What is the meaning and origin of the word "name"?
2006-07-23 16:46:55 · 3 answers · asked by urasgodis 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Copied directly from the dictionary:
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English nama; akin to Old High German namo name, Latin nomen, Greek onoma, onyma
1 a : a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing b : a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity
2006-07-23 16:50:12 · answer #1 · answered by Muffie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dictionaries might tell you that Name is a word derived from Old English 'nama', which is related to the Latin 'nomen', Greek 'noma', Old High German 'namo' and German 'namen'. However, you will find them shy of admitting that it is derived from Sanskrit 'naama', is also used in Hindi as 'naam' and several other Indian languages as 'naam' and 'naamam' etc.
Sanskrit happens to be the most ancient language in the world. You will be surprised to know that even words like mother, father, brother and divine have Sanskritic roots. Well, that should be no surprise because Linguists have identified this wonderful language as 'the oldest recorded member of the Indic branch of the Indo-European family' of languages. It is the mother of many, many languages. Delve deep, it is rewarding.
2006-07-24 00:01:36 · answer #2 · answered by VedBard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From Latin "nomen" and Greek "onoma" which means name.
2006-07-23 23:49:23 · answer #3 · answered by Merlin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