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Naming Conventions

The history of Portuguese colonisation has led East Timorese naming conventions to be heavily influenced by both Portuguese practices. Moreover, the Tetum language and the country as a whole have undergone a series of rapid political, cultural and societal changes since Timor-Leste’s independence (see Core Concepts). This means that the use of language has changed and may continue to do so for years to come.¹ The following provides a general overview of naming conventions and modes of address that are relatively common among East Timorese. However, the linguistic and cultural diversity of Timor-Leste means there may be significant variations in naming practices, depending on which part of the country the individual is from.

• East Timor naming conventions arrange names as follows: [first given name] [middle given name] [FAMILY NAME(S)]. For example Francisco GUTERRES (male) and Isabel ²Ñ²¹°ùí²¹ da COSTA FERREIRA (female).
• An individual’s first name (also known as ‘personal name’ or ‘given name’) chosen at birth by the parents as the individual’s personal identifier.
• An individual’s family name nearly always contains their father’s paternal family name. It is also common for some to have their mother’s paternal family name. The mother’s paternal family name always appears first, followed by the father’s paternal family name. For example, Antonio Ricardo da SILVA AMARAL.
• Though some inherit two family names, people tend to use only the father’s paternal family name. For instance, Antonio Ricardo AMARAL.
• It is common, but not mandatory, for a woman to adopt their husband’s last name. In some cases, the woman may choose to hyphenate her last name to contain both her paternal family name and her husband’s paternal family name. For example, Ana FERNANDES-TILMAN.
• Many East Timorese also have a ‘middle name’, which is a secondary personal name that comes after their first name and before their family name. For example, the middle name of Jose Pedro BARRETO LOPES is ‘Pedro’.

Names

• By law, parents are allowed to choose any name for their child without restrictions. However, if they cannot decide on a name, then the state can select a name that they deem to be in harmony with the best interests of the child.²
• Many Portuguese given names are often Portuguese translations of names found in the Bible or of Catholic saints, such as ´¡²ú°ù²¹Ã£´Ç (Abraham) or ²Ñ²¹°ùí²¹ (Mary).
• Often, the father chooses their child’s first name, typically named after a previous family member or ancestor.
• Some East Timorese family names with Portuguese influence contain a particle, such as ‘de’, ‘da’, or ‘dos’. These particles are not capitalised. For example, ²Ñ²¹°ùí²¹ de MADEIRA.
• These particles are not considered when ordering names alphabetically. For instance, the family name de MADEIRA would be listed under the letter ‘m’ rather than ‘d’.
• Given the linguistic diversity of East Timor, some people have names in languages other than Portuguese, such as Indonesian, English or in one of the many indigenous local languages.
• Among those who identify as Catholic, it is common for those born in particular ethnic groups and given a name in a local language to be also given a Portuguese name at the time of their baptism.³

Addressing Others

• How names and titles are used in conversation depends on the context and the relationship between those conversing.
• In general, people tend to address others using the Tetum familial titles regardless of actual relationship. For example, maun (older brother), mana (older sister) and alin (younger brother or sister). These titles are often followed by one’s first name.
• The title abiin may be used to address any female, regardless of age.
• People may also use the Portuguese titles of colega (friend), prima (female cousin) and primo (male cousin) to address others.
• It is common for younger persons to address family and family friends in the same generation as their parents with the title of tiu or tio (uncle) or tia (aunt).
• The titles Senhor or ³§±ðñò°ù (Mr.), Senhora or ³§±ðñ´Ç°ù²¹ (Mrs.) or Menina (miss) followed by the person’s first name are used both informally and formally to address acquaintances who are older, those working in professional roles, or other people of a high social status.
• People of certain professions may be addressed by their professional title. Such titles include ¶Ù´Ç³Ü³Ùó°ù (male) or Doutora (female) for doctors, Mestre (male) or Mestra (female) for teachers, Padre or Amu for priests, and Madre for nuns.
• The titles ³§±ðñò°ù and ³§±ðñ´Ç°ù²¹ are sometimes used in combination with professional titles. For example, someone may be addressed as ³§±ðñò°ù ¶Ù´Ç³Ü³Ùó°ù (Mr. Doctor).
• Some titles are used only for foreigners. For instance, Mister and Missus may be used to address English speakers.
• The title Malae tends to be used to address any foreigner who is not Indonesian, while the titles Bapa (male) and Ibu (female) are often used to address Indonesians.
• The Tetum word ó (you) is often used to address small children or close friends of the same age.
• The word ‘i³Ù²¹â€™ (you) is often used as a polite form of address in general contexts. Meanwhile, the phrase ‘ita boot’ (big you) was traditionally used to refer to someone of high status and importance. Today, it is typically used as a polite and formal term of address in particular contexts, such as an interview.
• Nicknames are often used in informal contexts. There are various ways a person may gain a nickname.
• One common way of creating a nickname is by condensing someone’s given first name into two syllables, preceded by an ‘a’. For example, Carmelita (female) may have the nickname Alita, while Bernadino (male) may have the nickname Adino.
• Some nicknames of those from older generations are a legacy from their time in the resistance movement in the late 20th century (e.g. Lu Olo or Xanana).