Wednesday, October 15, 2014

In The Name Popularity Game, There Is No Rigid Rules Or Exact Science

By Patty Goff


A name is part of one's identity, a brand that you carry with you for life, although you had no part in choosing it. Some people like their birth names, others hate it. Some people resemble their names, while others have nicknames that better suit their looks and personality traits. The reasons why new parents choose a specific name for their newborn is as diverse and disparate as their respective personalities. Name popularity is a fashion trend that ebbs and flows with the tides.

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.

In previous centuries, two or three traditional family names were a common occurrence and generally accepted. Kids were not mocked about their names as long as it was a common, well-known version such as Tom, Dick or Harry.

The looks and gender of a child, as well as the parents' aspirations, can also play a role when they have to decide what to call their newborn. A tiny, prematurely born girl might inspire parents to rather choose a feminine name befitting of the baby's angelic looks than a sturdy family name more suited to a strong, powerful woman.

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.

Modern day parents are also more aware of the psychological effect that a name can have on a kid's life - especially in a multiple-cultural society. No kid wants to have a freaky or funny name that makes him the clown of the class. The latest trend is shorter, simple names derived from a combination of traditional family names that can be easily spelled and pronounced by all cultures.

Research has shown that popular names follow a familiar cycle. They become increasingly common at a specific time, peak and decline shortly afterwards when half the class starts answering to the same name - just spelled and pronounced in different ways. Some classic old names remain dormant for half a century before they gradually return to the scene, while others skyrocket and decline in a few years.




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