CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BEQUEST JAMES McCALL Class of 1885 1944 Cornell University Library CS2367 .M81 What is your name? A popular account of olin 3 1924 029 800 368 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029800368 THE MEANINGS AND DEEIVATIONS CHEISTIAN NAMES. LONDON PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. NEW-STBEET SQtTAEE ^HAT IS YOUK NAME? A POPULAR ACCOUNT OF THE MEANINGS AND DERIVATIONS OF CHRISTIAN NAMES. AUTHOR OF ' THE FAIRY TREE,' ' THE PALM TREE,' ETC. Let us answer to our names. LONDON : EICHAED BENTLEY, PUBLISHER IN ORDINARY TO HER MAJESTY 1863. PREFACE. book on the same subject * by a well-kno tthor having lately appeared, the writer of •esent work assures her readers that, anxi< she is to behold its formidable rival, she ] iferred that pleasure until after the publicat her own work. 'What is your Name?' was completed nistmas Eve 1862, but the idea of it had lc fore suggested itself to her, — before, inde e was aware of any book in any langus ving been written on the subject of Christ: ames. From the writer's first littje book t ntures to quote the motif of her present one : ' She aye tell't the lassies the meanin' o' e£ their Christian names. " Aiblins," said s" ! ' History of Christian Names,' by the Author of ' The I Sedelvffe,' 1863. me pretty thochts may be blessed to ther 3 very ca'ing o' their names wad be a r ider o' some Christian grace; for," said tl iy, "the lesson ance learned, wad Lastit sulky, or Amy be dour?'"* Hinioh" Lodge, Botjrnemotjth : October 17, 1863. Scotch Margaret's Story : ' The Fairy Tree,' p. 141. Nelso CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. An Advertisement — All Christian or Individual Nan significative — Value of Names — Good or evil i often attending on them — Crowns won and lost tl the signification of Names — Story of a Spanish Prin Twenty Names of a Portuguese Princess, their Derii and Significations — Numerical Value of Names — and Arabian Calculations depending thereupon — Na Power — Individual Names inalienable Property — 1 tages which may be derived from our Christian Ne God the first Name-giver — Motives influencing i of Names in Olden Times — Destinies of Names— of Names as Reminders — William the Helmet (or d« of many — George the Sower — Esther the Star— fred the Winner or Lover of Peace — The Promise Advertisement redeemed p CHAPTER n. National Names more characteristic than their Prov Antiquity of many Names in common use among! selves — A great Vitality in Names — Religious attendant on Name-giving in various Nations— from the Laxdaela Saga — Roman Soldiers' Nairn graved on their Shields Vlll CHAPTER III. Variety of Subjects connected with the History of Names — Sovereignty in Names — Names of Ancient Dynasties —Certain Names attached to Royal and Noble Families page 62 CHAPTER IV. An Individual Name originally sufficient. Family Names adopted — Principles of Roman Nomenclature — The Four Roman Names — Nomenclators . . . .80 CHAPTER V. Change of Name — Examples of Change of Name — Abra- ham — The Four Hebrew Captives — The North-American Indian 'Brave ' — Caribs — Dacians— Greek Emperors and their Brides — Princesses marrying into Foreign Lands — Queen Dagmar of Denmark — Signification of Alexandra — Brunechilde of France — Eleanor of Austria — Popes — Literary Men, their Assumption of Greek and Latin Names — Enforced Change of Name in Ireland, Spain, and Scotland— The M'Gregors 90 CHAPTER VI. For one's Name's sake — Heroes, Inventors, and Discover- ers honoured through their Names — Sovereigns' Names stamped upon Coins — Names clinging to Old Wells Stories of Lives contained in the Names of Individuals Christopher Columbus — Pollio Vedius— Contrasts be- tween Lives and Names — Misnomers — St. Felicitas Julius Cassar — Legends derived from Significations of Names — Semiramis — Monkish Legends, St. Lucia St. Sophia, St. Katharine, St. Margaret — Mary Magda- lene — Miriam and Mary . . . . .no CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER VII. ' Besoin de Nommer ' — Name-giving a Natural Instinct — Adam's first Work in Paradise— Names of Stars— Saxon Names of Months — Names of Animals and Plants — Legend of St. Veronica .... page 140 CHAPTER VIH. Curiosities of History of Names — Lucky and Unlucky Names — Diocletian — St. Hippolytus, &c. — Superstitions connected with Names — Lucky and Unlucky Letters — Talismans — Moses' Rod — Solomon's Seal — Abracadabra — Alphabets of Trees and Plants — Anagrams and Acros- tics — Imperial Riddle of the Vowels — Sad Story of an Anagram — Variations in a Name . . . .154 CHAPTER IX. Antiquity of our Baptismal Names — Bible Names the Fa- vourites in England — Art of Name-making died out — Names connected with French and English Revolutions characteristic — English Diminutives of Names : their Love for them of ancient Date — Christian Converts cling- ing to old Names — Origin of the Popularity of some Names ; Peter, Catherine, Paul, and Margaret — Succes- sive Causes influencing the Adoption of Names — Our Patron Saints, Heroes and Saints, Honoured Men and Women — Romances — Names beginning with Z — Sugges- tions for New Names from the Spanish, &c. — Nameless Creditors — Names amongst Africans, North-American Indians, Hindus, Jews, and Arabians . . .180 CHAPTER X. The Four Nations from which our Christian Names are principally derived : Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Teutonic. Dominant Note in each — Characteristics of Hebrew and CONTENTS. CHAPTER X.— continued. Arabian Names— Characteristics of Greek Names— Cha- racteristics of Latin Names— Characteristics of Teutonic Names ; Origin of some of these last— Celtic and Gaelic Names— The undying Value of a Name— The premier Grenadier de France, La Tour d'Auvergne . page 219 CHAPTEE XL Classified List of Names classed according to their Signi- fications—Names significative of and relating to Deity —Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, Latin, Scandinavian, &c— Notes 233 CHAPTER XII. Classified List— Names signifying and significative of Ab- stract Qualities ; Virtue, Courage, &c. — Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Teutonic, Arabic, North American Indian, &c. — Notes 242 CHAPTER Xm. Classified List — Names signifying and significative of Per- sonal Characteristics; Beauty, Complexion, &c. — Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Teutonic, Arabic, North American Indian, &c Notes 274 CHAPTER XTV. Classified List — Names signifying and significative of Mis- cellaneous Subjects ; Animals, Plants, Numbers, Places, &c. — Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Teutonic, Arabic, North American Indian, &c. — Notes .... 