Oğuz (name)


Oğuz is a common masculine Turkic given name. There are various theories on the meaning of "Oğuz". The most prominent explanation is that it is composed of "ok" and "z". In various modern Turkic languages and in Proto-Turkic language "ok" means "arrow". Only in Proto-Turkic language, "ok" also means "clan", and/or "nation". Again, only in Proto-Turkic language, "z" is the plural suffix. In modern Turkish "z" is not the plural suffix anymore, in general. Therefore "okz" means "clans", "nations", and/or "arrows".
Finally, "Oğuz" is used both as given names and as names of some of the Turkic clans. Oğuz Türks are the southwestern branch of Turkish clan system. "Gökoğuz" was a group of Oğuz Türks who migrated to northwest and named as Gagauz in modern times. There are also groups named as Üçoğuz, Sekizoğuz, Dokuzoğuz, etc. One of the earliest rulers of the Turkic people is also named "Oghuz Khan". As a given name "Oğuz" used in memory of and connotes Oghuz Khan.

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