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.
The symbolic meaning and historical origin of a name has always fascinated people. In previous centuries, it was common practice (and almost expected) to pass on family names to newborn kids. The first son had to be named after his father and grandfather in order to immortalize the person and family. Those names became part of the family tree for generations to come.
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.
Part of mankind's psychological make-up is the need to be acknowledged. Parents often want to bless and confirm their offspring's uniqueness or potential talents by giving them exotic or unusual names. Many kids have also been named after world events, famous people or the heroes of their parents. Some of these creations started a new trend, while many merely became a life-long embarrassment to the kid.
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.
Modern day parents are also more aware of the psychological effect that a name can have on a kid's life - especially in a multiple-cultural society. No kid wants to have a freaky or funny name that makes him the clown of the class. The latest trend is shorter, simple names derived from a combination of traditional family names that can be easily spelled and pronounced by all cultures.
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.
The symbolic meaning and historical origin of a name has always fascinated people. In previous centuries, it was common practice (and almost expected) to pass on family names to newborn kids. The first son had to be named after his father and grandfather in order to immortalize the person and family. Those names became part of the family tree for generations to come.
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.
Part of mankind's psychological make-up is the need to be acknowledged. Parents often want to bless and confirm their offspring's uniqueness or potential talents by giving them exotic or unusual names. Many kids have also been named after world events, famous people or the heroes of their parents. Some of these creations started a new trend, while many merely became a life-long embarrassment to the kid.
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.
Modern day parents are also more aware of the psychological effect that a name can have on a kid's life - especially in a multiple-cultural society. No kid wants to have a freaky or funny name that makes him the clown of the class. The latest trend is shorter, simple names derived from a combination of traditional family names that can be easily spelled and pronounced by all cultures.
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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