2026, Volume 23, Issue 2

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Daroe Iswatiningsih
University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Ria Arista Asih
University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Yeni Artanti
Yogyakarta State University, Karang Malang Catur Tunggal, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Sri Wahyuni
Islamic University of Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

NAMES OF BAKSO EATERIES IN INDONESIA: PATTERNS, MEANINGS, AND SOCIOCULTURAL REFLECTIONS

For citation
Iswatiningsih, D., Asih, R. A., Artanti, Y., & Wahyuni, S. (2026). Names of Bakso Eateries in Indonesia: Patterns, Meanings, and Sociocultural Reflections. Voprosy onomastiki, 23(2), 243–252. https://doi.org/10.15826/vopr_onom.2026.23.2.029

Received on 31 May 2025
Accepted on 13 October 2025

Abstract: This study examines cultural onomastics in the naming of Indonesian bakso eateries, focusing on naming patterns, semantic dimensions, and their sociocultural implications. Adopting a qualitative approach, the analysis is based on a corpus of 101 eatery names. The findings reveal a predominance of single-word and noun-based constructions, indicating a preference for direct and informative naming practices that emphasize product attributes (such as ingredients or portion size) or the identity of the owner. From a semantic perspective, these names exhibit multiple dimensions of meaning, most notably through the use of personal names, geographical references, and sensory associations. Striking and metaphorical names function as effective marketing devices, enhancing memorability and evoking emotional responses. Furthermore, names that express prayer and hope point to a spiritual dimension of business practices. The sociocultural significance of these naming conventions is equally pronounced. The predominance of male anthroponyms in the eatery names under study reflects enduring patriarchal norms and the historical distribution of gender roles. Toponymic elements underscore a strong sense of locality and communal identity, while the use of striking names demonstrates linguistic creativity and a cultural openness to unconventional forms of expression. Finally, the incorporation of aspirational and religious elements highlights the importance of religiosity in Indonesian society. Thus, bakso eatery names serve as rich cultural artifacts that convey identity, aspirations, and adaptive business practices aligned with core Indonesian societal values.

Keywords: cultural onomastic; commercial naming; restaurant naming; bakso eateries; naming pattern; sociocultural factors of naming; Indonesia

Acknowledgements
This article is part of the project Toponymy of North Ossetia in Historical and Cultural Aspects, supported by the Russian Science Foundation within the 2025 grant competition “Fundamental Scientific Research and Exploratory Research by Small Individual Research Groups” (regional competition). The regional funding organization is the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Vladikavkaz Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Republic of North Ossetia–Alania.

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