Date of Award:

5-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

English

Committee Chair(s)

Steve Siporin

Committee

Steve Siporin

Committee

Lynne McNeill

Committee

Elaine Thatcher

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to investigate ways in which names among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are distinctive and the reasons behind those distinctive names. While many before me have noted that Mormons often possess distinctive names, there are few studies that attempt to determine the reasons why. Existing research has neglected to include perspectives from members of the LDS Church who practice distinctive naming. Through interviews with LDS Church members, I analyzed what they hoped to accomplish through naming and the larger cultural themes visible in distinctive LDS names. I also researched jokes and legends about distinctive LDS names in order to discover more about Mormon name stereotypes.

As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grows throughout the world, it is beneficial for society to understand that there are many subcultures within it, including a Utah Mormon subculture. It is also beneficial for society to recognize the various cultural values demonstrated by members of the LDS Church through naming.

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2a0269dd056bfb515937975a991a8c9c

Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on December 21, 2012.

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