A few days after being celebrated National Holidayshe National Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC) He shared a list of names registered in the country that are deeply linked to national pride and identity. The initiative seeks to highlight how the culture, history and geography of Peru have inspired thousands of parents to name their children with terms that represent the love of the homeland.
According to the reniec, At least 31 people throughout the national territory are literally called “Peru”while another 140 are named “Peruvian.” Terms such as “homeland” (17 people) and “independence” (7 records) also appear on this list, reflecting a strong feeling of belonging.
Other names highlight the cultural and natural wealth of the country. For example, “Inca” has been chosen by 35 people, “quina” – in reference to the national tree – by 41, “marinera” for 12 and “Juane” for another 12, associated with the traditional coastal dance and the emblematic jungle dish, respectively.
Geographical diversity is also reflected in names such as “Amazonas” (61 records) and “Jaqaru” (2 people), an Andean language that still survives in some communities. Even a person is called “Gamarra”, possibly in tribute to the military hero and the famous Lima commercial emporium.
Names of key historical characters for the country have also been recorded: 88 citizens are named “San Martín”, 6 are called “Simón Bolívar”, 2 “Miguel Grau” and one “Francisco Bolognesi”. As if that were not enough, there are more than 450 Peruvians called “Aymara”, another symbol of our cultural roots.
Among the curious stories that accompany these patriotic names, the Lord “Peru” stands out, who went viral on social networks for telling that his father wanted to call him “Peru Brazil” after a football triumph, but his mother only accepted the first. Today, he bears his name with humor and pride.
With this publication, the RENIEC seeks to highlight the symbolic value that many Peruvians deposit in proper names, and how they can become powerful reminders of our history, culture and love for the country.
