On semantics of anthroponomy (case study of Karelian written monuments of the XV-XVII centuries)

One of the most disputable theoretical issues of onomastics - the question of proper names' semantics is studied in the article. All proper names are considered semantically meaningful. The study explores specific components of the lexical meaning on the example of various anthroponomical units recorded in Karelian clerical scripts of the XV-XVII centuries. A component of “significance” in the structure of anthroponyms is not strongly pronounced. This phenomenon is characteristic of all onomah groups. Denotative and connotative components are analysed considering their division into calendar and non-calendar personal names and nicknames. A motivational component of the unit is studied. However, a full range of the SEM cannot be accurately determined, as the main source of the functional qualities' study in anthropological data units is a text document itself.