Meaning of Names

The Sentimental Meaning of Names

While some parents choose to look at the literal aspect of baby name meanings, others prefer to select a name based on the sentimental meaning it carries. These names may be related to important people or events in a couple's life, such as:

 

Some parents-to-be choose to name their children after a relative or other people who have been significant in their lives. By doing so, that name holds a special sentimental meaning for them. For example, a couple may choose to name their son Michael. The literal meaning of the name is "who is like God," but when the couple thinks of what Michael means to them personally, they think of the extraordinary person he was named after.

 

Another way that the meaning of names may be more sentimental than literal is if the parents choose to name their infant after a treasured place, word, picture, or event. For instance, a couple may have conceived their baby at a certain place, so the name of that place becomes their child's name. As an example, a couple who conceives their baby on Holly Street may choose to name their little girl "Holly."

 

To represent family heritage, some people give their first-born male the name of his father, grandfather, or other important ancestor. For that specific family, the name becomes a symbol of family heritage and pride.

 

Final Thoughts on the Meaning of Names

Even though the name you choose for your child might not be original in everyone else's eyes, it will be unique to you and your child because of the meaning that it carries. Whether the name you've chosen for your child is based on the literal meaning or the sentimental meaning, it will carry a special meaning for your child's entire life. With a little time and thought, you will be able to decide what legacy you want to leave behind in the meaning of your child's name.