The history of names is so ancient that no one know quite where it began. Oral and written history both profess people having names. Earlier names seem to have some sort of meaning, usually descriptive. In contrast, today's names are usually given based upon their popularity or pleasing sounds.
Early in prehistory, descriptive names were used continuously. Eventually, a collection of names were formed that identified that particular culture. Today, the meanings of many names are not known, due to the aging history of a name. As time goes on, languages change, and words that formed the original name are often unrecognizable.
The rise in Christianity transformed the history of names. Christians were encouraged to name their children after saints and martyrs of the church. Because of this influence, we now see names such as Mary, Martha, Joseph, James, Mark, Paul, and John prominent among many cultures. These names were spread by early missionaries throughout Europe.
By the Middle Ages, Christian names were seen predominantly. Each culture had its collection of names, which were a combination of native and early Christian names. However, the naming pools continued to evolve. Modern names often bear little resemblance of their predecessors. Surprisingly, the early Christian names changed very little in comparison.
Bynames are additional identifiers used to distinguish two people with the same name. From these bynames, surnames were developed. Surnames are a comparatively recent development. These usually started out as being specific to a person and then became inherited from father to son. This was a common practice between the twelfth and sixteenth century. This practice was adopted first by the aristocracy and later on by the peasants. Bynames came in various types. The patronymic referred to the father, a matronymic referred to the mother, a locative or toponymic indicated where a person was from,and an epithet described the person in some way ( such as their occupation, office, or status).
Patronymics are common in almost all European cultures. For example, a man named Ivan whose fatherâ??s name is Nikolay would be know as Ivan Nikolayevich or â??Ivan, son of Nikolayâ??. In Gaelic, the prefix â??Macâ?? is used to form a patronym. An example would be â??MacKenzieâ?? - son of Kenneth. The use of the matronymic is much less common.
Common occupational names included Baker, Shepherd, Carpenter, and Wright.
The Romans adopted surnames as far back as 2,000 years ago, while other areas of the world were slower to begin using surnames. However, by the Middle Ages, they were used regularly, first by the nobility and then by the gentry. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Ireland was one of the first countries to adopt surnames. These Irish surnames are found as early as the tenth century.
Today's names are influenced by celebrities, common popular names, and biblical names. To find out more about the meaning of your name go to our website.
GranMamma is the webmaster at the Baby Names Box - Where you can explore over 6,000 baby names and their meanings.
Sub-categories include Disney, J.R. Tolkien names, Fantasy and Folklore names, and many names from the literary classics. Read articles ranging from parenting and family to home and gardening. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!
The most powerful way to instill a love for language... Read More
Whether you're hosting a baby shower for the first time... Read More
The moment that you have waited for has finally arrived:... Read More
It is incredible, but within a years time your baby... Read More
How Can We Help Children Learn about Character?Children learn about... Read More
Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More
Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More
It seems that the days of naming your son or... Read More
The perfect table setting decorating idea will be determined by... Read More
The idea of using potty dolls to potty train toddlers... Read More
Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More
More and more studies are proving that food has a... Read More
Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked... Read More
With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More
Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four... Read More
Your baby shower invitation wording can be either generic or... Read More
As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many... Read More
It might appear to be sufficient to apply some high... Read More
Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of... Read More
Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More
Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will... Read More
Baby shower cakes are terrific centerpieces for showers. Guests always... Read More
Is your baby about to start solid foods? Are you... Read More
There are different types of baby showers to cover just... Read More
Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More
When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More
When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few... Read More
Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More
Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety EquipmentOnce your... Read More
When you plan for a baby room decor, the best... Read More
Choosing to breastfeed the baby is one of the most... Read More
Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment.... Read More
Congratulations! It is a great honour your friends have done... Read More
When your child shows a majority of the signs of... Read More
To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as... Read More
Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More
If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More
Many parents already know that it is better not to... Read More
One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks... Read More
Choosing baby shower themes is the first step in planning... Read More
Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More
Babies usually triple their birth weight the first year. That's... Read More
The play has many more functions for toddlers than for... Read More
Your heard about using a potty training doll that drinks... Read More
Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This... Read More
Under three, use a car seat. The guidelines for transporting... Read More
Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless... Read More
Those little containers of baby food sure are expensive once... Read More
I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More
This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More
If you're at the stage of wanting to organise a... Read More
Baby shower for twins or multiples can be given when... Read More
At least one third of households have their TV turned... Read More
As a prospective parent, you may wonder how hard it... Read More
Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.Breast... Read More
Getting ready for a new baby requires a lot of... Read More
Naming a baby is no easy task. However, the following... Read More
Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More
The best baby games for baby showers to entertain all... Read More
Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your... Read More
Sheepskin offers unique advantages as an underlay for babies. One... Read More
Imagine your little baby in her nursery. So happy in... Read More
Ask first time parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they would... Read More
Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More
Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More
Are you an expectant parent anxiously waiting for that little... Read More
Babies & Toddler |