What's in a name? Does your name say something about you? People give their children different names for different reasons - in different times and seasons. In ancient times, people and their mythical gods were named after the natural elements such as seasons, stars and planets. Name popularity has become similar to brand names - the popularity and longevity of any brand depends on the public perception and negative or positive connotation attached to the product at a specific time.
People have always been interested in the symbolic meaning and origin of names. In many families, traditional first names were passed on for generations as a symbol of honor and respect to immortalize the family. In many cultures, it is still part of an age old family tradition. If the bearer of this privilege feels honored and proud about his trademark, it is good. However, for many it is often a burden and a source of ridicule.
In the earliest times, people named themselves and their mythical gods after nature and natural phenomena as their reference field was limited. Isis, Thor, Venus, Apollo and other mythical gods had super powers and many common names originated from these in different variations. The Bible was probably the single most popular inspiration for names. Even today, most families still have quite a few Johns, Lukes, Abrahams, Pauls, Elizabeths, Marias or Marthas in their ranks.
Carrying two or three traditional family names was the norm rather than an exception in years gone by. Especially first-born sons were expected to bear their father's and grandfather's first names, albeit in the form of a nickname or an abbreviated version like AJ or Abe. Nobody found it funny and nobody was mocked because it was generally accepted.
The looks and gender of a child, as well as the parents' aspirations, can also play a role when they have to decide what to call their newborn. A tiny, prematurely born girl might inspire parents to rather choose a feminine name befitting of the baby's angelic looks than a sturdy family name more suited to a strong, powerful woman.
In modern times, name giving has become even more difficult. Most of the traditionally popular ones have become boring, over-used and old-fashioned. It's a constant competition to find a new flavor of the month that has a relatively long expiry date. In a way, what you call your kid becomes a lifelong trade mark.
Figuratively speaking, the world has shrunk and parents have to also consider the psychological impact of their kids' names in a multi-cultural society. Children can be cruel and millions of kids have suffered immense trauma and bullying at school as a result of a "foreign" or unpopular name.
However, there are only so many letters in the alphabet from which a variation of words and names can be formed. Therefore the most popular names throughout the centuries follow a recycling trend. Ancient names like Eva, Adam and Noah can disappear for half a century and then reappear with a vengeance. How and what people choose to name their offspring ultimately remains a personal choice and as versatile as the species Homo Sapiens.
People have always been interested in the symbolic meaning and origin of names. In many families, traditional first names were passed on for generations as a symbol of honor and respect to immortalize the family. In many cultures, it is still part of an age old family tradition. If the bearer of this privilege feels honored and proud about his trademark, it is good. However, for many it is often a burden and a source of ridicule.
In the earliest times, people named themselves and their mythical gods after nature and natural phenomena as their reference field was limited. Isis, Thor, Venus, Apollo and other mythical gods had super powers and many common names originated from these in different variations. The Bible was probably the single most popular inspiration for names. Even today, most families still have quite a few Johns, Lukes, Abrahams, Pauls, Elizabeths, Marias or Marthas in their ranks.
Carrying two or three traditional family names was the norm rather than an exception in years gone by. Especially first-born sons were expected to bear their father's and grandfather's first names, albeit in the form of a nickname or an abbreviated version like AJ or Abe. Nobody found it funny and nobody was mocked because it was generally accepted.
The looks and gender of a child, as well as the parents' aspirations, can also play a role when they have to decide what to call their newborn. A tiny, prematurely born girl might inspire parents to rather choose a feminine name befitting of the baby's angelic looks than a sturdy family name more suited to a strong, powerful woman.
In modern times, name giving has become even more difficult. Most of the traditionally popular ones have become boring, over-used and old-fashioned. It's a constant competition to find a new flavor of the month that has a relatively long expiry date. In a way, what you call your kid becomes a lifelong trade mark.
Figuratively speaking, the world has shrunk and parents have to also consider the psychological impact of their kids' names in a multi-cultural society. Children can be cruel and millions of kids have suffered immense trauma and bullying at school as a result of a "foreign" or unpopular name.
However, there are only so many letters in the alphabet from which a variation of words and names can be formed. Therefore the most popular names throughout the centuries follow a recycling trend. Ancient names like Eva, Adam and Noah can disappear for half a century and then reappear with a vengeance. How and what people choose to name their offspring ultimately remains a personal choice and as versatile as the species Homo Sapiens.
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