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Why is a name so important? Soon after (or before) we're born, our parents choose a name for us. Why do so many people spend so much time deliberating on what name to choose? What is the significance? I came across an article discussing the history of Dutch names. They used to be more Germanic, but became more Christian. In fact, parents will sometimes give the child several names of which only one is usually meant for dialy use. Why so many names?

I recently watched an Anime where various magic users had their daily names, but also had true names. Knowing the true name would grant one power to control that person.

I then considered online life. I have chosen various online names for various purposes. I also have a legal name which I generally do not reveal. A person who knows my legal name has some amount of power over me wheras someone who only knows the names I give does not have much power at all.

I also think about the many names that both Jesus and Satan have--several each. Why so many?

Is there a significance to what language the name is given in? For example, many Christian names have a Hebrew origin. Some have been tranliterated into Latin or Greek and then English (Joshua -> Jesus). When does one choose to translate / tranliterate the name from one langauge to another?

Our friends often give us nicknames. Sometimes we call our loved ones by various terms of endearment. Somtimes we give our friends a little ribbing. Sometimes we mock our opponents by calling them names.

Does a rose by any other name smell as sweet? Do our names influence how we act or how we are treated? What's in a name?

I once heard someone say that the sweetest word in language to each of us is our own name. Using a person's name in conversation tends to draw them in more, and the art of persuasion (sales) relies heavily on the judicious use of a person's name.

I'm not certain why that is, but it likely has something to do with the name somehow being a symbol for who we think we are at the deepest levels.

asbestosman wrote:Why is a name so important? Soon after (or before) we're born, our parents choose a name for us.

My parents weren't very imaginative. They choose the second names of two brothers to make up my first and second names. I suppose that's what happens when you're the last of five. I won't tell you what my nickname is, because you'll think it applies perfectly to me.

I try to look for a name tag at the check out line and use the persons name and say thank you. Some seem stunned and touched at the same time when I say their name; like they came out of a trance.

karl61 wrote:I try to look for a name tag at the check out line and use the persons name and say thank you. Some seem stunned and touched at the same time when I say their name; like they came out of a trance.

They were probably wondering how you knew their name, felt all flattered, tried to remember where they might have met you, then a few minutes later thought, "oh, my name tag".

Ray A wrote:

karl61 wrote:I try to look for a name tag at the check out line and use the persons name and say thank you. Some seem stunned and touched at the same time when I say their name; like they came out of a trance.

They were probably wondering how you knew their name, felt all flattered, tried to remember where they might have met you, then a few minutes later thought, "oh, my name tag".

sometime when I'm looking for the name tag they look at me like I'm looking at their boobs.

karl61 wrote: sometime when I'm looking for the name tag they look at me like I'm looking at their boobs.

It's a wonder you remember the names, "Thanks, 36-24-36".

Ray A wrote:

karl61 wrote: sometime when I'm looking for the name tag they look at me like I'm looking at their boobs.

It's a wonder you remember the names, "Thanks, 36-24-36".

The ones in my check out line are usually 44-40-52

karl61 wrote:The ones in my check out line are usually 44-40-52

No wonder you remember the names so well.

Ray A wrote: I won't tell you what my nickname is, because you'll think it applies perfectly to me.

Hmmm... Ray of Light? Death Ray? Ray Gun? Ray Dar?

I like Ray of Light.