Toi Thomas’s 2014 contribution to an annual, 31 day, writing challenge that takes place in October and was created by Myquillyn Smith (The Nester). The history, origin, and meaning of names.
Hi there everyone.
Today I’m over at A Small Gang of Authors reliving an older post and rehashing my love of words and the complexity of the English language… Oh, and I’m talking about me a little. If you’re up for it, check it out at the image below.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
Term of the day: names: a word or words by which someone or something is called or known.
Thoughts:
So after all this time I think it’s pretty safe to say that there’s meaning in a name. Names, words, sounds, actions, and personalities all make us uniquely who we are. I for one also believe that there is power in a name and not just because it makes for good fiction. There are many tales of faith, myth, fiction, and more that proclaim the power one possesses in the knowing and using the name of something, not to mention giving something a name.
Giving something a name offers a sense of validation, understanding, and or closure that can’t always be explained, but is something we as humans greatly desire. Not that some of these things aren’t still scary, but imagine for a moment how terrifying the world would be if we didn’t have names for things like: cancer, AIDS, terrorism, pollution, and so on. Understanding what these bad things are may not make them go away, but it helps.
The same goes for all the good things too. Confusion is the most frustrating state for humanity to be in. We, humans, are designed to explore, develop, and evolve intellectually. When we don’t have a name for something, no matter how wonderful, it bothers us. Aren’t you glad that we have a name for: adrenaline, endorphins, love, and so much more?
This is the end of my month-long focus on names and what they mean. I will share one more name to close out this challenge post. Thank you all for sticking with me through this, hopefully, educational and entertaining journey.
Name of the day: Edward.
Breakdown and meaning:
Edward has both English and German origins. In English the name means “wealthy guardian” and in German it means “strong as a boar”. In my book, It’s Like the Full Moon, Edward is a wealthy character with a strong will and bold presence, even as a feisty old man. I’m sure he’ll be a favorite among my readers when the story is released.
Well, that’s it for Day 31. It’s been real! 😀
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Go back to the beginning to see all the posts in this series.
Outside of my own personal search throughout the years, basic meanings and definitions of the terms used here can be found at the following websites:http://www.meaning-of-names.com/, Google search http://en.wikipedia.org/, and http://dictionary.reference.com/.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
Term of the day: surname: family name; a name one shares with members of the same lineage.
Thoughts:
Many people in America have last names they were never meant to have. Back in the day, many immigrants were given more English sounding names when they came into this county and there were the trails and issues of slavery and Asian workers on the railroad and in gold mining. To think that many of the names people have today were forced upon their ancestors makes me wonder why people still use them. The answer isn’t a complicated one though. Generation after generation of using and spreading a common name breeds tradition, loyalty, and connection.
Knowing where and how your last name came about can lead you on a path to discovering your family’s history. Some people will have a much easier go at it than others, but with time and effort, most lineages can be figured out, discovered, and explored.
Name of the day: Lucy.
Breakdown and meaning:
Lucy in generations past has been a common pet name for Lucille, but these days it stands alone. Lucille is derived from either “Lucia” or “Lucyna” with English, Polish, and Italian origins that mean similar things. This next part will sound off-putting, but let me explain.
Both “Lucia” and “Lucyna” are female names derived from “Lucifer” which means “light bearer”. If you know your angelic history, this angel was once the most beautiful and favored of all and a beacon of light, that is before its fall. So in essence, Lucy means “Lucifer” or more acceptingly “light bearer” or “bringer of light”. It is actually a very good name to give a little girl and it has a sweet sound to it.
In my up and coming romance, It’s Like the Full Moon, Lucy is an important character who offers guidance and a bit of comic relief. She’s one of my favorite characters written so far.
Well, that’s it for Day 30. See you tomorrow.
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Go back to the beginning to see all the posts in this series.
Outside of my own personal search throughout the years, basic meanings and definitions of the terms used here can be found at the following websites:http://www.meaning-of-names.com/, Google search http://en.wikipedia.org/, and http://dictionary.reference.com/.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords