International Council of Onomastic Sciences

The International Council of Onomastic Sciences (ICOS) is a global organization dedicated to the scholarly study of names—such as personal names, place names, and other types of nomenclature. It promotes research, collaboration, and exchange of knowledge among linguists, historians, and other experts interested in the origin, history, and significance of names. ICOS organizes conferences, supports publications, and fosters international cooperation to advance understanding of naming practices across cultures and languages. Its work helps reveal cultural identities, societal changes, and linguistic patterns through the study of names.