notnavn

Notnavn is a term used in privacy-preserving data practices and in some linguistic or humanities research to denote a placeholder for a proper name when the actual name is withheld. It is not an official standard, but it appears in academic writing and in sample datasets.

The name combines English not with the Scandinavian word navn/navn meaning name, signaling that the token is not a real name. The term functions as a neutral, non-identifying label that can be distinguished from true names in documentation and analyses.

In anonymized datasets or transcripts, real names may be replaced with Notnavn tokens such as Notnavn1 or Notnavn2 to preserve cross-record linkage while protecting identity. It differs from generic placeholders because it explicitly encodes non-name status, aiding researchers in recognizing the token’s purpose.

Some authors capitalize differently (Notnavn, NOTNAVN) or append numerals to improve readability, while others prefer forms like NotnavnX. Guidelines often emphasize consistent usage and clear documentation to avoid confusion with ordinary proper names or pseudonyms.

As with any token in data processing, clear metadata is essential to prevent ambiguity. Researchers should document when and how Notnavn is used and distinguish it from legitimate pseudonyms or stage names, ensuring that the token’s non-name purpose remains explicit in analyses and publications.

Related topics include pseudonym, anonymization, data privacy, data governance, and placeholder terminology.