Pöördnimetused

Pöördnimetused, often translated as "reverse names" or "inverted names," are a Finnish linguistic phenomenon where a surname is reversed, and the original first name is then used as a new surname. This practice was particularly common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Finland was undergoing a period of national awakening and language reform. The aim was often to create distinctively Finnish-sounding names, as many existing surnames had Swedish origins.

The process typically involved taking the last part of a surname, reversing it, and then appending it to the original given name. For example, if someone's full name was Johan Virtanen, the process might have led to Virtanen Johan, and then potentially a reversed form. However, the most common manifestation involved taking a common surname, like "Järvinen," and creating a new name like "Nenjinen" or "Neninen" for the given name, with the original given name becoming the new surname. Another common pattern involved taking a surname and reversing its syllables or its letters to create a new given name.

While the practice of creating pöördnimetused was more prevalent in earlier generations, some families have maintained these unique names. The phenomenon reflects a historical desire to assert Finnish identity through language and naming conventions. It is not a widespread or actively practiced method of name creation today, but it remains an interesting aspect of Finnish onomastics, the study of names.