Meanings of Baby Names: What's in a Name?

All names whether biblical, historical, traditional or even modern fad/celebrity based should have a meaning. Names should not simply be random collections of letters making up words that sound cool, hip or different! Going back to basics a given name becomes a babies identity and is used to distinguish a baby from other members of the family, however it should mean so much more.

In most cultures a baby is named very soon after birth, usually within a few days (nowadays many babies are named even before birth as some parents choose to learn the sex of the baby between the 18th and 26th week of pregnancy!). Depending on your religious denomination the naming of the baby may be done officially through religious rites and celebration, in these cases the meaning of the babies name chosen can be especially important. However, even if the baby name is given without any formal event or gathering, the meaning of the baby name is still important.

The meaning of many names can be traced back to ancient times (many are pre-christian) and often relate to religious deities or followers thereof. Additionally many of the more traditional names were given to signify personal traits, attributes, places or even occupations. More modern names tend to be either modifications of traditional names, usually by changing spelling or shortening, for example

Benaiah meaning son of the Lord shortened to a more modern "Ben",
Nathanael meaning "the gift of God" becomes "Nathan",
Timotheus meaning "valued of God" simply becomes Tim or Timothy,
Barbara, meaning "Stranger" shortened to Barbie.

Or have their origins in nature such as gemstones ( Ruby, Crystal), seasons (Autumun, Summer, April), feelings (Joy, Bliss, ) or wildlife and natural formations such as Clay, Forrest, Lily, Nigella, Holly, Heather, Poppy, Basil, Cliff, Daisy and Dawn).