Meaning of Baby Names
the meaning of baby names
Baby Name Meanings
Executive Summary about meaning of baby names by Michael Barrows
Speaking as a Michael (a Hebrew name, meaning “Who is like God”), I’m really proud of my name. You can have a lot of fun thinking up family/friends names, finding out the meanings and trying to make a connection between the two. Badu (as in r n’b singer Erykah Badu): African name meaning “Tenth born child”
Winona (as in actress Winona Ryder): Sioux name meaning “Firstborn daughter”
Aaliyah (the late r n’b singer): Arabic name meaning “High, exalted”
Hilary (as in actresses Duff/Swank): Latin name meaning “Cheerful”
Some cultures have very interesting traditions when it comes to baby name meanings. For example, Hindu names usually have connections with very positive things such as truth, beauty, happiness, blessings, etc, or one of the Hindu gods. In the Sikh culture, girls traditionally have the middle or surname “Kaur”, meaning “Princess”, whilst the boys have the middle or surname “Singh”, meaning “Lion”.
An African friend of mine once mentioned that many Africans are given a second name corresponding to the day of the week on which they were born. I think is a really nice tradition, but in my case, my middle name would be “Sondo” (born on Sunday)!! Hmmmm…
Whatever type of name you have chosen, or are thinking about for your “bundle of joy”, its worth doing a little research into the meaning. And it’s never been easier, with the wealth of Internet resources and books available.
Your search may yield some surprises; for example, the lovely-sounding name “Malory” is French and means “Bad luck”. Well…
For more information and advice, check out the baby name meaning resources. Enjoy your search and happy baby naming!
The Meaning of Baby Names
Executive Summary about meaning of baby names by Tali Saar
The Origin of names
A baby’s first name is often referred to as “given name”. As opposed to a family name which one inherits, this name is given to them, usually by their parents.
In most of the world ones given name is generally used before their last or family name, but in some countries like Japan, Hungary, China and others – the family name is used prior to the given name. Where do first names originate from?
• Personal traits – names like Hope, Faith, and others. The Hebrew name “Eitan” means strong and solid. The name “Hiroshi” means generous in Japanese. The name Linda means beautiful in Spanish.
• Names stemming in literature / fictional characters – The name Wendy was first used and also created in “Peter pan” by J.
.• Names from nature – Lilly, Rose and more.
• Greek names – From greek mythology or history.
• Male names made feminine – For example Charlotte, Stephanie and Michaela
• Names for twins. The name Thomas means twin. When twins are born they will often e given similar sounding names or names with a common source like names of flower, or biblical names.
Other sources: Surnames made into given names, Names of months (April, August etc.), names of objects – for example – the name Peter means rock. European names such as Albert, Norbert, Henry (German).
Many names have an unknown source.
Check out other guide on modern baby bedding.
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