281 WHAT IS YOUE NAME? CHAPTEE I. in advertisement — All Christian or individual names tre significative — Value of names ; good or evil fortune iften attending on them — Crowns won and lost through he signification of names — Story of a Spanish princess — Twenty names of a Portuguese princess ; their derivations mi significations — Numerical value of names; Greek and Arabian calculations depending thereupon — Names of >ower — Individual names inalienable property — Advan- ages which may be derived from our Christian names — iod the first name-giver — Motives influencing choice >f names in olden times — Destinies of names — Value of b name as a reminde) William the Helmet of Many, Jeorge the Sower, Esther the Star, Winifred ,the Peace- vinner — The promise of the advertisement redeemed — "ndividual names — Individual mottoes. EADER, whatever your name may be, think I can scarcely be wrong in supposin t, occasionally at least, you glance your ej vn the second column of the ' Times' — so: riful, wondering, or amused as the strange] Ltrasted advertisements successively bring b 3 you dark glimpses into miserable home dazzling gleams of sudden accessions of for or oddly worded descriptions of pets sti away, or missing articles. Our hearts are si by wailing cries from deserted or rifled i ' Charlie, boy, come back ; your father has given you.' ' Minnie, darling, come home, quickly, if you would see mother alive.' are yet glistening in our eyes when we are sistibly provoked to laughter by announcer of 'a red gentleman's pocket-book ' having lost, or ' a blue lady's umbrella,' and then tantalising accounts of 'unclaimed dividi and ' heirs wanted.' But little filling in would be require manufacture from the suggestions of that derful column a magnificent sensation nove still and ever the strangest romances are found amongst the realities of life. I an now about to attempt a novel, and yet it is that same column of the ' Times' that I y take the introduction of the subject of my Would that the tiny volume might fly hi far and wide as do the mighty wings of the chronicler of the day ! See, now ! IF any persons bearing the Christian names (su: in each case immaterial) of Albert, Edward, Alex Godfrey, Edmuitd, or Gtrx — Akne, Elizabeth, Do Beatrice, Edith, or Emily— will apply at Messrs. on the day of , they will hear of something t advantage. Do you smile, reader? Nay, if you will ] outright, ' strike, but hear ! ' laugh, but li d to many, very many more besides,* I m ike my promise good, that they shall hear nething to their advantage. It may be they have heard my good ne fore, but good news bears twice telling ; and 3se days of being ' en rapport ' who shall s it the kindly feeling in my heart towards r own and unknown readers may not comm ;ate itself to theirs ? Our journeyings will er many lands, and backwards into dista es — the skeletons of dead nations will live aga • us — at the graves of the mighty we may lea 3cious truths — so may we also from the birds 3 air and the flowers of the field. Sometim ;rry, sometimes grave, always in earnest, soi iasant moments may be ours, and parting go< ends we may look to meet again. In the nineteenth century fortune is suppos wait on surnames only. Their importance iversally acknowledged, and there is no \& treatises corresponding to the interest win ;y excite. But is not the value 'of Christi: nes comparatively ignored, except whe ldren are named after godfathers, godmothei In a classified list at the end of the volume will be found i ds of 1,500 names and their significations. An alphabetic !X will refer to all Christian names at all likely to be in i >ngst ourselves. Many names omitted in lists hitherto publisl here mentioned, and their derivations and meanings suggesl ;he writer. To such names an ' iS' is attached. elations, or friends, either for love's sake or rudential motives ? Little Stephens and Margarets are often ected to benefit at some future time by th< diich links them to their namesakes. T. opes may or may not be fulfilled; meanw re there none who remember to tell the 1 nes that in each pretty name of itself t i value untold ? Lovely reminders are the reasures surely to be won, if rightly sou nd beyond all possibility of mischance. Little Stephens, forget not the crowns you pin ! Sweet Margarets — pearls and daisies- iot discredit to the exquisite significance of ; Lame ! In one of the volumes of the British Essa ' The Adventurer ' ) a pretty tale is to be foun Dr. John Hawksworth, a friend of Dr. Johns imurath, a sultan of the East, succeedin ?arly youth to his father's throne, is oppresse i sense of unfitness for his great responsibil He is visited by a benevolent genie, who bes m him an invaluable counsellor and frien ;he shape of a talismanic ring. This ring ;ains a ruby of surpassing lustre and richnt iolour; but whenever, in thought, word, or < ;he young Prince is about to err, the g( jirclet presses his finger, and he beholds nagic gem become dim and pale. Do we not carry about with us, each one ( 3ur own especial talisman? Not mute, lik< ELOQUENCE OE NAMES. 5 ring of Amurath, but hourly sounding in our ears its peculiar note — it may be of warning — it may be of encouragement, telling of high aims and glorious rewards. Not here the fitting place to dwell upon the best and dearest privileges attached to all Christian names. One only glance at the ineffable bliss awaiting those who by such names (their angel names, as we may imagine they will be) are adopted into the family of heaven — one only glance— and then, bearing the gladsome recol- lection in our hearts, we will pass on to the present temporal advantages that it would seem may be derived from almost all individual names in common use amongst ourselves. Why should these names, which are in many cases rich with suggestive eloquence^ fall on our ears but as empty sounds ? Why should not that poor peevish discontented Lsetitia (gladness) strive to connect with the calling of her Christian name an endeavour after the Christian grace of ' cheerfulness ? ' And those undutiful children, John and Jane — causes of worry as they are to all around them — why should they not learn, and benefit by the learning, that they continually contradict the beautiful meaning of their names, signifying in Hebrew God's gracious gift ? Of surnames, the value of many is confessed by everyone. They are an inheritance of them- selves — good fortune waits upon them. The 6 WHAT IS YOUR NAME f old Roman proverb, ' Nomen et omen,' holds good in our day. There are Lceliuses amongst ourselves of whom it may be said, not only that their names are synonymous with ' bonus augur, and that all they foretell is certain to come to pass, but also that all they attempt is sure to succeed. Who does not know that ' wagging of ancient pows,' cheerily perpendicular, whereby members of certain families are assured of success in all their undertakings; and that other 'wagging,' solemnly horizontal, that foredooms others — ' poor Such-a-one' — to certain failure? And why is this? Trace back the family histories, and you will find that it was no blind chance, but sterling worth, that first caused its current value to be stamped on the coin. Family honours are gained. ' Noblesse oblige.' Men seek to live up to their name. There is inexpressible value in names ! The prince of poets — the magician by whose wand the secrets of all hearts are laid bare — is quoted to justify a contrary belief. But in whose mouth does Shakspeare put those words: ' What's in a name?' It is the indignant protest of an im- passioned girl against the wide-spread feeling (prejudice, if you will) which the very vehemence of her remonstrance showed that she knew but too well did exist. And still, as in that Italian city of old, there are Montagues and Capulets! Against the CROWNS WON AND LOST,. 