Anthroponymic Toponyms (Oikonyms) in the Megrelian Language

Abstract

This paper explores the origin and development of anthroponymic toponyms (anthropo-oikonyms) in the Samegrelo region of Georgia. It focuses on place names derived from personal names and surnames, examining their morphological structure and the linguistic mechanisms involved in their formation. Special attention is given to affixation models (e.g., le–...–e, sa–...–o, na–...) typical to the Megrelian language, as well as phonetic processes such as haplology, assimilation, and dissimilation.

Based on scholarly literature and local toponymic data, the study confirms that a significant number of toponyms in Samegrelo are closely connected to historically attested personal and family names. The paper analyzes both ancient and more recent toponymic forms, considering their relation to linguistic, ethnic, and social factors. This research offers сrucial insights for linguistics, as well as for the fields of history and ethnology.