Mamdash (onomastics)

In the Koman language, a mamdash (also known as madash, sometimes mada ; Koman mamdaş, "place of origin") is a series of traditional systems for the naming of places or a person's origin often with the attribution of tribal affiliation and ancestry. Historically, the Mamdash system was practised in poetry where scholars favoured the use of names highlighting the characteristics of a region over a proper name.

The Mamdash can be divided into four categories: geographic, tribal, political and mythical. A prime example of a Mamdash is the current name for proper Gushlia and Balakia Hêrayshem or Hêrshem ("land of the Hêray").

Use in onomastics

The use of Mamdash is predominant in Koman traditional names, as such, a name is often characterised by a trait associated to its user, geographical locations and mythical names are also common.

Due to the equitable society of Komans, matrilineal and patronymic names are given depending on the user's gender, e.g. a female will follow the mother's name and a tribal name and vice-versa. However, if the father holds noble or tribal status his children will bear his name and tribal name no matter the gender. According to Koman law "Qamanqarem", such a system is primordial to be regarded as part of Koman society.

A Mamadash will often be followed by the suffix -E designating "of" or "from". Equally, şirahan or şirhan "son of" is also prominent. Prefixes are but can also be used.