Kyrgyzstan Considers Traditional Name Format as Legal Alternative

Kyrgyzstan proposes an alternative format for writing surnames and patronymics according to traditional rules, Orda reports.

The Jogorku Kenesh committee has approved the bill.

According to Kaktus.media, Kyrgyz citizens will now have the opportunity to use national forms of surnames and patronymics.

Authorities will amend the Family Code and the Law "On Civil Status Acts."

Parents will be able to choose one of the traditional writing methods:

• Surname is formed from grandfather's name, with "uulu" (for boys) or "kyzy" (for girls) added to father's name
• "Tegi" is added to father's name, followed by "uulu" or "kyzy";
• Option to add possessive endings to father's name: "dyn/tyn," "din/tin," "dun/tun" (for boys) and "dan/tan," "den/ten," "don/ton" (for girls).

Traditional surnames and patronymics with "-ov," "-ev," "-vich," "-vna" endings will remain - citizens can decide.

The bill's initiator, Mirlan Samyykozho, emphasized that the changes aim to preserve national traditions, but no one will be obligated to change their surname.

A Kyrgyz parliament speaker has already abandoned his Russian-style surname. Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu previously carried the surname Shakiev.

Original Author: Alina Pak