Name Popularity Has Become Similar To Brand Names

By Patty Goff


What's in a name? Does your name say something about you? People give their children different names for different reasons - in different times and seasons. In ancient times, people and their mythical gods were named after the natural elements such as seasons, stars and planets. Name popularity has become similar to brand names - the popularity and longevity of any brand depends on the public perception and negative or positive connotation attached to the product at a specific time.

People have always been interested in the symbolic meaning and origin of names. In many families, traditional first names were passed on for generations as a symbol of honor and respect to immortalize the family. In many cultures, it is still part of an age old family tradition. If the bearer of this privilege feels honored and proud about his trademark, it is good. However, for many it is often a burden and a source of ridicule.

Biblical names such as James, John, Elizabeth, Maria, Martha and Matthew were as common as grass and most families had a member or two heavily burdened with several first names of Biblical origin. Factors such as culture, religion, politics, natural disasters and world events also play a major role in name giving. Many kids were named after famous war heroes, politicians, world figures or even world events - whatever stroked their parents' fancy at the time.

Many children have been named after a famous politician, musician or sport hero. A celebrity's name can become an instant hit, while the name of an infamous person can become a burden to those who bear it. Unusual or foreign names can also cause a person endless frustration and embarrassment, and subject him or her to ridicule and bullying at school.

The psychological science behind name giving is interesting. Most parents want to believe their newborn is special and thus want to give the kid a name worthy of that perceived greatness. Millions of kids have been named after a celebrity or famous person - almost as though the parents want to bless their kid with the talents and characteristics of their hero. Should the hero fall into disgrace or become forgotten, the kid is stuck with the name of a fallen, forgotten superstar who has no meaning to the kid.

Today, it is even more tricky to find original, trendy names. Kids don't want to be bothered with long, traditional family names that became old-fashioned. Most popular names have been recycled in all possible variants. Every month, day of the week, nature's forces and positive human characteristics have been exhausted in the name-giving game in all cultures and traditions.

Figuratively speaking, the world has shrunk and parents have to also consider the psychological impact of their kids' names in a multi-cultural society. Children can be cruel and millions of kids have suffered immense trauma and bullying at school as a result of a "foreign" or unpopular name.

However, there are only so many letters in the alphabet from which a variation of words and names can be formed. Therefore the most popular names throughout the centuries follow a recycling trend. Ancient names like Eva, Adam and Noah can disappear for half a century and then reappear with a vengeance. How and what people choose to name their offspring ultimately remains a personal choice and as versatile as the species Homo Sapiens.




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