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ArchivesHow accurate is this site?
I've using this site to name characters for a story I'm writing, but I'm wondering how accurate this website is with its meanings.
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Thanks, guys!
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This site is not monolithic.
There is the "main database" that contains names whose meanings are vetted by the editor of the site, Mike C., himself; and there are user-submitted names of widely varying quality.
Named editors are in general more reliable than anonymous contributors. Also check editing histories, some meanings were improved after initial submission of the name.
Hope this helps.
--elbowin
There is the "main database" that contains names whose meanings are vetted by the editor of the site, Mike C., himself; and there are user-submitted names of widely varying quality.
Named editors are in general more reliable than anonymous contributors. Also check editing histories, some meanings were improved after initial submission of the name.
Hope this helps.
--elbowin
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Its not perfect. It is in a constant state of research. But, you will find it is more accurate than most websites which have made up meanings and completely disregard etymology.
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Hang around for a while, and you'll see that posters are constantly checking, amending, upgrading etc their own and each other's entries. Some are scholars in their own right, some are just enthusiastic amateurs, and all are eager to learn. So it's self-correcting. Most other sites are run by one of two soloists, which makes them more prone to error.
Some names are odder than others when it comes to meanings. On this site, look up some of the more contentious ones - Eleanor, Imogen and Katherine spring to mind - and then compare BtN's definitions with those on other sites. And then decide for yourself!
Hope to see you on these boards more often in future.
Some names are odder than others when it comes to meanings. On this site, look up some of the more contentious ones - Eleanor, Imogen and Katherine spring to mind - and then compare BtN's definitions with those on other sites. And then decide for yourself!
Hope to see you on these boards more often in future.
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It's more accurate than many other websites because it caters to people who are into onomastics, instead of people who are only looking up meanings because they're trying to name a baby.
For example, some names have strange origins. "Misshapen head" for Kennedy is a good example, or "crooked nose" for Cameron.
A website pandering to expecting parents would gloss over that or make up a new, cute meaning, because if the parents hear something pleasant about the name they're considering, they're more likely to visit the site again. More traffic means more dollars.
Basically name nerds want the truth and the history, parents want their opinions reinforced.
For example, some names have strange origins. "Misshapen head" for Kennedy is a good example, or "crooked nose" for Cameron.
A website pandering to expecting parents would gloss over that or make up a new, cute meaning, because if the parents hear something pleasant about the name they're considering, they're more likely to visit the site again. More traffic means more dollars.
Basically name nerds want the truth and the history, parents want their opinions reinforced.
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