Review of Shiba, Hiroko, Antroponimia histórica hispana: desde la Edad Media a nuestros días [Hispanic historical anthroponymy: From the Middle Ages to the present day], Murcia: Universidad de Murcia, 2020, 371 pp., ISBN 978-84-17865-65-8

Abstract

The book "Hispanic Historical Anthroponymy: From the Middle Ages to the Present Day" by H. Shiba, published in 2020 by the University of Murcia, offers a comprehensive analysis of the formation and evolution of the Spanish anthroponomic system from the disintegration of the Roman Empire to modern times. Shiba examines the complex historical context of Spain, including its monarchy, linguistic diversity, and cultural influences, emphasizing the country's proximity to the Muslim world. The interdisciplinary approach combines tools from Philology, History, Art History, and Genetics, utilizing primary and secondary sources to provide a comparative analysis.

Divided into six chapters, the book begins with the Early Middle Ages, tracing the emergence of the second component in names and surnames during the "anthroponomic revolution." Shiba explores the adoption of Arabic influences, such as the patronymics ending in "-ez," and the impact of factors like urbanization and the Reconquest process on surname formation. She also discusses the scarcity of surnames in modern Spain, attributing it to historic reasons like endogamy and geographic isolation.

While the book offers valuable insights into the history of Spanish anthroponymy, it acknowledges limitations in coverage, particularly regarding the underrepresentation of female names and the lack of studies on anthroponymy in the Americas and the Philippines. Shiba's interdisciplinary perspective contributes to a better understanding of Spain's rich cultural heritage, though improvements in editing and proofreading are suggested for future editions.