A NEW NAME WRITTEN DOWN IN GLORY?

APPELLATION, TAG, LABEL, DESIGNATION

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

  Names are chosen for a number of reasons.

  In some cultures past and present individuals have one name, not 2, 3, or more. Multiple names began commonly being used in the 10^th century.  In some cultures of yesteryear names were not given at birth. They were given after the individual’s personality, attitude, significant characteristic or skill became obvious. Nicknaming  was a tradition in my boyhood experience with playmates and school kids.

  There are names that reflect family trades or skills: Archer, Bowman, Wheelwright, Carpenter, Steelman, Cartwright/Carter, Cooper, Kegley, Gardner, Sawyer, Ward/Warder, Naylor/Nailer, Fuller, Frobisher (finisher of edged weapons) etc.

  There are names chosen or given that reflect a trait: Strongman/Armstrong, Turnbull, Crippen (curly haired), Moore (dark complexioned), Russell (redheaded) etc.

  There are names that were established by actual or hoped for association with animals: Crow, Bullock, Cowman, Beeman, Marshall (keeper of the horses) etc.

  There are names linked with places. Donegal, French, Ireland, Hudson, Paris, Robinhood (Robin in the hood; especially interesting is “hood” didn’t begin with today’s street gang culture.) etc.

  Personality names are especially interesting: Angry Woman, He Who Weeps, Quiet One, Lazy Boy etc.

  Some names are used or carried forward traditionally. My name is such as I am the 4^th. There is a 5^th and 6^th.

  Some names are chosen for their sound and have no particular meaning.

  Names are chosen for their meaning. Though our son has a passed down traditional name Edwin Bennett Bullock, each having definition, we did not choose for the meanings. Our 3 daughters names were chosen for the meanings: Like the brightness of morning in a garden of holly; Born-again Christian; Flower of Scotland born at Christmas time. (From marriage file: Ann and I didn’t struggle with or argue over names.)

  For those trusting Lord Jesus Christ, in heaven they will receive a new name from God. (Rev.2:17; 3:12)

  How is our new name chosen . . . by how diligently we live by The Word? I don’t know, but considering the record of Matthew 4:4 I do suspect so.  EBB4

PS. On the nicknaming business: Did you have a nickname as child or youth? Mine was “Sunny”. How would you tag yourself today? What nickname if any does your family, coworkers, neighbors have for you? If you had a nickname as a child or teen, has it changed? As a follower of Christ what may your new name be?