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.
In previous centuries, two or three traditional family names were a common occurrence and generally accepted. Kids were not mocked about their names as long as it was a common, well-known version such as Tom, Dick or Harry.
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.
Luckily, parents have also become more aware of the potential psychological damage an unsuited name can cause. Today, few parents will give a traditional male name to a baby girl, or vice versa, just for the sake of keeping the name in the family. Choosing or inventing a unique, suitable name has also become harder than ever, since most variations of possible names have been exhausted.
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.
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.
In previous centuries, two or three traditional family names were a common occurrence and generally accepted. Kids were not mocked about their names as long as it was a common, well-known version such as Tom, Dick or Harry.
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.
Luckily, parents have also become more aware of the potential psychological damage an unsuited name can cause. Today, few parents will give a traditional male name to a baby girl, or vice versa, just for the sake of keeping the name in the family. Choosing or inventing a unique, suitable name has also become harder than ever, since most variations of possible names have been exhausted.
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.
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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