It is interesting that many traditional names have a religious foundation or reflect the aspirations that parents have. I may blog on this further in future.
Yes historically, the bible is a major source of traditional first names in the West (hence the term, “Christian name"). It's quite funny to imagine the scene where someone called, say, Mink Hwee (0733 Name of the Day) on entering a country where English is the official language is asked: "What's your Christian name?"
A perplexed immigration officer: "Mink? Mink? There's no mention of minks in the Bible!!"
I really feel sorry for people who are called Faith, Hope, Charity, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that many traditional names have a religious foundation or reflect the aspirations that parents have. I may blog on this further in future.
ReplyDeleteMost traditional Anglo (and European names generally?) names come straight from the bible.
ReplyDeleteYes historically, the bible is a major source of traditional first names in the West (hence the term, “Christian name"). It's quite funny to imagine the scene where someone called, say, Mink Hwee (0733 Name of the Day) on entering a country where English is the official language is asked: "What's your Christian name?"
ReplyDeleteA perplexed immigration officer: "Mink? Mink? There's no mention of minks in the Bible!!"
Still working on a blog post for this topic.