7 stubborn rocks of family prejudice, ah ! how many- young hearts are daily wrecked? What avail fresh winds and full tide setting fair for glad havens where eager barks would be, when stony barriers uprear themselves between, which no daring, no skill can surmount ? With the wrecks of gallant ships so shattered the waves of this troublesome world are strewn. Not dreamy-eyed Romance alone, but her grave sister History, tells us strange facts as to the value of names, actually in themselves, even when unconnected with family associations. With the Romans auspicious names were ever in the ascendant. Amongst innumerable ex- amples we need only instance here Regalianus, elected emperor by the Roman soldiers solely on account of the royalty suggested by his name. But lightly won, alas ! lightly lost — he did not long wear the crown of the Caesars. On an equally sudden impulse the troops put their newly-elected emperor to death. His name gave him a crown, but could not preserve to him his life. A still more singular instance of a name, and a Christian name, influencing the destiny of an 'individual, is told by Herrera, the Spanish his- torian. Louis VIII. of France, sumamed ' Coeur de Lion,' desiring a Spanish princess for his bride, ambassadors were sent to the court of Madrid. The eldest and the most beautiful of the royal sisters was the one destined by her 8 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? own family to share the diadem of France. ^ But where was the wise fairy godmother who in all nursery tales presides at the naming of beautiful princesses? At the cradle of the unfortunate eldest daughter of Spain, it would seem, there was no fairy godmother, nor even an earthly sponsor gifted with musical ear or aesthetic tastes — her name Urraca, harsh in sound, was in its significa- tion yet more objectionable, for in Spanish it signified a magpie. A magpie queen, and to mate with a lion- heart ? Impossible ! The dismayed ambassadors felt themselves compelled to reject the young beauty. Her name had deprived her of a noble husband and of a crown. The lovely Urraca saw her younger sister (less fair than herself, except in name) preferred before her, and Blanche the Fair of Castile was carried in triumph to France to become the honoured wife of Louis the Lion- heart, and the proud mother of St. Louis. In this singular story of so great a mishap attending an ill-chosen name we may, perhaps, find the key to the custom of an extraordinary number of names being always bestowed on princesses of Spain and the neighbouring king- dom of Portugal. The ' Saxe-Gotha Almanack' (1862) tells us of a little Portuguese princess who has been endowed with no less than twenty names derived from five different languages — chosen with due regard to mellifluous syllables, fortunate associa- TWENTY NAMES PORTUGUESE PRINCESS. 9 tions with angelic and saintly namesakes, and, with the exception of the hallowed first name, all having pleasing significations : — Hebrew — Maria (Mary), Bitter- ness. Hebrew — Jose', One raised up. Latin — Beatrix, Making blessed. Hebrew — Joanna (John), God's gracious gift. Greek — Eulalie (8) (tvXaXot;), Speaking sweetly. Teutonic — Leopoldina ( Leo- pold, Leof pold), Beloved and brave. Teutonic — Adelaide ( Adel hilda), Noble lady. Hebreio— Isabel {Spanish form, Elizabeth), sig. Worshipper of God. Teutonic — Oarlotta (Karl) , Strong, valiant. Hebrew — Michaela (Michael), Who is like God'? Hebrew — Raphaela (Raphael), Medicine (or healing) of God. Hebrew — Gabriela(Gabriel), the strength of God. Teutonic — Francisca (Frank), Free, indomitable. Greek or Latin — Paula (de As- sise e do), -rravXa (rd was a name known far and wide as a tru >rthy 'promise to pay.' But while I write the words '■princely m xnfe,' do not my readers' hearts swell like i ti with fervent gratitude to him who, so mths past, in a few words of almost child nplicity, and with all a child's exquisite pur motive, bestowed on the poor of our metropc 3 munificent gift of 150,000^. ? Apicius of old devoted his enormous wealth e pampering of his body — that body which 5 own act was given, while yet in manhoc ime, to be food for worms. The names of si m pass into by -words and jests, but the na Peabody, homely as its sound may be, will lc as music in the ear of England's poor. Waf heaven on their prayers, it will be dear to arts of us all, so long as those sweet words membered — ' Inasmuch as ye have done it u ie of the least of these, my brethren, ye b >ne it unto me.' But we linger too long, perhaps, on the thi ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED. 15 hold of our express theme. None deny the preciousness of honourable surnames; but they, like talents, riches, and beauty of face, are not of our own choosing, nor can they be chosen for us by those to whom we are dear. Our family names are appointed for us. We cannot at will be Sydneys, Talbots, Barings, or Rothschilds.* But amongst Christian names parents are free to choose. Names of noblest significance are open to all, suitable to all, princes and peers. Of individual names already bestowed on us there can scarcely be one in which may not be discovered some germ of thought, which, if cherished, will surely be suggestive of some one good word or work, of some high aim, some enno- bling influence. Therefore is a small voice now lovingly raised, earnestly asking for Christian names some atten- tion and regard from their possessors. Remem- bering to what a vast portion of the human race the subject appeals, is it not within probability that even so low a voice may win its way to the hearts of some ? The whisperings of ' Picciola,' * These lines were written before the ridiculous fashion com- menced of people exchanging their real names for others of better sound, but to which they had not the slightest claim. We hope the example of Norfolk Howard, alias Bug, has been too much laughed at for it to gain many followers. When a new name is assumed, surely one may be selected out of family connections, or, better still, the Christian name of father or mother be adapted to a surname. With a little ingenuity a new form may be given to one of these names, and the original composition thus afford a pleasant feeling of ownership in the new name assumed. ;he prison flower, were listened to by one lad been deaf to the teachings of wise men. This individual right of ours, small and ii lificant as it may at the first glance appear ti should, if only in one respect, deserve i lotice— it is inalienable. May we not ventui iay that it is the only inalienable individual >erty that men, women, and children throug vide Christendom do possess ? All other pre ies may take to themselves wings and fly a- N"hat earthly treasure is there beyond the p< if mishap ? Our fair ancestral homes, our ba| fold, our possessions of every kind — intellec uperiority, beauty of form, strength, and sk: lot one of all these is inalienable. Nay, if a ife be granted to us, the infirmities of age r ieprive us of all personal gifts. The clef ntellect must be obscured, the brightest tow dim — the most skilful hands, the i lowerful frame, be paralysed before the numl ifluence of approaching death. How closely do men resemble the time-pi< lie making of which is one of the chief triun f their handiwork ! Beneath the gathering dust of successive y nd the moisture of the atmosphere, which : ears, the brilliancy of the fair dial-plate is effa diile within the once busy wheels begin to s the gathering rust grows over them, and fe-like springs lose their elasticity — more lore languidly the hands revolve — fainter INDIVIDUAL NAMES INALIENABLE. 