I agree that the so-called language names in personal names won’t actually reflect the aspects of a language per se.

But then there remains a question — why did that particular reference was chosen to be included in one’s name in any culture?

However, there remains another question for me — how does an ethnic/regional identity arise? 

In the Tamil tradition, a Vaishnavite Saint Nammalvar (nammāḻvār, நம்மாழ்வார்) had many names including “tamiḻ māṟaṉ தமிழ் மாறன்."

[Anyway, since I’m not a professional socio-anthro-historian my perspectives would be so boring to others!]

Thanks and regards,
rajam

On Apr 11, 2016, at 11:06 AM, Lubin, Tim <LubinT@wlu.edu> wrote:

“English” is a common enough last name, though in neither case would I expect that the personal name reflects the language per se so much as the ethnic or regional identity (though these are closely linked anyway).  For an unscientific sample of the incidence of the name in the U.S., see:
http://www.whitepages.com/name/English

Best,

Timothy Lubin
Professor of Religion and Adjunct Professor of Law
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450

http://home.wlu.edu/~lubint 

ḷ

From: INDOLOGY <indology-bounces@list.indology.info> on behalf of "Tieken, H.J.H." <H.J.H.Tieken@hum.leidenuniv.nl>
Date: Monday, April 11, 2016 at 1:57 PM
To: rajam <rajam@earthlink.net>, INDOLOGY <indology@list.indology.info>
Subject: Re: [INDOLOGY] Language names and Personal names ...

Dear Rajam, if you are referring to Johnny English, the movie by Rowan Atkinson, the name is a joke. Herman 

Herman Tieken
Stationsweg 58
2515 BP Den Haag
The Netherlands
00 31 (0)70 2208127
Van: INDOLOGY [indology-bounces@list.indology.info] namens rajam [rajam@earthlink.net]
Verzonden: maandag 11 april 2016 19:21
Aan: INDOLOGY
Onderwerp: [INDOLOGY] Language names and Personal names ...

Dear List Members,

Recently, there was a webmail entry in a Tamil forum about including a language-name in one’s personal name. 

There are numerous personal names that include the word “Tamil” in some form. So, the author of the enquiry was wondering if there would be a similar practice in other languages. I know for sure that "English” is the last of name of some individuals I know. 

Further examples and descriptions would be appreciated.

Thanks and regards,
rajam