Names, just like clothes, go in and out of fashion every few years or so. In various places around the world, what may be seen as a good name may not be seen as a good name somewhere else. This is due to the multicultural world we live in today.
Time is also a large factor too. Names which were once popular a few decades ago may not be as popular anymore. The media influences people immensely too when we are choosing names. Many people choose a name after a celebrity, fictional character, idol or public figure.
The last influence, that I'm going to mention is religion. In countries where Christianity is the main religion, names with Christian roots will be more popular than those with Hindu or Islamic roots.
Also, tradition plays a part when choosing names. If a certain name has been passed down through the generations in your family, you may want to give your child that name or maybe even yourself.
Anybody (or thing) can be given any name. If it's what you like, I'm sure you could change and choose a name that is of your personal preference. This is usually the main reason for choosing names.
Monday 30 January 2017
Sunday 29 January 2017
The Meanings Behind Names
What is etymology?
Almost all names derive from a word from a modern language or even from an extinct language (which I'd refer to as a language not spoken as a first language). For example, the name, Peter. Peter derives from the Latin "Petra", meaning rock. Latin was the language of the Roman Empire, and as it spread over time, the language began to change within different regions and dialects became more noticeable and distinct. People began to speak with different accents and preferred some words over others. From this process, languages such as French and Italian (many others too) began to immerge. As well as changing words, people also began to adjust their names. In France, "Petra" evolved into "Pierre" and in Italy, it changed to "Pietro".
When you next find yourself in the position of looking for a name, I'd recommend being aware of its meaning. Nothing would be worse than, whoever you had named coming up to you and asking you, "Why on Earth, did you name me after that?" However, I'm happy to say that most names have got complimentary meanings and that not too many people nowadays really care about what their names mean. It's also important to realise that if your name is "Peter", that it doesn't mean that you look like a rock or that you've got a heart of stone necessarily, and that the meaning behind your name doesn't define you.
The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. - Oxford DictionaryWhat has etymology got to do with names?
Almost all names derive from a word from a modern language or even from an extinct language (which I'd refer to as a language not spoken as a first language). For example, the name, Peter. Peter derives from the Latin "Petra", meaning rock. Latin was the language of the Roman Empire, and as it spread over time, the language began to change within different regions and dialects became more noticeable and distinct. People began to speak with different accents and preferred some words over others. From this process, languages such as French and Italian (many others too) began to immerge. As well as changing words, people also began to adjust their names. In France, "Petra" evolved into "Pierre" and in Italy, it changed to "Pietro".
When you next find yourself in the position of looking for a name, I'd recommend being aware of its meaning. Nothing would be worse than, whoever you had named coming up to you and asking you, "Why on Earth, did you name me after that?" However, I'm happy to say that most names have got complimentary meanings and that not too many people nowadays really care about what their names mean. It's also important to realise that if your name is "Peter", that it doesn't mean that you look like a rock or that you've got a heart of stone necessarily, and that the meaning behind your name doesn't define you.
Friday 27 January 2017
Introduction
Hi guys, just to let you know I've started this new blog to help others looking to change their names or thinking about naming children/pets/objects (whatever you like). I'll be looking at the meanings and variations of names and also how popular names are in different countries. I'll also be looking over guidelines to consider when choosing a name too. If there is anything else that you guys want my opinion on, please leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer.
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Warning: Few may find this video inappropriate!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV5doClURpQ
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