names

[drydem]

one of the interesting things about american culture is that names are so unknowable. I mean, I know what Benjamin means, but most people don't. In ancient times and to some degree in more homogenous cultures, names are more commonly direct from language. In ancient Judea, the name Michael meant who is like god, and if you wanted to say "who is like god" you would say michael. Pierre means pretty basically stone. But in america we all use foreign or invented names, not being able to communicate the information that the name has because of our heterogeneous culture. It's an odd thing.

Comments

[ninja-turbo.livejournal.com]

Exactly. People should know when they address me that they are acknowledging my like onto God-ness. The sooner the world realizes my supremacy the sooner we can get this crazy planet sorted out.

Err. Wait, did I type that out loud? Crap!

[teleidoplex]

See, and here I've always thought it was weird that the main meaning of a person's name could/should be limited to a socially agreed upon linguistic association.

But then, I've been spoiled rotten by being named something unique like Alyc, the meaning of which has largely developed through it's association with me (and the America Latina y el Caribe).

[oddsboy.livejournal.com]

Awright, here's what I've read in name books and mostly picked the explanations I've liked.
Ryan=Celtic, Little King
Michael=Hebrew or something, as in the Archangel, one who is like god, leader of gods armies
Conner=Celtic or Gaulish or some crap, Wise or maybe something about dogs. hmmm

Sooooo Little King Like God the Wise. I like it. *grin* the problems with being a Leo.

-RC

[princess706.livejournal.com]

I vaguesly remember discussing this once on LJ. It's the only reason why i know that Sarah Renee Steele translates to "Princess! Reborn! Now with more Durability!"

I like Alyc's explanaiton better. :)