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HelpWhy are certain names classics?
What is it about certain names that give them so much staying power? Why do names like Anna, Katherine, and Sarah appeal to a wider population for centuries, while names like Ida, Patricia, and Debra are popular for a short time, then basically fade out of existence? I’m curious what you guys think!
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Man, I wrote a whole essay here and lost it. Oh well, it was too long anyway.
My theory says that classic names are considered classic because they reflect more stable aspects of a culture, such as who is worshipped and who is in charge. Names from holy books are always going to be important as long as the religion matters to people. With rulers it's similar, as long as they are in power people want to emulate them, and ruling dynasties want to inspire feelings of strength and stability, so they often share names and give those names the aura of authority .
Dated names, on the other hand, reflect changes in philosophy, lifestyle, and fashion. Whatever is cool at the moment. And in many cases, the generations do not understand each other. The aesthetics aren't shared. We don't see what's so great about the stuff our forebears thought was cool. Those names get left behind.
So basically if a name really captures the spirit of a generation in some way, it's going to become dated. Most likely. Especially if it's been crafted specifically for that generation.
My theory says that classic names are considered classic because they reflect more stable aspects of a culture, such as who is worshipped and who is in charge. Names from holy books are always going to be important as long as the religion matters to people. With rulers it's similar, as long as they are in power people want to emulate them, and ruling dynasties want to inspire feelings of strength and stability, so they often share names and give those names the aura of authority .
Dated names, on the other hand, reflect changes in philosophy, lifestyle, and fashion. Whatever is cool at the moment. And in many cases, the generations do not understand each other. The aesthetics aren't shared. We don't see what's so great about the stuff our forebears thought was cool. Those names get left behind.
So basically if a name really captures the spirit of a generation in some way, it's going to become dated. Most likely. Especially if it's been crafted specifically for that generation.
Excellent response!
Oh no, I'm so sorry! Your response is super good as is, though! Thank you! :)
Nickname potential.
Sarah and Anna haven't always been classics, I have a resident whose parents thought Anna was too old-fashioned.
Think of the names that are continually popular.
Robert: Rob, Bobby, Bert
Richard: Rich, Dick, Rick
Elizabeth: Beth, Liz, Betty, etc
Katherine: Kate, Kathy, Katie
The more nickname options the easier it is to keep the name 'fresh. ' Then there are names that have stayed in the same position for years - my daughter's name is one of them. A name that is always there but never too popular, therefore never becoming tied to a specific generation.
As for men: Men were supposed to work, women were supposed to stay at home. Women wouldn't need a solid name. It's slowly starting to change but it's going to have a long, long time.
Sarah and Anna haven't always been classics, I have a resident whose parents thought Anna was too old-fashioned.
Think of the names that are continually popular.
Robert: Rob, Bobby, Bert
Richard: Rich, Dick, Rick
Elizabeth: Beth, Liz, Betty, etc
Katherine: Kate, Kathy, Katie
The more nickname options the easier it is to keep the name 'fresh. ' Then there are names that have stayed in the same position for years - my daughter's name is one of them. A name that is always there but never too popular, therefore never becoming tied to a specific generation.
As for men: Men were supposed to work, women were supposed to stay at home. Women wouldn't need a solid name. It's slowly starting to change but it's going to have a long, long time.
Anna is in the top ten most consistently popular names, though.
Thank you so much for you response! That was really enlightening. :)
Thank you so much for you response! That was really enlightening. :)
This message was edited 1/2/2024, 7:22 AM
Good question. Mostly women posting here not "guys."
It’s even more interesting how men’s names tend to not be as trendy and are more classic and long-lasting.
Exactly! Women's names aew throow aways. Men's names have permanence.
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