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.
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.
Today, it is even more tricky to find original, trendy names. Kids don't want to be bothered with long, traditional family names that became old-fashioned. Most popular names have been recycled in all possible variants. Every month, day of the week, nature's forces and positive human characteristics have been exhausted in the name-giving game in all cultures and traditions.
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, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In this regard, names follow the same trends as fashionable commodities and the age old favorites never completely disappear. They may temporarily lie low for a couple of decades before they spike all over again on the global popularity charts.
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.
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.
Today, it is even more tricky to find original, trendy names. Kids don't want to be bothered with long, traditional family names that became old-fashioned. Most popular names have been recycled in all possible variants. Every month, day of the week, nature's forces and positive human characteristics have been exhausted in the name-giving game in all cultures and traditions.
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, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In this regard, names follow the same trends as fashionable commodities and the age old favorites never completely disappear. They may temporarily lie low for a couple of decades before they spike all over again on the global popularity charts.
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