kõrvalnime

Kõrvalnimi is an Estonian word that translates to "sobriquet" or "nickname." It refers to an additional name or appellation given to a person, often for descriptive or identifying purposes, rather than being their formal given name or surname. These names can arise for various reasons, such as a characteristic, a profession, a place of origin, or a notable event.

Historically, kõrvalnimed were quite common, especially in rural communities where a person might be better known by a descriptive nickname than by their given name, particularly if there were multiple individuals with the same given name. This helped distinguish between people and facilitated communication within the community. For instance, a person named Jaan who was a blacksmith might be known as Jaan sepp (Jaan the blacksmith) or even a more colorful descriptor.

While the formal naming system in Estonia is well-established with given names and surnames, kõrvalnimed can still emerge in informal contexts. They are often used among friends, family, or close acquaintances. These modern nicknames might be shortened versions of given names, based on personality traits, or even arise from inside jokes. Unlike official names, kõrvalnimed are not registered or legally recognized. Their usage is entirely voluntary and based on social convention.