why do people have names?

Question

why do people have names why cant people call each other what ever they want to call them?

Answer 1

So that they can have something to put on Christmas Cards.

Answer 2

Why do YOU have a name?

Answer 3

interesting question. I think there are or were some cultures where they didn't have the tradition of giving a baby a name that would stick for life. In stories about Native Americans, a teen-ager would have to earn the name he carries into adulthood. I know a lot of people with nicknames.

I also remember a sci-fi movie where the telepathic aliens didn't have names, but their identity was their entire life history. Now if we did that, half the kids would be called "the one who sat on the couch and played video games most of his life"

Answer 4

Wow, what a question! Personally, I love names, I love knowing what they mean (Mine means industrious, what a crock!). They are a great way for parents to put their hopes into a child. Also, it would be VERY confusing if we just all called people willy-nilly, although, that would be a very good name.

Answer 5

Think real hard about the worst thing someone will call you to get your attention. Have you ever yelled," Hey you" in a crowd?

Answer 6

uhhh, for purposes of reference. of course you can call ppl whatever you want...that's where nicknames come from! it helps if everybody calls one person the same name so they will know who you are talking about without you having to describe their body features. what's easier: "that tall guy with blonde hair, blue eyes, light skin, from miami" or "john doe"

Answer 7

Yea, sure... And cause a mass confusion and total disorder. Besides, some ppl do that already. The rebellious outcasts.

Answer 8

Two good reasons.

Scenario #1: Professor in class: "Will the white female between the approximate ages of 19 and 21 who is approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall and approximately 145 lbs and who is in row 14 with the curly red hair and green glasses please stand up and tell the class what we might do to reduce the time we waste when trying to describe another person so as to get his/her attention to answer questions like this?"

Scenario #2: "Professor Higgins: Let's call roll; when I call your name, please acknowledge - Mary Riley." Mary: "Professor Smith (her name for him because he DOES look like a Smith when you think of it), I decided to call myself Little Lizard Surprise today." Prof Higgins/Smith: "Ok, Please ackowledge your name". LLS: "OK, Professor Smith". Prof Higgins: "That's not my name today; I decided that the guy in the front row with the blue sweater who used to call himself Ernie gets to change my name to whatever mood he's in. Roger Willkingham, what am I to be called today?" Roger/Ernie: "I dunno, teach, I haven't gotten my nickname from my girlfriend yet - can I call her on my cell phone?"

Fast forward to today's methodology - Professor Higgins: "Mary Riley, please stand up and tell the class what you think about ...."

Your thoughts on this?

Answer 9

Everything is something. How do you refer to a ripe piece of fruit? Call me a nut? Call me a liar? Who are or what are you?

Answer 10

Because its rude to go around saying "Hey You" to everybody, that's why. And since we wouldn't have names, everyone would answer at the same time because they wouldn't know who you were talking to.

Answer 11

people have names so we don't have to call people by their descriptions. Its kinda nice because you don't have to call people things like fat smelly trailer trash woman and idiot who asks dumb questions on yahoo answers.