whats in a name?

Question

some people say everything others say nothing, what do u say

Answer 1

Yes, what's in a name. Pete Rose by any other name would still be as sweaty.

Answer 2

It can be a LOT! In the name GIVEN to a person one or more of the following can be reflected:

1) the person's family connections, place of origin (esp. for surnames)

2) the person's reputation, character (esp. for nicknames)

3) one's rank/status, privileges and responsibilities with respect to others (cf. titles), both of one's one family and others of higher of lower position...

4) something about the circumstances of the person's birth, their appearance, etc.

5) the beliefs or hopes/expectations of whoever chooses the name (esp family)
....a) in general (example: "Michael" means "Who is like God?"-- an expression of faith) OR
....b) for the individual being named


A few other ways the NAME can be important:

There can be much in the ACT of giving another a name (esp. of giving them the speaker's OWN name -- marriage, birth, adoption), reflecting the relationship of the two (including their relative status or rank), a commitment being made by the giver to the one named (and sometimes vice versa).

"Putting one's name to/on" is an act of pledge, and risks one one REPUTATION ("good name") if the speaker does so in an evil cause, or fails to do as promised.

"Acting (speaking, etc) in the name of" implies the one named has given authority, and also that words or actions done reflect back on the character of the one named. (This is why "swearing in the name of [God/king, etc]" was a sign of respect -- that their authority was accepted-- but considered a serious offense if the action is evil, a lie, etc., that brings dishonor on that name.)

"Know by name" and "call by name" implies interest in, intimacy and commitment (personal but can also be legal). Being allowed to use someone else's name (e.g., to call a superior by their first name) can be a sign of great honor, and involve the conferring of special (legal) rights or privileges.

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Think too of the origin of the question "What's in a name?" Juliet is reflecting (and bemoaning) the fact that Romeo bears the family name of Montague (and she that of Capulet). Because having these particular family names places them in a particular relationship --the official relationship that exists between their two families. (It is NOT about her personal feelings toward him [as if she had said, 'I can't believe I'm falling in love with one of THEM!'], but about the relationship she unwillingly bears toward him as members of warring families.)

Answer 3

There are so many things in a name, many meanings.