Name Book, The: Over 10,000 Names--Their Meanings, Origins, and Spiritual Significance (2 page)

Associations

While particular names are given for many different reasons, three associations are of primary importance to most people. One, most children are in some way named after at least one relative. Two, they are often named in honor of historical figures and celebrities. Three, the majority of people in the Western hemisphere is named for biblical characters. Naturally, there is a great amount of overlap between these areas. For example, a baby named “Joseph Lincoln Johnson” could be named after both his grandfather Joseph and the Joseph of biblical renown, while also commemorating Abraham Lincoln.

Gender

While there seems to be a vast discrepancy in the ratio of male and female biblical names, since there are over 3,000 men listed in the Bible and less than 200 women, it’s not as “unequal” as it might appear. Many of the male names recorded in the Scriptures are now used frequently for females, such as Ariel, Dara, Jada, Neriah, Reba, Susi, and Zina. In the same way, there are many names which were once considered to be exclusively for boys or girls that now are commonly used and considered appropriate for both sexes. Pay attention to name usage around you—you may have more options than you realized! Examples of “gender-neutral” monikers are: Adrian, Audrey, Courtney, Dana, Greer, Jamie, Kelly, Kevin, Lee, Lindsay, Madison, Robin, Sydney, Taylor, Terry, Tierney, and Tony. Even so, it is important to be mindful of the consequences of choosing a traditionally gender-specific name for a child of the opposite sex. Innovation is fun, but try to envision any possible disadvantages as well.

Characteristics

Children are frequently named in celebration of treasured ideals, or given names that intrinsically represent these characteristics (Charity, Hope, or Grace, for example). Also, some are named after commemorative circumstances surrounding the child’s birth, such as Spring, Noel, or Joy. In addition, parents often give names which represent elements of character that it is hoped the child will possess. For instance, Ryan (meaning “little ruler”), Alexis (meaning “defender of mankind”), Katrina (meaning “pure”), or Caleb (meaning “bold”).

Nicknames

There are two important factors to consider regarding the use of shortened names. One, don’t use a longer name that will likely be shortened to a name that is undesirable to you. That is to say, if you cringe at the thought of Josh or Ash, don’t name your baby Joshua or Ashleigh. Other people
will
shorten it. Two, in most cases it’s preferable to give your child the “long version” of the chosen name. “Allison” and “Jacob” can always be abbreviated by merely using “Allie” and “Jake,” if those are the names you happen to prefer. However, if you choose the nickname as the given name, you impose unnecessary limits. As your child matures he or she may desire to put aside the nickname in favor of the full name. This may be difficult if the legality of the situation hinders such change (like altering a birth certificate).

Acronyms

An acronym is a word formed from letters of a set of words that stands for the group of words as a whole (usually the first letter or letters). Some common examples are
SCUBA
(Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus),
RADAR
(RAdio Detection And Ranging), and
PANIC
(Parents Attempting to Name Imminent Children) (editor’s creation). What is not commonly realized, however, is that often the set of names given to a person will lend itself to an acronym. This can be a wonderful thing. For instance, you may want to give your child names which will spell out
LUV
(Lexi Umaya Vanderberg) or
TRU
(Tyler Robinson Ulrich). Another enjoyable option has been to create a set of names that will match the • standard nickname of the given name. Megan Elizabeth Gander brings out
Meg,
and Nicholas Ian Cortese emits
Nic
.

There are elements of acronyms which are, perhaps, less desirable. First, the gender of the child should be taken into account.
HUG
might seem adorable for a child, but a young man might see it differently, as did one great military officer. Hiram Ulysses Grant (who also became our eighteenth president) was so mortified by the hazing he received at West Point for his acronym that he changed his name to the more commonly recognized Ulysses Simpson Grant. Likewise,
BIG
could be both fun and appropriate for a baby boy who weighs in at 10 lbs., 4 oz., but Brianna Ingrid Gates certainly will someday object.

Second, there are many acronyms which should be avoided altogether. Don’t combine names that invite merciless teasing. Most of these can be spotted as soon as they are spelled out. Avoid, for instance, Ferris Alastair Tannen, Zachery Isaac Thatcher, and (for those who prefer longer titles) Brittaney Ariel Rhiannon Frazier.

Humor

Often parents give their children names that evoke concrete images of one thing or another.
Every
name carries connotations, just as every word does. However, if humor is involved, in each case it must be decided how far this will be carried. This is especially true when it comes to rhymes. Conventional wisdom says to forgo combinations that are “overly harmonious.” Mild examples are “Sarah Barah” or “Jason Mason.” Sometimes these can be fun, although it might not be fun for your child.

Even more consideration should be given to those names which could bring further ridicule. Real-life demonstrations are offered by Robin Banks, Wayne Dwopp, Cinder Eller, Krystal Ball, Flip Side, Otto Graph, Ann Cuff, Iona Mink, Paul Bearer, Candy Barr, and Constance Noring.

Spelling

There are some other points to mull and muse. It’s always enjoyable and challenging to look for ways to make the names that you select “stand out.” If you’re thinking about utilizing a notably unique name or a considerably variant spelling of a name, remember: your child will need to write it out each and every time a full signature is required throughout his or her life. Your darling baby might someday come to resent your creativity if you invent a “Ghennyphur Kolleene” or a “Qristaphir Writcherd.”

