Gulsum

The shift from Kulthum to Gulsum reflects regional sound patterns rather than a change in meaning. In Turkic-speaking environments, the initial consonant softened and the cluster was adjusted to align more naturally with local phonetics, producing a form that feels fully integrated into everyday speech. Over generations, Gulsum became normalized as a standalone given name rather than a perceived foreign borrowing.

Its usage also differs from the classical Arabic context. While Kulthum often carries strong historical and religious associations in the Arab world, Gulsum in Central Asia functions primarily as a traditional, familiar feminine name across villages and cities alike. It appears across age groups, though it is especially associated with earlier generations, giving it a dignified and somewhat heritage-oriented character. Despite these regional distinctions, the name remains clearly linked to its Arabic source.