Names, whether biblical, historical, or modern, have a meaning. Names are not just random words but reflect the very nature or essence of the baby on which the name is bestowed. A given name is what distinguishes a baby from other family members.

baby in most cultures is named a few days after birth, amidst religious rites and celebrations. Fairy tales describe how all the magic folk came to the christening of a child and bestowed many blessings as well as good wishes.

Historically, one can see that people followed specific norms or rules when naming their child. Some used the names of deities worshipped by the family or simple terms meaning daughter of or son of, like "Abel," which means "son of Adam and Eve." People also named the babies after their ancestors or guardian angels.

The etymology of names can include: personal traits (Ace meaning first one); objects (Peter meaning rock, or Adam meaning red earth); literary characters, like Nemo or Alice; physical traits like Calvin, the bald one; a place, for example Brittany; or a color, Violet; or a flower, Jasmine or Rose.

Sometimes names signify attributes. For example, Kacey means brave, Hannah and Sean mean graceful, Ida or Quinn means intelligent.

In the case of names originating from religious books like the Bible, you will find that Anastasia means resurrection, Catherine means pure, Diana means the moon goddess, Evangeline means good tidings, Caleb means bold, Dominic means belonging to god, Stephen means protected and Sampson means son of the sun.

Names are often custodians of history and life. They are everlasting reminders of people, places, events, and ancient cultures. Many names in use today have origins in the Old Testament, Bible, Koran, the Vedas, and so on. Did you even think that the English name Aaron, meaning exalted or high mountain, originated from the Hebrew Aharon, which most likely was of Egyptian origin? Similarly, Agnes is from the Greek Hagne, meaning chaste. Saint Agnes was a virgin martyred during Roman times.

Modern names derive from nature and beautiful things like flowers, gems, or much wanted characteristics, like Lily, Ruby, or Joy. Modern parents often create names by adapting or shortening old names or using devices like initials or anagrams to create a unique name for their child.

Think about it carefully. A name is what your baby will be known by not just in this life but perhaps even centuries later.