17 r sounds the ticking of the old clock, till at t stops — and the warning voice of Time ig away, too little heeded perhaps by those aeard, is heard no more ! rlings of fortune we may be, but we may ill on which Ave are priding ourselves ; but thing we cannot lose — our little-regarded itian names. Bestowed on us in our sin- infancy, they will still be ours, unchanged igh all the changing scenes of life — ay! rig with us into the very portals of the i. That first and individual name of ours, lich for good or evil we shall have responded reds of thousands of times — the letters of h. we shall so often have traced for purposes il or of good — that Christian name, alas ! often desecrated in our daily, hourly use of that name, a witness for us or against us, will igraved on the door-plate of our last earthly nent, whether our coffin be of lordly oak or er deal. trnpanions with us through the varied scenes ir whole lives, our Christian names become ctual part of ourselves. At the sound oi name, breathed tenderly by a mother's lips, s babes stretch forth our dimpled arms all r with delight. It is heard by the maidei crimsoned cheek and beating heart when il * the first time whispered by the voice she i best ; and it is thenceforth the only name cares to keep. Father, mother, brother c W-tl-tt-X IS 1UUK, JNAMKi sister, friend : it is by them we are called b] Christian name, and, uttered by the lips oi dearest ones, to it is given a peculiar music own. Ours inseparably ! In absence or in deat the familiar sound of our names, a familiar stai'ts up before the memories of all to whoi are known, clothed in the individuality oi words and deeds. Shall that undying form, inseparably connected with our names, be 1< 3r the reverse? Names are significant of many graces. as answer to our names — so shall the answi remembrance of ourselves be clothed with it: characteristic graces. Can we think lightly of those names v ivill be ours to all eternity ? Do we not hoj lear them breathed by white-robed angels— >nes who have gone before, but who tarry y ;he golden gates : tarry for us, that theirs je our first glad welcome to our true home Alas ! how utterly must all recollection oi irst and holiest meaning of all Christian n< lave faded' from human hearts when, by 1 rery names, men and women are summone he commission of crime, and pledges of bapti rows are signed to contracts for devils' work From this inalienableness (if we may res he use of an old word)— this continual « )anionship of our individual names— can we lerive some benefit? The power of hab ' LET NOTHING BE LOST.' 19 ssed by all. In the thoughts we think lally is to be found the key-note of our The little words we say, the little things > each moment of the day — are they not as iving atoms which build up imperishable rocks? Do they not build up the actual sentation of our individual selves as beheld r fellow- men? is is especially a utilitarian age. Amongst nany marvels of the day there are few sr than the ingenuity with which every- is turned to account. Refuse and rubbish ow, as to their original meaning, obsolete i. Impossible is a word long since ignored sat minds ; and, by the appliances of modern ;e, the word useless has been consigned to ime fate. certain days of the week go through the st streets of our towns and villages : before [leanest hovels you will find a woman or Id who pass slowly on their way, trailing huge bags, and their shrill cry is, ' Any >ings ? ' in our material economy we have learned reat lesson, ' Let nothing be lost,' how much should we strive to enhst all and every ual influence surrounding us in the service i ' Good Master ' from whose teaching that l came ! A sound which is heard and :red by us a million times perhaps in our -a sound endeared to us by hallowed in- c 2 WHAT IS YUUK JNAMii I ences, tender recollections, and innumera jasant associations — oh, who will say that i1 capable of being made suggestive of rich jlody? A whispered syllable has ere n Lsealed hidden well-springs in human heai dldren's natures especially, quick and impulsi 3 awake to innumerable influences apparen ght. Delicately constituted scales are 1 arts of our little ones — a feather's weight t onetimes turn the balance the right way s wrong. Let us care, then, for the feath aghts. Children generally think a great deal of th iristian names. They have few personal poss ms : their individual names are amongst th w, and they are proportionably interested em. Try the experiment, dear reader ! Go tc tional school, say of girls — in a more educa iss the effect would be still greater. Asl ild her Christian name. In the south of El id there are many Ellens. Tell her that '. etty old Saxon name has a pretty meani idtful, and that some of our sweetest fruits ought forth by small plants. Beaming fa .11 quickly show you all the Ellens in the roc hen months have gone by, if you return, 3 11 find that in many a little heart the t cidental lesson has not been forgotten. But are there not many, both old and you tio may be won by the charm of a subject wh GOD THE EIKST NAME-GIVER. 21 combine's all the graces of poetry with absolute practical utility? How suggestive, how eloquent is a significant name! It is as an enchanter's wand, summoning before us visions of beauty without end — it is as a solemn voice, teaching us lessons for time and for eternity. All names are significant. If they are not so to us, it is because we do not understand the language in which they speak. Amongst the nations of antiquity to whom, as children to their parents, we are indebted for our names, every name expressed an idea. Jehovah Himself, as the first name-giver, bestowing on the first man a name, gave to him one of deeper significance than perhaps we have been accustomed to remark. To the lord of measureless domains — to the abso- lute master of the whole animal world — to the possessor of all the infinity of treasures in the vegetable and mineral kingdoms — to him who, crowned with every blessing heart could desire, had his home in Eden's garden of delight — to him God gave a name which should remind him that in himself he was nothing : called into being by the hand of Omnipotence — a child of dust ! Adamah, earth, the red earth of which they were made, was the name given by their Creator to • man and woman on the day on which they were created. How different from the lofty names expressive of celestial origin which in after times the fol- lowers of false gods manufactured for themselves ! L& WHAT IS YOUK JNAIVIK : Ra-meses, Begotten of the sun ; A-mosis, Bee, of the moon. But this subject, with an infinity of < subjects embraced by our theme, will more unfold itself in succeeding chapters. We now, in reference to the dominant idea o: first chapter, glance hastily back to discove motive which usually determined the choii names. At different times and amongst ferent nations different motives prevailed ; more than any other, a feeling after futurity be traced. Hope was the name-giver wind young world most approved. Ere a child been born to him, Adam called his wife (Heb. Chavah, signifying Life) : for she was ' the mother of all living.' Sometimes, indeed, an overpowering pr< swallowed up the remembrance of the fu In the same family strong contrasts will be fo brothers' and sisters' names telling of succe sunshine or shadow passing over the home a moment of their respective births. Who does not remember the touching' ference between the names of poor Rachel's and last child? Joseph, 'He shall add '- joyous onlooking of the mother to the glad 1 of sons that should come ; and then the named in her dying gasp Benoni, ' Son o: sorrow' — that passionate desire, ' Give me dren, or I die,' fulfilled in death. Amidst countless examples of names su; DESTINIES OE NAMES. ve of parents' ambitious views, we find amon ebrew names one touchingly expressive of p therly love. It is a picture some centui d, but its colours are bright as if painted 1 :sterday. Despite the universal preferei r male offspring, we see a father delightei retching out his arms to welcome his li1 ,ughter, hailing her by the name of Abig; L father's joy ! ' In the original the name is - ore expressive : the word ' giyl,' affixed to a ther, signifying to