What’s in a Name?

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What’s in a Name?

Posted On : Sep-05-2012 | seen (1062) times | Article Word Count : 631 |

Do you know what your name means? Is it even important to know? This article delves into the meaning of names in other cultures. It also examines the changing of a name based on significant events in one's life. Most importantly, it gives insight into what the Bible has to say about a name.

People whose world-view is shaped by US or Western cultures are often mystified by the common practice among Muslim people or other non-western cultures of changing their names to reflect significant changes or commitments in their lives. Here in western culture, one’s name may be symbolic of family, regional, or national identity.

For example, my best friend in high school was named exactly the same as his father and grandfather, except that he was “Xxx Yyy Zzz” the third (obviously not the actual name). His father was “Junior”, and Grand father (upon the naming of Junior) became “the first.” From conception, it was already assumed that he, “the third” (if male) would bear that name. Is his son “the fourth?” Unfortunately, I’ve lost track of him, so I can’t answer that.

Name Change

Very rarely are babies named with an eye to the meaning of the name. Once a name is assigned, it is difficult to change it (except through marriage) and in fact, most of us don’t even consider doing so. It is increasingly common for women to refuse to change their surname, even when they marry.

We (US & many related cultures) name a baby within hours of birth, although at that time we may have no real idea of what his or her personality will be. At best, we can only speculate about likes and dislikes, attitude, physical attributes, etc. In many cases, babies may be named for a favorite public figure, or even for the “stage name” of a popular entertainer.

Don't Waste a Name

In contrast, infant mortality is much more common in the little nation of Haiti, and it is common there for a baby to be called by a temporary name for a year or more, until it seems clear that the child is likely to survive. By that time, the family has a clear insight into the nature and personality of the child, so

presumably, the name selected may be more relevant. If you can persuade a Haitian to explain the reason for this practice, he’s likely to say something to the effect, “One shouldn’t waste a perfectly good family name on a child who may not survive!”

Name Changes in the Bible

People of the cultures represented in the Bible had a great interest in the symbolism of names, and also a much more flexible attitude toward the permanency of them. When significant events occurred in a person’s life, it was not uncommon for them to change their name. As an example, Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah; Naomi, returning to her homeland as a widow whose husband and sons were all dead, told her friends, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara.” (Naomi means “Beautiful,” “Pleasant,” or “Delightful,” Mara means “Bitter” or “Bitterness”).

Give Your Name to Jesus

There are some cultures today in which the process continues. Converts to Christianity are often disowned by their families, or even martyred for their new faith. In some places, it is common for pagan converts to Christianity to immediately change their name, selecting a name which is symbolic of their new faith. In the terminology of the Hmong people of southeast Asia, the process of being born again is often referred to as “giving your name to Jesus.”

What does your name mean? Is it reflective of what you really care about, of who you really are? If you were to select a new name, specifically to reveal what matters most to you, what name would you choose? And, this is the most important question of all, “Have you given your name to Jesus?” If you haven't, pray, seek his direction, and turn your name over to him today.

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<h1>What’s in a Name?</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Philip Herr.aspx'>Philip Herr</a> People whose world-view is shaped by US or Western cultures are often mystified by the common practice among Muslim people or other non-western cultures of changing their names to reflect significant changes or commitments in their lives. Here in western culture, one’s name may be symbolic of family, regional, or national identity.

For example, my best friend in high school was named exactly the same as his father and grandfather, except that he was “Xxx Yyy Zzz” the third (obviously not the actual name). His father was “Junior”, and Grand father (upon the naming of Junior) became “the first.” From conception, it was already assumed that he, “the third” (if male) would bear that name. Is his son “the fourth?” Unfortunately, I’ve lost track of him, so I can’t answer that.

Name Change

Very rarely are babies named with an eye to the meaning of the name. Once a name is assigned, it is difficult to change it (except through marriage) and in fact, most of us don’t even consider doing so. It is increasingly common for women to refuse to change their surname, even when they marry.

We (US & many related cultures) name a baby within hours of birth, although at that time we may have no real idea of what his or her personality will be. At best, we can only speculate about likes and dislikes, attitude, physical attributes, etc. In many cases, babies may be named for a favorite public figure, or even for the “stage name” of a popular entertainer.

Don't Waste a Name

In contrast, infant mortality is much more common in the little nation of Haiti, and it is common there for a baby to be called by a temporary name for a year or more, until it seems clear that the child is likely to survive. By that time, the family has a clear insight into the nature and personality of the child, so

presumably, the name selected may be more relevant. If you can persuade a Haitian to explain the reason for this practice, he’s likely to say something to the effect, “One shouldn’t waste a perfectly good family name on a child who may not survive!”

Name Changes in the Bible

People of the cultures represented in the Bible had a great interest in the symbolism of names, and also a much more flexible attitude toward the permanency of them. When significant events occurred in a person’s life, it was not uncommon for them to change their name. As an example, Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah; Naomi, returning to her homeland as a widow whose husband and sons were all dead, told her friends, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara.” (Naomi means “Beautiful,” “Pleasant,” or “Delightful,” Mara means “Bitter” or “Bitterness”).

Give Your Name to Jesus

There are some cultures today in which the process continues. Converts to Christianity are often disowned by their families, or even martyred for their new faith. In some places, it is common for pagan converts to Christianity to immediately change their name, selecting a name which is symbolic of their new faith. In the terminology of the Hmong people of southeast Asia, the process of being born again is often referred to as “giving your name to Jesus.”

What does your name mean? Is it reflective of what you really care about, of who you really are? If you were to select a new name, specifically to reveal what matters most to you, what name would you choose? And, this is the most important question of all, “Have you given your name to Jesus?” If you haven't, pray, seek his direction, and turn your name over to him today. About the Author: Philip Herr has been active in ministry since 1972, beginning in bi-vocational ministry, later moving to full time mission director status. Now retired from industry, he serves a small country church and works part time as a writer / consultant. Philip starts each day with <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.devotional.com/Blog/Devotionals/Devotions-In-Ezra-Nehemiah-and-Esther/37/">Bible study</a>, daily email devotionals, and praying over some <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.devotional.com/login.aspx">prayer requests</a>. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What’s-in-a-Name_225880.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What’s in a Name?_225880.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What’s in a Name?_225880.aspx

Author Resource :
Philip Herr has been active in ministry since 1972, beginning in bi-vocational ministry, later moving to full time mission director status. Now retired from industry, he serves a small country church and works part time as a writer / consultant. Philip starts each day with Bible study, daily email devotionals, and praying over some prayer requests.

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