Topic > Meaning and Influence: Why Names Matter

Our names give an impression of who we are and can be very powerful in determining how people perceive others. The first impression people have of others is through their appearance. The second impression people have of others is through their name. When two strangers meet, they usually start with an introduction by telling the others their name. Our names give us a unique identity and are intended to distinguish people. This diversity is vital especially when dealing with informal audiences. Culture gives meanings to words and this influences the names people adopt for their children. But this brings us to the question: Does popular culture dictate the names we inherit or choose to pass on to our successors? Our names can tell the story of our origins and can influence our status in the society we live in depending on the culture we belong to. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the article, Experiencing History: Integrating Cultural artifacts into a Study of the Dust Bowl, it states: “Cultural artifacts actually inform the historical context” record, but since they were produced by humans in one place and in once particular in distinct circumstances, contain unique strengths and flaws” (Wilson 4). They are used to identify humans so that people do not get confused easily. They have existed for centuries. It is commonly accepted around the world to use them to identify someone and they are constantly evolving to adapt to modern times. He comes from different backgrounds and certain experiences. People connect it to certain experiences that influence how it is interpreted by society. It can also be the reason why people behave in certain ways. It has been an accepted tradition all over the world not to change it once it is given to you by your parents. It's something we all tend to stick to because we've had it our whole lives, so we've become attached to it to the point that it's become a big part of our identity. In the past it took the shape of something you couldn't see or touch but could use to call someone. It has now materialized to the point that it has to appear on a government document for it to be official. This doesn't just include people's names. Names can also derive from objects such as companies, museums, elite schools, etc. In the article, Celebrity Names/Brand Names: Nicole Kidman, Chanel No. 5 and Commodification, it states, “analyzing names: personal, star and brand names – helps shed light on the link between personal identity, celebrity and consumer products” (Nittins 33). Our names have meaning through their meanings and through their cultural interpretations. People are more likely to choose culturally accepted names for their children because companies are more likely to choose names. for their products or for the company itself if this increases purchases and popularity. It is common for names to occur in different cultures, especially if the name is well known and liked by many. When people are born into certain families, in all over the world it is accepted that children take on their father's surname to carry on the family. In the family unit the male is represented as the head of the house. This is why when a woman marries a man, she inherits the man's surname and when they have children together, the children also bear the father's surname. This symbolizes the position of the father/husband of the house. He has a leadership role, which means he has more responsibilities towards his.