dance, to ' leap with ex don.' This name affords a striking instance of h ?angely, in the lapse of time, the origin and ti saning of words sometimes pass out of reme ance. ' An abigail ' has with us grown to nost synonymous with a maid-servant, and is wrong but very general acceptation the r d lovely meaning of the name is lost. This undesirable impression is doubtless to iced to the reiterated use of the epithet ' har dd,' as applied to herself by the Abigail of Scr re, who went even beyond, it would seem, 1 perbolical language of the East in professi rself, at the moment of receiving David's p: sal to make her his wife, willing to be t srvant of his servants.' Strange destinies of names as of all eartl Jigs ! Lucifer, the ' Light-bearer,' shares t sconception of Abigail, ' the father's jo lton, carrying out Isaiah's suggestion of fall 24 WHAT IS YOUE NAME ? greatness in ' Lucifer, son of the morning,' has stamped the name as significant of pride. Fallen indeed ! The herald of day — the morning-star — Lucifer, the light-bearer, is indebted for the restoration of the true meaning of his name to his tiny namesake in a match-box, the value of which is scarcely to be computed, being so small a fraction of a penny. Amongst innumerable ancient names given prospective of future destiny we read of Seth, or Sheth, 'appointed,' or 'put in the place of — Abel (whose name, alas! was prophetic too), a 'breath,' a 'vapour:' his young life which was soon to pass away ; or ' vanity,' that is, of all earthly hopes. Noah betokened ' rest,' ' conso- lation;' and Solomon, 'peace.' In all nations, however remote and unconnected with each other, we trace this natural desire of parents to attach to their offspring names of good import. Why should we lose sight of this loving custom of old? As Christian names can be chosen, why should we not choose them with reference to the future good we desire for our darlings? Why should we not be influenced by the meaning, not only, as now (with but few exceptions), by the sound of names ? Both for men and women there are a goodly list of right honourable names from Avhich to choose, and rarely are any of them unmusical. Good names being chosen for our children, let us, when they are old enough to understand, tell VALUE OF NAMES AS REMINDEES. 25 them of their meaning, so that to individual names not only sounds but ideas may be at- tached. A child's early developed notions of individual property will secure the pretty lesson from being forgotten ; and who shall say how the remembrance of it may be blessed in after years ? Ah ! who shall say that at the very moment of some meditated crime the old familiar sound, the old familiar look of his or her Christian name, may not bring back the recollection of the sweet lesson taught in connection with it in the sinless days of infancy? The mother's gentle voice, the father's kindly tone sounding, as it were, in their ears — the Eustace, about to yield to temptation, f may ' stand firm' — and Katharine, ' the spotless and pure,' be startled from the first step towards shame. If the wise Greek and bold Roman of other days, and all the most accomplished nations of antiquity, were so moved by the power of names that enterprises of the highest importance were undertaken or abandoned according to the sug- gestive significance of names, or the good or evil influence they were supposed to possess, shall this hope, which in all earnestness I suggest, be looked upon as an idle dream ? If heathen names were so mighty, shall Christian names be powerless ? With their old significance restored to them — clothed with ideas made instinct with spiritual life — in continual companionship with us, with all their countless influences of real redeem- 26 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? ing "power wafted to heaven as they are on the winged prayers of those that love us, day by day and hour by hour since first we were by them enlisted as soldiers of Christ— may they not become mightier far ? * See now that sturdy little fellow, whose crisp curly locks are of a golden brown — his sapphire eyes dancing in light — his resolute little mouth, with lips of cherry red, tell of the full vigour of health and strength and happiness. He is a noble boy ; but the love of power is already de- veloping itself in him. As yet his tiny despotism amuses, and even perhaps secretly delights, both his mother and nurse. They are proud of his * God forbid that I should lie supposed to feel or to advocate a superstitious belief in any real and absolute power existing in names. I write to Christians, humbly professing myself to be such also ; and so I believe that, excepting ' the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,' as significative of and belonging to the person of the ever-blessed Son of God, ' there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved ' — no other name by which, in its own power, any one thing can be accom- plished. But who will say that with names, as identified both with persons and with ideas, there have not always been, and there may not always be, influence ? And where influence is, there is always a greater or a less degree of power. The power of influence may be for an hour — it may be for ever. When I plead for consideration of the influential power of names, I do it as one who longs after, and deeply feels her own need of, a continual reminder of the straight path she fain would keep — of the glad prize it is her heart's desire to obtain. Such a reminder, it seems to me, may with God's blessing be found in almost every Christian name. As I have elsewhere said, the ' fruits of the Spi- rit ' grow in clusters — the name of one of them may bring the others to mind. Oh, why think lightly of any, even the smallest way- mark, when the path is hard to keep — when our goal is the heavenly city ? A NEW TALISTMAN. 27 ' spirit.' With looks that contradict their words, .they affect to regret their inability to manage him. ' He is such a boy ! ' ' Naughty Willie ! ' or ' Master William will have his own way ! ' When the handsome young ruler of the nursery has all his wishes fulfilled, ' all goes merry as a marriage bell ; ' but ,let little Mary or Maude dispute his commands, or even baby Frank retain the toy which he desires to have — there is thunder in the air, and the stormy atmosphere makes itself felt throughout the whole household. But the boy has a loving heart. Not yet can that beautiful child's breast be overgrown with the poisonous fungus Self-love, by which all that is lovely and noble in human nature is in time surely destroyed. In that little heart-garden the flowers of natural affection still bloom, though surrounded by noxious weeds, which if not rooted up will choke every blossom soon; and then the nursery tyrant will progress into the bully at school and the torment of home. When come to man's estate, if he marries, God help his unfortunate wife, his children, and all his de- pendents ! By those who love children devotedly — with a fond and earnest and anxious desire for their present, future, and eternal weal — no suggestion that may possibly help the great work will be despised. Once more, then, may the remembrance of my new talisman be whispered to you ! All who love children know that there is no 28 "WHAT IS YOUR NAME? charm more potent over their fresh eager young hearts than a story well told. Put, then, your- lesson to that handsome but imperious little fellow in the form of a story. Tell him of some knight of old— Bayard of France, ' sans peur et sans reproche,' fearless and faultless — or of our own Sir