The apostrophe in a name is often referred to as a ‘glottal stop’ or sometimes as a ‘disjunctive apostrophe.’ In names, it serves a specific purpose, typically to indicate the omission of letters or to denote possession, similar to its use in contractions.
For instance, in names like O’Connor or D’Souza, the apostrophe represents a shortened version of a longer ancestral name, reflecting cultural or linguistic heritage. It signifies a connection to the family’s history, and its use is common in Irish and certain other naming conventions.
Overall, while the apostrophe in names may look a bit unusual, it carries important meanings and traditions that are significant to cultural identities.