American Name Society

The American Name Society (ANS) is a professional organization dedicated to the study and appreciation of personal and place names, known as onomastics. It promotes research, education, and discussion about names’ origins, meanings, and cultural significance. Members include linguists, historians, and name enthusiasts who share an interest in how names shape identity and reflect history. The society organizes conferences, publishes scholarly works, and encourages exploration of the social and linguistic aspects of naming across different cultures and time periods. Its goal is to deepen understanding of the role names play in human society and communication.