Philip Sidney. In the lives of those glorious men, and in countless examples besides, down to the gentle Raglan of our own day, show him how the bravest have ever the kindest hearts, for never was steadfast unfailing courage, mental as well as bodily, found in a tyrant's breast. Describe then the armour of a knight : the shield, the sword, and the helmet above all, where his ladye-love's token was carried, and his distinguishing crest and plume were borne. Tell him of all things it was necessary that the helmet should be trustworthy, for its office was not to offend, but to defend. It guarded the head. Shorn of his helmet, the strongest knight was at the mercy of his foe. Now tell your boy the lovely meaning of his name, that he by God's help may answer to it. Derived from the language of the old Teutonic race, Wil-helm, the helmet of many, signifies one who protects and defends many. Willi or Vili is still preserved in the German ' viel,' many ; so too is ' helm,' with the identical meaning of old (which grew out of the word ' hilma'), to cover. In the Icelandic ' hialmr ' is helmet; in the Saxon ' helan ' signified to cover, to protect ; in our own WILLIAM, GEORGE, ESTHER, WINIFRED. 29 language, derived from those above mentioned, familiar to all is the ' plumed helm ' of Shaks- peare and all our poets. Scarcely less beautiful is the other meaning of this doubly significant name, the Saxon ' helma ' signifying the helm or upper part of the rudder, which is grasped by the steersman who guides the ship. Is not our common name of William, then, a name to live up to ? A helmet of defence, a protector ; or a helmsman, a guide to many ! To those who care for the significance of names there is a delight in reading the ' Life of William Pitt,' at the appropriateness of the name to ' the pilot who weathered the storm.' Amongst our simplest names there are many others full of bright meanings to be carried out in like manner. Kemind your idle little George that, as a husbandman, if he sows not neither shall he reap. Let Esther, the star, and Winifred, winner or lover of peace, learn and love the hidden beauty of their exquisite names. Still in the unchanging East mothers hang talismans round their children's necks — a gem, a stone, a string of seeds, a written paper — they are charms to protect them from harm. Dear English mothers, will you not try my little talismans ? Necklaces and gems may be lost or stolen, but the individual names of your darlings can neither be lost nor stolen away. 30 WHAT IS YOTIE NAME ? Ah! would that each and all of us might associate with our every word and deed recol- lections of the lovely meanings of those Chris- tian names which are hourly sounding in our ears, and which rightly belong to us only as we are in truth the adopted children of God ! Why should we not marry mottoes to our indivi- dual names as noble houses have united them to their family names — both by such unions beins: rendered more illustrious ? Say that no eye but that of our Father in heaven beholds our hidden banner ' with strange device ! ' shall the time not come when in the story of our lives it may be read in characters of light by men and angels ? In the battle of life let all choose for them- selves such ' mots de guerre.' A few only are suggested here, to redeem my especial promise to those bearing certain names. Teutonic— Albert, altogether brigM. 'Walk as children of lio-kt ' (Eph. v. 8). * Anglo-Saxon — Edward, keeper of happiness. 'Fineni respice.' 1 Look to the end.f Greek— Alexander, a brave defender or helper of inen. 'In trying strength comes.' * It is hoped no apology is necessary for illustrating some of the names with verses from ' the Book.' Is it not strano-e that the most worldly men see no objection in classical authors alluding to their gods, yet many think it bad taste for any scriptural allusion to be found in works not solely of a religious character ? t The Latin originals are given, because they are more terse than any English translation can be. 1 Motto of the Irish Earl of Darnley. PROMISE REDEEMED. 31 I eutonic— Godfrey, God's peace. ' Corde fixum.' 2 Steadfast heart. Anglo-Saxon — Edmund, happiness and peace. 'Bear and Forbear.' 3 French — Guy (S), standard-bearer (from Guidon). ' Excelsior.' Carry great ensigns, and your lives shall be great. Hebrew — Anne, gracious. ' A gracious woman retaineth honour ' (Prov. xi. 16). Hebrew — Elisabeth, a xoorshipper of God, literally, 'God is her seven,' or her ' oath.' ' Worship Him in spirit and in truth ' (John iv. 24). Greek — Dorothy, GooVs gift. ' Every perfect gift is from above ' (James i. 17). Latin — Beatrice, making blessed, a joy-giver. 'Essayez.' 4 Try. Greek — Emily (S), winsome (from aiptvXla). 'Willows are weak, but they bind strong woods ' (Herbert). Anglo-Saxon — Edith, blessed or perfect happiness. ' Deo, non for- tuna.' 5 From God, not fortune. Dear reader, have I not kept my word ? 2 Motto of the family of Godfrey of Hurst. 3 Motto of the Irish Baron Langford. 4 Motto of the English Baron Dundas. 5 Motto of the English Earl Digby. 32 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? CHAPTER II. National names more characteristic than their proverbs — Antiquity of many names in common use amongst ourselves — A great vitality in names — Religious rites attendant on name-giving in various nations — Story from the ' Lax- daela Saga' — Roman soldiers' names engraved on their shields. HAVING now, I trust, won to my side some willing companions, I would fain show them as rapidly as may be how wide a field of interest the history of names embraces. A name falls on our ear. It is not a mere sound: besides its peculiar message to him or her to whom it belongs, every name has its story, and some are of exceeding interest. A history of names is as a world of voices. Not only hu- man beings, but bright stars overhead and tiny flowers at our feet, all bearing names, would each have its tale to tell, but that the volume then might grow too heavy in your hands. "We will but glance at such things. Do you love romances ? In how many names thrilling and real romances are contained ! Do you care for history ? How many a revelation of the past is unfolded in names ! Strange legends, too, over which we have wondered and doubted the sig- .NATIONAL NAMES CHARACTERISTIC. 33 nification of a name reveals all their hidden mystery. The proverbs of nations have, in all times, been considered of exceeding interest, but a far more certain key to national characteristics will be found in the names which were invented by nations, and which became naturalised amongst them. Significant as they are for the most part of gifts and graces, the names of nations tell us, at a glance, what gifts and graces they most prized. When once we accept them, as in truth they are, as expressions of abstract qualities or per- sonal characteristics, are not the names of a people an absolute record of their feelings and tastes — a moral census, as it were — the more trustworthy because each household furnished its information unconsciously ? It was no written chronicle, ' by order,' of preferences for this virtue or for that ; names of children in families were freely chosen, and with no thought that in after-times a preponderance of certain names, or a deficiency of others, would be as an engraved portrait of themselves — here a succession of small strokes thickly coming together, and there a few lines faint and far apart — is it not thus that the true representation of a face is given by the engraver? ■ The castle of Sidon stands on a ' Tel,' * a large * May one