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!

---

Better Health and Happiness for Your Baby

The design of your home has an amazing affect on... Read More

Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More

Tips To Get Your Child To Stop Using A Pacifier

Limit the time you allow your child to use a... Read More

When to Have a Baby Shower

When to have a baby shower is a personal choice.... Read More

Steps To Dealing With Your Autistic Child

It is most unfortunate that many wonderful parents feel that... Read More

Bonding with Baby

Most parents bond instantly with their babies, an intense feeling... Read More

The Average Growth In Babies

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

Baby Massage: A Cure for Colic

Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will... Read More

Baby Shower Decorations

When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few... Read More

Babies Bring Love, Joy, and Opinions

The old saying "babies aren't born with instruction manuals" has... Read More

Baby Sunglasses

It might appear to be sufficient to apply some high... Read More

Baby Proof Your Home - Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of... Read More

Top 3 Must Have Books for Your Baby or Toddler

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

Planning a Baby Shower? These Tips Make It Stress Free

One of the most pleasant parties to plan has to... Read More

Baby Bedding

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

Special Considerations for the Premature Baby

Every parent hopes and prays that their newborn will be... Read More

How To Look For Baby Books

Look for Books! The books that you pick to read... Read More

Baby Shower Party Game Ideas to Keep Your Guests Entertained

Baby shower party game ideas?? This is the question which... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for... Read More

Baby?s First Year ? What to Expect

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

Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs

Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More

Your Baby And Social Skills

Your baby's first year is filled with many challenges and... Read More

Child Safety in the Home

In the 15-year period from 1982 to 1996, the leading... Read More

How To Stop Toddlers From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers... Read More

Dozens of Baby Shower Themes

Choosing baby shower themes is the first step in planning... Read More

Potty Training Facts

Potty training, toilet training, toilet teaching or toilet learning are... Read More

Potty Training Readiness Signals - Is Your Child Ready To Be Potty Trained?

So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More

Important Features to Consider When Buying a Baby Crib

With all the different features of baby cribs, it can... Read More

On the Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get... Read More

Baby Poems for Saying Whats On Your Heart

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

Tips for Decorating Your Babys Nursery

Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More

Freezing Homemade Baby Food

With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food,... Read More

For Mother and Baby ? What Do You Give? A Gift Basket of Course!

The choice for a baby or an infant gift can... Read More