Ramirez Latorre 1

Anthony Ramirez

Instructor N. Oliver

ENG 110-03

6 February 2020

Things that Influence Naming.

Alexander, Anastasia, George, Anthony, Mohamed. All of them are very common names

that you and I could have. However, why did our parents name us that? Or why did our parents

choose a different name? These are questions that most people ask themselves throughout their

lives, but few people can answer these questions. For parents, having a baby is the greatest

blessing they can receive, but from this blessing comes one of the biggest dilemmas that parents

can have – choosing a name for the baby. Currently, when parents name kids, they reflect their

values and beliefs because they consider meaning, familiar traditions and religion.

Firstly, the meaning of the name is an important factor that parents consider when

choosing their baby's name. Parents prefer to choose names with good meanings. Names such as

Mathew (gift from God), David (the one who is loved), Andrew (life force), are examples of

names that have good meaning which will give these qualities to the baby. On the other hand,

parents avoid choosing names that have inappropriate meanings. Blas (stuttering), Boris (fight),

Leila (dark in vanity), Cecile (little blind) are examples of names that at first glance sound good

but have a negative meaning.

Secondly, another factor that affects parents when choosing a baby's name are the

customs of their family. Certain families have the habit of naming their children just like their

parents. For example, if you are a boy and your father's name is Mark, you will be named Mark
 Ramirez Latorre 1

Anthony Ramirez

Instructor N. Oliver

ENG 110-03

6 February 2020

Jr as well as if you are a girl and your mother’s name is Rosalia, you will be named Rosalia too.

This is a tradition that comes in small countries and is considered as a way to maintain the family

legacy. However, it is not recommended that parents name their children as themselves because

baby in the future will take the same attitudes of the father or mother. Besides, the baby will have

an unnecessary burden which he or she will have to deal with. For example, if you were named

after your father and he is a moody person who is always angry and upset, you will acquire the

same attitudes and qualities.

Finally, parents sometimes choose names based on their religious beliefs. There are many

religions so there are many names that can be derived from each of them. On the one hand, the

most common case occurs when parents choose names of important characters within their

religion. For example: Christian parents would prefer names like Jesus, Mary, David, etc.

Muslim parents would prefer to choose names like Abdul, Mohammed, Ali, etc. However, other

parents name their children based on the saint who is celebrated on the day of their baby's birth.

For example, St Antonio de Padua day is celebrated on July 13, so if you were born on this day,

your parents will name you Antonio. Parents name their children in this way because they

believe that by doing so, they will be blessed by that saint.

In conclusion, the reasons set out above are the most common reasons why parents

choose their children's names. However, no matter what reasons your parents have chosen your

name, you should be proud and happy because your name is what represents you and gives you
 Ramirez Latorre 1

Anthony Ramirez

Instructor N. Oliver

ENG 110-03

6 February 2020

an identity. Names are very important in our life and accept them is the first big step that brings

us closer to happiness.

Outline.

I) Meaning.

 Good meanings.

Example: Mathew means gift from God; David means the one who is loved.

 Avoid names with inappropriate meaning.

Example: Boris means fight: Blass means stuttering.

II) Customs of their family.

 Same name after parents.

Example: If your father’s name is Mark, you will name Mark too.

 However, it is not recommended.

Reason: Baby will acquire attitudes of his or her parents.

III) Religion.

 Parents choose names based on their religious belief.

 Ramirez Latorre 1

Anthony Ramirez

Instructor N. Oliver

ENG 110-03

6 February 2020

Example: Catholic parents choose names such as Jesus, Mary or David.

 Saint names.

Example: Parents choose names after a special saint.