gender differences emerged, with students favouring uncommon names for females more than males due to associations with uniqueness and aesthetic appeal. The findings highlight the intricate relationship between language, culture, and individual identity, providing a deeper understanding of the psychological and societal factors that shape name perception. This study offers insights into the evolving linguistic landscape of Arabic personal naming conventions, bridging the fields of sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics.