What's in the Meaning of Names?
Even though Shakespeare was right that a "rose by any other name would smell as sweet," there is a meaning in every name. One of the most exciting times in life is getting to be the one who chooses what the meaning of a baby's name will be. Finding the right name can be overwhelming when you start to look at the thousands and thousands of choices that are out there. And then trying to find one that has the right meaning and origin can complicate matters. But the simple fact is that name for your baby will be a reflection of you and what you like, not what everyone else wants.
The meaning of a name can come from several sources, such as its literal meaning (by looking at the translation and origin of the name) or its sentimental meaning. Creating the perfect baby name for your child is one of the best ways to express what this child means to you and how you envision your child's characteristics even before his or her life begins.
The Literal Meaning of Names
Many names have a literal meaning associated with them. The study of words and their meanings is known as etymology. Etymology involves studying:
- When a word entered a language
- What source the word came from
- How the word's form and meaning have changed over time.
These factors can affect how a name is spelled, how it sounds, and what it means.
Literal name meanings can be based on the origin of the name (i.e., what country it originated in) and what that word or combination of words meant in the original language. Take, for example, the meaning of the name Alexander. Etymologically, the name is derived from alex- (the compound form of alexis) meaning "refuge, protection, defense." This is combined with -andros, the compound form of aner, the Greek word for "man." Thus, the first name Alexander can be roughly translated as "helper or protector of mankind."
Some people choose to name their child based on this literal meaning of names. For example, a couple who has faced infertility for several years and then are surprised by the news that they are pregnant may want to choose a name that means "a miracle" or "a gift." So, they may choose the name Matthew (meaning "gift of God") or Naysa (meaning "miracle"). Or, a couple that has a premature baby who fought hard to survive may want to find a name that incorporates "strong," "miracle," "tough," or "resilient." So, they may choose the name Andrew (meaning "strong, manly") or Arnold (meaning "strong as an eagle").
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:
- The name of a special loved one
- A place or event that is important to the couple
- A name passed through the generations.
A Special Loved One
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.
A Special Place or Event
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."
A Name Passed Through the Generations
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.