venture to connect with a play on this Arabic word 'Tel,' or 'Tell,' a heap, a home lesson too? How the little D 34 "WHAT IS YOUK JNAMJi ; proportion of which consists of bits of broken purpura, small in themselves, but their collected numbers formed great heaps which, to this day, recall the chief pursuit of this ancient city — the manufacture of purple dye. The smell of the morning and evening sacri- fice comes to us in the names of the Jewish people. Chosen out of all the nations of the earth to be the keepers of the sacred oracles — the revelations of the Most High Gcd's purposes towards mankind — we find in Hebrew names, and in the kindred Arabian, constant repetitions of the Holy Name. The clash of swords and the whirring of spears are heard in the names of the warlike Teuton and dauntless Gael. In the delicate word-painting of Greek names are revealed the aesthetic tastes of the most accomplished people of all times ; while in the short, descriptive Roman names, for the most part simply suggested by personal peculiarities, we behold the practical nature of those who cared more for the achievements of material power than for the sublimer triumphs of the in- tellect. There is a strange vitality in names. Nations pass away, their language becomes dead, but as unthought-of acts, continually adding up day after day, do in our lives become a great tell !— telling for or against us, a witness- such as we read these heaps are considered in all lands of some act performed, some engagement entered into at that spot! ANTIQUITY OF MANY COMMON NAMES. 35 in our home-fields now and again we stumble against some fossil which suddenly carries us back to some far-distant period of time, so with the sweet, familiar names which are hourly- sounding in our ears, if we do but track them to their original birthplace, the skeletons of dead nations will rise up and live before our eyes. Hark ! At that cottage door an English la- bourer is calling to his rosy-cheeked daughter, ' Esther ! Esther ! ' The name has come to us through our bibles, where the English poor love best to find names for their children; but we must go farther back than to the tents of Israel to catch the first echoes of that pretty name. For twenty-two centuries, flocks and herds had roved over fields on the banks of the Tigris, where grassy mounds were seen, to some of which the Moslem had given the name of ' Tombs ' — to one of them the name of Nebbi Yunus, ' the Tomb of Jonah,' signifying the Dove. These green mounds encircling the city of Mosul, were indeed the upheavings of a mighty grave, in which lay buried the ' exceeding great city ' Nineveh, called after its builder Ninus, signifying Beautiful. In singular connection with the name of the Hebrew prophet who foretold the city's destruction, was the name of its beautiful, far-famed queen, Semi- rarois, which in Syriac also signifies a Dove. We must withLayard build up again those walls of sculptured alabaster, those gorgeously painted ce ilin gs, and with eagle-headed human figures B 2 36 WHAT IS TOUR NAME ( and winged bulls of gigantic size on either side, we shall, in one of Assyria's magnificent palaces, be where the name of Esther was first heard in its original formation, Sitareh, the Star. It was no doubt bestowed on some lustrous-eyed As- syrian princess privileged by her birth to claim relationship with the heavenly bodies. Adopted by the Persians, the name of Sitareh (in the Hebrew Ester) was given by Artaxerxes (Ahasuerus) to his beautiful Jewish captive, instead of her original name Hadassah, signifying a Myrtle. Of some names, significations and derivations can only be suggested, but of by far the greater number they may be confidently affirmed, al- though they may have been deciphered with difficulty, owing to the extraordinary variations of spelling through successive generations. Those only who have gone into the subject of Christian names or surnames, or are lovers of genealogical or heraldic researches, can imagine how numerous are such variations. Without going farther than our own English tongue for examples, we find Dr. Chandler speaking of seventeen modes of spelling Wayn- flete ; while, according to Dugdale, Mainwaring has been spelled in one hundred and thirty dif- ferent ways. But, even as the antiquarian can determine the history of the battered coin from what seems to uninitiated eyes a series of confused and random NAME AND FAME INDISSOLUBLY UNITED. 37 strokes, so the patient name-hunter makes his pleasant discoveries, guided by way-marks of various kinds, trusty, though sometimes so slight as to be overlooked by the casual observer. The immense importance attached to names by the great nations of antiquity can scarcely, as we shall see, be overstated. In the meditations of the philosopher, in the song of the poet, in the lavs of senates, we find the absolute and intrinsic value of names directly or indirectly proved. It is in Socrates' mouth that Plato has placed the words that ' the giving of names is no small matter, nor should it be left to chance or to persons of mean abilities.' It is the prince of poets, Homer, who has embalmed the memories of , the beautiful and the brave in names of such exquisite significance that they have passed into epithets. It was a law of Athens that forbade the names of the youths Harmodius and Aristogeiton ever being given to slaves. Dying as they did in the endeavour to rescue their country from a tyrant's grasp, their country- men proclaimed them martyrs, and, in thus en- nobling then names, crowned them with undying homage ; for of such homage no after ingratitude can deprive great men. Name and fame is a union which is indissoluble. Triumphal arches, statues, and purses of gold decreed by grateful lands to those who have done good service — all these may perish and 38 WHAT IS YOUR NAME I pass away; nay, the tear-blotted pages of his- tory tell of outrage sometimes succeeding to applause; but the name which the statesman, the warrior, the poet, or the sage have themselves rendered illustrious is out of the reach of the corroding touch of envy or caprice ; it is lifted into a purer air, and placed by Omnipotence beyond the power of Time itself to destroy. The first of Rome's victorious sons distin- guished by a name of honour lived to recognise in it an unchanging joy, the only one of which his enemies could not deprive him. The early services of Caius Marius were forgotten by his ungrateful country, but Rome herself could not rob her banished general of the name conferred on him by acclamation when, flushed with triumph, he was received by her as the Victor of Corioli ; and still as Coriolanus the dead hero is known to successive generations. His name of honour has outlived the base calumnies by which he was hounded to death. Themistocles, Leonidas, Curtius, Regulus, and Arria, brave wife! your bones have long since mingled with the common dust ; yet still, in lands which were barbarian when you lived your im- mortal lives and died your glorious deaths, let but your names be breathed even in the sobering precincts, of a school-room, and the red colour springs to the cheeks and the sparkling light to the eyes of all true-hearted boys and girls. A sacredness in names has been almost univer- VITALITY IN NAMES. 