# Mizo names

Mizo names are composed of a given name and occasionally a surname that represents one's clan.

## Given names

Mizo names are unisex, with gender distinctions made through specific suffixes:
Suffix "a": Denotes a male.
Suffix "i": Denotes a female.
For example, "Liana" indicates a male, while "Liani" indicates a female.

### Old naming conventions
#### Chiefs

In pre-Christian Mizo society, regional chiefs (lal), who were equivalent to kings, played a central role in governance and cultural identity. Chiefs and their immediate clans often had names that reflected their sovereignty and social status. For instance, names like Lalchhuaklala, Lalburha, and Suakpuilala were commonly associated with the ruling elite. The prefix lal (meaning "chief" or "king") was included in their names to signify their authority and lineage.

#### Bawi slaves

Names in Mizo society often carried deep cultural and social significance, and the institution of bawiship was no exception. Names like Bawihluni, Bawichhunga, and Bawiluti were coined to highlight the unchanging and often degrading position of being a slave. For example:
Bawihluni: Denotes "being a slave all her life," symbolizing a lack of freedom.

#### Social and cultural influences

In pre-Christian Mizo society, names often reflected a person's social standing or achievements. Chiefs, elders, and hunters could give their children names that signified their status. For instance, hunters who achieved fame and reputation often used names like Zakapa, Kapliana, and Kaphranga, with kap (meaning " to shoot") denoting their skill in hunting wild animals. These names carried a tone of pride and were a testament to the high regard for hunting in Mizo culture.
Similarly, warriors and men of valor (pasalṭha) who defended villages during inter-clan conflicts or against wild animals were highly esteemed. Names like Raltawna (meaning "combating the enemy") and Ralkapthanga (meaning "one who is notable for shooting or killing rivals") commemorated their bravery.

#### Historical context

The Mizo naming tradition also reflects historical events, such as the participation of Mizo men in the Second World War. Names like Germanthanga, Japanchhawna, and Ferenthanga were coined to honor those who fought against Nazi Germany, Japan, and France. These names serve as a historical record of the Mizo community's involvement in global events.

### Post-Christian naming conventions

Beginning with the establishment of British rule in 1889, and the arrival of missionaries J.H. Lorrain and F.W. Savidge on January 11, 1894, brought significant changes. One striking change brought about by Christianity was in the naming conventions among the Mizos. The title 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, names like Lalrinchhani means "having faith in God."
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.

## Clan names

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.

## Nicknames

Mizos often shorten names, whether they have two or three syllables. For example, "Malsawma" may be abbreviated to "Mala" or "Sawma." However, the gender-affix must still be included when addressing someone. Full names are rarely used, as calling someone by their full name is considered rude, and parents usually reserve it for when they're angry with their child.
Endearments are more frequently used, with terms like "Mama" or "Mami" for the eldest or only child, and others like "Bawihte," "Mate," or "Tete" (te meaning small or little) being added to names, as seen in "Sawmte" or "Sawmpui."

## Honorifics

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.