What A Name Says About You

Whats in a name? More than you might think. There is even a name for the study of names its called Onomatology. A name can reveal something about history and heritage and it can even unveil and influence personality too.

Identity

If you thought names could have little influence on your identity than just think of some of the people, pets or houses in your life and how they relate to their name. Isnt it funny how often people look like their names?

Of course names are not the only driving force in our personality but evidence has shown we often cant help wondering how we would have turned out if our names had been different.

Names can evoke personality and that affects our self-concept. Some names have a more positive effect; they can be more individualistic or whacky. Others are clearly negative often because of associations to people in history or culture who are disliked.

The power of a name is learnt in the school classroom. Often bullys pick up on a name or nickname that can be damaging to self-conscious children.

Fad names

Fad names can backfire too just because Brittney Spears was popular when you were young, doesnt mean the name will endure. A fad name can instantly age a person, as it makes their birth culturally specific to the fame of that name.

But even straightforward traditional names can be a burden Ann or John for example can be seen as sturdy but plain or dull when compared to more individualistic names such as Phoenix or Zachariah.

Certain names sound more artistic or like they belong to film stars Sebastian, Toby, Ava, Ethan or Rafael. Of course, famous people do influence the connotations of a name.

Spot the dog

Choosing a name for a pet, we often chose a name based on what we believe their personality is. And the same thing applies to house names. Some homes have names passed down through the ages and are part of the buildings heritage. Others are named because of the location of the house its view for example, or inspired by local history, legends or nature. But increasingly, people are individualising their house name, often as an expression of identity, status or personality.

Name that house

Often, house names are inspired by themes.

Flora and Fauna

Rose Cottage, Honeysuckle and Primrose House all suggest quaint, feminine, Old English homes.

Location, location, location

Hillcrest, Meadow View and Fairview generate a sense of the homes surroundings, helping you visualise landscapes such as beaches, rolling hills or cliff tops.

Furry friends

Badgers Cottage, Fox Hollow and Mole End for example, these names all suggest cosy, rural cottage-style abodes.

Trees

Oaklands, The Willows and Yew Tree Cottage. Trees represent sturdiness and imply slightly grander homes.

Heritage

The Old Rectory, The Grange or The Old Vicarage creates the idea of grand, old houses, probably haunted!

Fairy and folk tales

Thimble Cottage or the Wishing Well Cottage have magical overtones, and can be enchanting, evocative names.

Patriotism

House names can also be an expression of cultural identity a house sign in Welsh or Gaelic for example.

So next time you are naming a baby, pet or home, ask yourself, whats in a name? The answer can be surprising.

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