New Urbanonyms of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region (2002–2024): Motivation, Classification, and Trends

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth examination of the urbanonyms that have emerged in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region between 2002 and 2024. The primary sources for this study are the minutes from the meetings of the Toponymic Commission, resulting in an analysis of a total of 996 entries. The authors propose a classification system for urbanonyms based on various motivational criteria, including notable individuals and events commemorated by these names, urban infrastructure elements, as well as geographical features and natural landscapes. The paper identifies and analyzes trends in the formation of the city’s toponymic landscape, taking into account the sociocultural specificity of the newly established urbanonyms. It emphasizes the connection between urbanonyms as markers of sociocultural identity and the processes of historical and cultural memory preservation within urban spaces. The study demonstrates that this urban environment is characterized by trends such as the use of Finno-Ugric and Ingrian names, the restoration of lost names, an ensemble approach to naming closely situated entities, and folk traditions of naming based on churches and temples. The authors conclude that the predominance of urbanonyms associated with culture, military events, and science underscores the significance of these domains for the city.