SUNNY BOY?

APPELLATION, TAG, LABEL, DESIGNATION

Monday, July 14, 2014

 

  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.

  Names are chosen for their sound.

  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”. Are you willing to share it for publication in this Saturday DT FORUM? 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?