A baby's first name is often referred to as "given name". As opposed to a family name which one inherits, this name is given to them, usually by their parents.
But how names are born? Or in other words, where do first names originate from?
- - The most elaborate and extensive source of names has always been the Bible. Sara, David and Samuel are a few examples, while many other names originate in the New Testament. Hebrew names, coming from the Old Testament are often containing the element "el" meaning od. For example - Michael (Who is like God), Azriel (The lord is my help)
Some names are derived from Aramic, such as Batholomew, Thomas and more.
- - Another common source are names of occupations, which the person or their ancestors possessed. For example - George means farmer, Kaufmann means a man who handles money.
- Personal traits - names like Hope, Faith, and others. The Hebrew name "Eitan" means strong and solid. The name "Hiroshi" means generous in Japanese. The name Linda means beautiful in Spanish.
- Names of places - Paris, London, Brittany and Florence are good examples.
- Names stemming in literature / fictional characters - The name Wendy was first used and also created in "Peter pan" by J..M. Barrie.
- Names from nature - Lilly, Rose and more.
- Greek names - From greek mythology or history. Some but not all names from the Greek culture have been modified into the English language - Jason, Lucas, Marina, Katherine are examples.
- Names which are words in the English language - some times in a varied way of spelling - Coral, Brooke, Scarlet.
- Male names made feminine - For example Charlotte, Stephanie and Michaela
- Names for twins. The name Thomas means twin. When twins are born they will often e given similar sounding names or names with a common source like names of flower, or Biblical names.
- Names influenced by modern culture - Today many names are given to babies after a famous person's choice for their baby - For example the name Kayla, which was one of the characters in a famous soap opera became very popular with the show's success.
- Another growing trend today is naming a child originally, by combining two names together or choosing a nice sounding name without a specific origin to it, in order to be unique.
- Other sources: Surnames made into given names, Names of months (April, August etc.), names of objects - for example - the name Peter means rock. European names such as Albert, Norbert, Henry (German).
 |
Baby Names Book 
And get more name ideas later on.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Don't Just Search - Find The Perfect Name!