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I used to tolerate--even like--a handful of nickname names. Now I only like them if they can have a full etymological meaning in their own right: Frank (derived from the tribe), Alex (derived from Greek alexo), Beth ("house" in Hebrew), etc.

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I therefore need to investigate Eben a little more. Ebenezer means "stone of help", but does Eben mean "stone" or "help"? Or neither, being just a short form of Ebenezer by itself?

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I guess this is my long-winded way of saying I like Eben's sound (I pr. it E-ben in BtN's pr. key), but wouldn't use it if it can't etymologically stand on its own.

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EDIT: Satu over on the Name Facts board has informed me that Eben- means "stone", while -ezer means "help". So Eben as a full name gets a pass from me now. :-)

This message was edited 2/17/2007, 6:19 PM