Do names have meaning? Do they have significance?

What determines the name a baby would receive? A family name come down through the generations? a national or religious hero? Desired characteristics? The day, month, or season when born? After a geographical area? After things in nature, as trees, flowers, heavenly bodies? Other?

Is there a tendency for some kind of pattern to be followed within a family; as, do all names begin with the same letter or syllable? or do they end with a rhyming syllable? If this is the case, how widespread is the practice?

Who names the child—the parents, or grandparents? A prestigious member of the community? Is a person expected to live up to the meaning of his/her name? Is there an auspicious time for naming a child? How is this determined?

Is a person’s name ever changed? For what reason?

Are names shortened for common use? How is this done? Collect some and see if there is a pattern which is followed. Are children ever given a household “pet” name? If so, how long does that name remain in use? Are nicknames used? Are they descriptive of the person, relate to their occupation or talent, or some other criterion?

What power is thought to be in a name? Are there times you should not call a person by his/her name? Why? Are there any names that are taboo or unacceptable for some other reason? What is that reason? What names are most desirable?

Are there names which are popular now which were not popular a generation or so ago? What were popular names back then? What are the popular names now?