how did they name the animals, as the 12 branches?

Answer 1

Are you referring to the "12 branches" of the Chinese zodiac? They are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.

How were those animals chosen? I don't know if anyone knows for sure, but it goes back to at least the fourth century B.C. (See met museum link below.)

There are some fun legends, though, including one about a great race across a river among all 12 animals. Check out the second link.

Answer 2

Do you mean the orders....