Is Geordie a Scottish Name?

The term 'Geordie' is often mistakenly associated with Scottish identity, but in reality, it refers to someone from the city of Newcastle or Tyne-Side in England, located on the opposite side of the Scottish border. While there are cultural connections between Scotland and Newcastle, Geordie is not inherently a Scottish name or identity.

Geordie: Beyond Borders

Geordie originates from the historic mining and working-class culture of Tyne-Side, a region deeply intertwined with coal mining and industrial history. It is an identity that represents the people of Newcastle and the region, rather than the Scottish populace. Despite its association with the border, Geordie is not tied to traditional Scottish naming conventions or cultural practices.

Names and Anglicisation

Names can carry significant cultural and identity markers. In the Scottish Borders, a region adjacent to Tyne-Side, there was a historical practice of Anglicising names to gain acceptance within the church. For instance, my paternal grandparents were formally named George and Elizabeth, but they were universally known by their nicknames, 'Dod' and 'Lieb.' This practice was not unique to the Borders but extended to other regions where non-Anglicised names faced resistance in religious and social contexts.

Even within the same family, names could differ significantly. Childhood friends would share affectionate nicknames like 'Dod,' 'Lieb,' 'Deeks,' and 'Tams,' none of which were their formal names. Nicknames often played a crucial role in defining social connections and personhood among friends and family. Surnames were frequently used to create playful nicknames, such as 'Diggers' for Gairdners and 'Foustie' for Fosters. One of my university friends, Gorge David Heron, was affectionately known as 'Davie Bird' for over a decade before I learned of his full name.

Challenges and Cultural Shifts

Historically, the Church of Scotland refused to baptize children with 'Scottish' names unless they were Anglicized. This often meant that popular Scottish names like 'Jamie' were better received, while Norse names were particularly discouraged. For example, names containing 'Thor' such as 'Thorfinn Thorwald' were outright banned in the Northern Isles due to their cultural and religious associations.

Even within the realm of the Gaidhlig (Scottish Gaelic) language, names like 'Eachan Gillesbuig,' 'Donnchadh Domhnal,' 'Aifrig Marsalaidh,' and 'Domhnall' presented significant challenges for publication in traditional media outlets. Despite these challenges, efforts to preserve and revive traditional Scottish names and cultural practices have gained momentum over recent decades.

Current Trends and Contemporary Identity

The situation has improved over time, but the pressure to Anglicize and de-Scotticize names has had lasting impacts. Many traditional Scottish names have fallen out of use due to generations of establishment influence aimed at undermining cultural identities. However, there is a growing movement to reclaim and celebrate traditional Scottish names, heritage, and cultural practices.

For individuals like me, navigating the complexities of identity and language use can be challenging. Even attempts to publicly acknowledge my son's identity with a birth notice in Gaidhlig and Scots were met with rejection. Such experiences highlight the ongoing struggles and the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse cultural expressions within the broader context of identity formation.