Névutalap

Névutalap is a term used in Hungarian onomastics and linguistics to denote the base form of a name from which other name variants are derived. It refers to the underlying form that serves as the reference point for the formation and analysis of related names, such as derivatives, diminutives, or toponymic or patronymic forms.

Etymology and meaning: the word is a compound of név (name) and utalap, a form used in linguistic analysis to indicate a base or stem for reference. In scholarly use, the névutalap is the canonical or lemma form that researchers identify when tracing the history and development of a name.

Usage and function: in onomastic studies, the névutalap is identified to reconstruct historical variants and explain how different names are connected. It functions as a core reference in etymological investigations, enabling the comparison of spellings, pronunciations, and semantic shifts across periods or languages. The concept is applied to various types of proper names, including personal names, family names, and place names, to understand derivational processes and name stability over time.

Relation to other concepts: the névutalap is related to broader notions such as stem, base form, or root in linguistic analysis. It is distinct from the fully inflected or modern surface forms, which may differ due to phonological changes, historical sound shifts, or morphological processes.

Limitations: the term is specialized and's usage can vary among authors. Some scholars may use alternative terminology to describe similar ideas, such as base form, stem, or etymological root, with emphasis on slightly different aspects of the name’s history.

See also: onomastics, etymology, proper nouns, toponymy.