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.
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.
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.
Research has shown that popular names follow a familiar cycle. They become increasingly common at a specific time, peak and decline shortly afterwards when half the class starts answering to the same name - just spelled and pronounced in different ways. Some classic old names remain dormant for half a century before they gradually return to the scene, while others skyrocket and decline in a few years.
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.
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.
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.
Research has shown that popular names follow a familiar cycle. They become increasingly common at a specific time, peak and decline shortly afterwards when half the class starts answering to the same name - just spelled and pronounced in different ways. Some classic old names remain dormant for half a century before they gradually return to the scene, while others skyrocket and decline in a few years.
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