A History of Baby Names

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!

---

Aromatherapy For Babies

Before reading this article keep in mind that most doctors... Read More

How to Find Those Elusive Baby Gifts That Are Just Right

Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something... Read More

How to Have the Perfect Baby Boy Invitations

Baby boy invitations are the first thing you'll need to... Read More

The Best Birth Gift

If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, no doubt... Read More

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will... Read More

A New Baby can be Expensive!

A new baby brings a lot of joy and hope... Read More

How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs of Your Baby

There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More

Baby Furniture Buyers Guide

Communication between the guests would be wise to prevent any... Read More

Babys First Days at Home

The moment that you have waited for has finally arrived:... Read More

Choose The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

The first thing you should do when trying to choose... Read More

Baby?s First Year ? What to Expect

As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many... Read More

A Babys Sleeping Pattern

Sleeping..A newborn baby spends most of her time on two... Read More

The Scoop on Giving Your Baby Juice

Many moms like to think that as soon as their... Read More

Baby Poems for Saying Whats On Your Heart

Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment.... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist-Hostess

Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay... Read More

Theory of Child Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget has allowed us many insights into child cognitive... Read More

A Special Formula for Baby!

Choosing to breastfeed the baby is one of the most... Read More

Why Convertible Cribs Make Sense

Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of... Read More

Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination... Read More

Home Remedies for Colic

You are at the end of your rope. You have... Read More

Baby Cribs - Safety Is Key

You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More

Top 3 Must Have Books for Your Baby or Toddler

Reading is one of the most important things you will... Read More

Quick Tips for a Successful Baby Shower

Here are guidelines or quick baby shower tips for hosting... Read More

Stammering Toddler

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More

What to Do if the Baby Shower Guests Dont Know Each Other

A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and... Read More

Honor Grandma with a Baby Shower for Grandma

Throwing a baby shower for grandma could be a great... Read More

Baby Bedding

When you choose a baby bedding, choose the one which... Read More

Creating Good Feng Shui in Babys Room

Getting ready for a new baby requires a lot of... Read More

The Average Growth In Babies

Growth charts are tools your pediatrician can use to keep... Read More

Top List of Baby Girls Names - Choosing Perfect Baby Names for Girls

The list of baby girls names that are the most... Read More

Baby Dangers New Parents Need to Know About

This Spring many new parents will welcome new additions into... Read More

Baby Furniture Essentials for Your New Baby

Baby furniture can be made up of many different pieces... Read More

Should I Call The Doctor If My Baby Has A Fever

Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever.... Read More