Pronunciation

No matter what languages underlie the root of the name you choose, there is a fair chance that you have many options available to you in terms of pronunciation. Frequently, notably ethnic and exotic names bring new zest to communication. Sometimes variety is refreshing. Bring to mind, however, this simple maxim: People tend to pronounce a name the way it looks. Ask yourself honestly whether having to repeatedly correct the name’s pronunciation and/or spelling will at some point become burdensome to your child (or you!).

Trends

Many people opt for trendy names. This is often regarded as a means to ensure that as children grow up they will “fit in” with others of or near their age. But first consider: which is more important to you—commonality or exclusivity? Tradition or authenticity? Harmony or distinction?

In many cases both can be had. Most of us are given at least three names. Ponder this with special consideration in regard to the first name. Do you want your child to have six others in her class/office/sandbox/committee who share the same name? Or would you rather give him one which will set him apart in one or more ways?

A pair of asides might be examined here. First, you can label your child with an exact era if a name is a falling star (beautiful and thrilling, yes, but burned up in the atmosphere in a flash). Second, while a name’s denotative, or official, meaning probably won’t change quickly, it’s connotative, or implied, meanings often do. It usually takes the passing of three generations for a name to be regenerated from its previously imagined meanings. This is not altogether bad—all names will change to a degree in this sense over the course of a lifetime. Do try to evaluate possible names with the big-picture timeline in mind.

Flow

It has been said that names are either the best or worst gifts a child can be given. That is to say, the implications of a child’s given names should be thoroughly considered. In so doing, picture your child having these particular names all of his or her life. One of the most effective means of carrying this out is by saying, out loud, the prospective full name(s) of the child. Also, you might try writing the information out, in index card form. For example:

Name: Danelle Marie Soderstrom

Initials: DMS

First and Middle: Danelle Marie

First and Last: Danelle Soderstrom

Possible Nicknames: Dani, Dee, Nell, Nelly

By working this out, you may possibly avoid an unforeseen disaster. If you don’t, you might end up with an Anna Graham or an Evan Gelical.

Surnames

Surnames can be a determining element in deciding first and middle names. The standard factors are how long and how distinguished surnames appear to be. First, if you have a short, easily recognized surname (Chang or Jones), you can be somewhat more “adventurous” in selecting the other names. You might choose longer or more unique names such as Jacqueline, Payton, Savanah, or Madison. Second, if your surname is uncommon or extra long, you may want to choose a simpler or shorter first name to provide contrast.

Phonetics

In many cases you’ll want to avoid choosing a given name that ends with the same letter or sound with which the middle or surname begins. If this is not observed, it can be difficult to know where one name ends and the other begins. Some examples are Lauren Newall, Janelle Leeden, Caleb Billings, Joseph Foston, Phillip Pryors, and Bob Block. It would take some thought to process these names. This is particularly noticeable with vowels: Joshua Aling, Cori Easter, or Kayla Underman.

Hyphenation

Many parents today give their child a hyphenated surname in order to preserve the maiden surname of the mother, e.g., Caitlyn Paige Larsen-Wilder, or Austin Cole Jennings-Thurston. Another option would be to use the mother’s maiden name as the child’s middle name, shortening the surname. In this case, your child might be Haley McDonald Fair or Alexander Brown Hastings.

GUIDE TO USING
NAME LISTINGS

AARON
,
Aaran, Aaren, Aarin, Aaronn, Aarron, Aron,
Arran, Arron (see also
Aran
,
Aren
)
Language/Cultural Origin
:
Hebrew
Inherent Meaning
:
Light Bringer
Spiritual Connotation
:
Radiating God’s Light
Scripture:
Isaiah 60:1
KJV

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of
the Lord is risen upon thee.

Primary Name (example: Aaron):

In most cases, this is the form of the name that is most commonly used. Sometimes a more secondary form will be listed first. This is done when, for instance, this form was used in the Bible or in classical literature (i.e., original rendering).

Alternative Spellings (examples: Aaran, Aaren . . . ):

These are other ways in which the name has been used. These lists are not meant to be exhaustive. There are many additional possible spellings, renderings, and combinations of names.

(see also . . . ):

This indicates that another name which is quite similar to the one listed has its own entry in the book and can be cross-referenced.

This symbol indicates that the primary name listed appears (in that form) in the Bible.

Language/Cultural Origin:

This is the primary cultural and lingual setting from which the name is derived. In most cases, the origin is quite apparent. There are instances, however, in which a word has legitimate roots in two or more languages. In these cases, the focus has been to determine the most common usage of the name and follow it in this book. Bear in mind, as well, that names evolve in form as they cross lingual barriers. Consequently, there may exist several forms of the same name.

Inherent Meaning:

This is the literal, or
denotative
, meaning of the name. Here, also, most of the names listed have a clear heritage. As a result, most of the inherent meanings are readily discoverable. Even so, some may have more than one meaning (again, having crossed languages). In addition, many of the words originate in ancient tongues and have notably changed in meaning. The greatest efforts have been made to ensure that the meaning listed is that which is derived from the original language of the name.