39 sally acknowledged, even when in foreign tongues their signification was not understood. Psellus, the counsellor of successive Greek emperors in the eleventh century, was warned by Chaldaic oracles that misfortune followed on all attempts to change the names of the stranger. Pagan priests in their religious ceremonies fre- quently invoked strange names of which they knew not the meaning, using them as acceptable sounds in the ears of the gods of the nations from whom they had been learned. History affords us striking instances where the conqueror's strong arm laying fenced cities even with the ground, and blotting out whole peoples from the book of nations, had yet failed per- manently to impose on particular spots names different from those given by their original pos- sessors. That city of many sieges from the time of the Crusaders to our own day, termed by Napoleon the Key of Palestine, impatiently boi'e under Greek and Roman rulers the name of Ptolemais. With many another Syrian town, it has long since resumed its old name ; such original names being for the most part founded on local definitions. Accho, signifying '■heated, sandy, 1 * exactly de- scribes the tract on which this city of romantic interest is built. The history of nations will show us that, with * Stanley's Sinai and Palestine. 40 WHAT IS YOUR NAME '{ scarcely an exception, men have always considered the giving of a name to their offspring as an im- portant act, worthy to be consecrated by religious rites. Nor can we wonder that such feelings should be instinctive, and therefore to be found amongst the most untaught children of nature, when we read in the Holy Scriptures that the Great Creator of all men preceded His giving a name to our first parents by giving to them His ' bless- ing.'* To Adam, as to God's vicegerent upon earth, was assigned the honour of naming all the then created beings. It was the first act which God called on him to perform, and therefore it has been rightly said, ' Of all arts that which was first practised was the art of giving names.' f To name being to define, wisdom to do so rightly was, we may be sure, inspired by God Himself. In the after history of God's chosen people we trace the value attached to names, in that the Most High honoured His servants by giving or altering their names according to their express signification ; with some, as with our Lord Jesus, the name being appointed prophetically before the Holy Infant's birth. St. Jerome discovered in the Scriptures ten names by which the Almighty was Himself dis- * Genesis v. 2. t L^on Scott, 'ArtdeNommer.' THE SACRED NAME. 41 tinguished. One of these names, written in four letters, was incommunicable. It was not to be pronounced except in the holy precincts of 'the Temple. Once in seven years the Jews of old time repeated it with great solemnity to their children, but after the death of the aged Simeon, it was never more uttered, not even in the sanc- tuary. Familiar to all must be that solemn scene when out of the burning bush went forth the Almighty's voice. Moses, the chosen ambassador charged with a message to the children of Israel from ' the God of their fathers,' besought to know the name of Him that sent. And God said unto Moses, ' I am that I am.' Combinations and transpositions of the sacred name and sacred attributes constitute a remark- able feature in Hebrew names; more than a thousand are said to have been compounded from the titles of Jehovah. ■ A beautiful example of this ready adaptation was given by Moses, when with prophetic wisdom he distinguished the bravest of his warriors by changing his name Hoshea, signifying Help, or salvation, into Joshua, signifying God's Help or salvation, or more properly Jehovah 's Help* A wisdom surpassing man's bestowed on zealous, impulsive, but too often faint-hearted Simon, the name of Peter, signifying a Rock. How gloriously in trials and in death did the * The various contractions of the sacred name will be given in a subsequent chapter. 42 WHAT IS YOUR NAME t unshaken fortitude of the faithful disciple fulfil the divinely-appointed name ! The Church of Christ in all lands* sanctifies the giving of names by uniting with it the holy rite of baptism. In our own day touching in- stances are known of heathen converts asking that the name of their missionary teacher should be the one bestowed on them in baptism, as a con- tinual remembrance that through him they had been called to a new life. Familiar to all Christian readers, as recorded in Scripture, is the Jewish rite of circumcision, by which on the eighth day all male descendants of the Father of the Faithful were admitted to the privileges of God's chosen people. Modern Jews require ten witnesses to this solemn act ; the name being given to the infant between the first and second benediction. With girls, the bestowing a name with prayers and blessing does not take place till the infant is six weeks old. The cradle, adorned with more or less magnificence, accord- ing to the wealth of the parents, is upheld by young maidens, one of whom performs the cor- responding office of a godmother with us. Amongst German Jews a cup of wine is lifted in the air at the moment of pronouncing the girl's name. Jews in England generally attach a Hebrew name to each child in addition to that by which * It is said that Quakers and Baptists are the only exceptions to this rule. JEWISH CUSTOMS. 43 they are commonly known; the derivation of this last being immaterial. A singular custom prevails amongst this people of changing a child's name in cases of extreme illness. When all remedies have failed, as a last expedient they resort to this. In giving a new name to the child they would seem to discover a hope of renewing its being ; or this practice may have arisen from a fear that misfortune attached to the former name. As it not unfrequently happens, from the well-known tenacity of life in eaiiy youth, that their darlings are restored to them as if from the very jaws of death, such recoveries are, of course, attributed to the fortunate change of name. In Livonia it is a common custom to change an infant's name if at six weeks old it is at all sickly. Another peculiar Jewish custom connected with the individual name is the name-verse. A verse in the Psalms being discovered the first and last letter of which correspond Avith the initial and final letter of the name, it is carefully written out, committed to memory, and repeated every night at the conclusion of prayer. Those versed in Cabalistic mysteries assert that after death an angel descends to demand from the dead its name. A good Jew or Jewess will remember and repeat the sacred verse, upon which they will be left in peace; but all memory of the holy words will have passed from the minds of those whose fives have been evil, and they will 44 WHAT IS YOUE NAME f accordingly be tormented by the avenging angel. With the ancient Greeks, the act of naming their children, called Onomasteria, was kept as a high festival. The seventh day from the infant's birth was selected, from the mysterious value which in all times and in all places has been attached to that number. Sacrifices were offered up to their gods, and a banquet given to all the relations and friends of the family. These festivals were also called Amphidromia, from the principal ceremony performed : the nurses and women attending on the mother ran round the fire, one of them cai'rying the child in her arms. By this act the newly-born babe was supposed to be placed under the protection of the household gods, to whom the pagan's hearth was always conse- crated. During the ceremonies of the naming day, an olive garland or a fleece of wool was sus- pended from the door. Both were significant: the olive, symbolical of agricultural labour, denoted that the child was a boy; while a girl was typified by the fleece of wool, expressive of the ' womanly arts of spinning and making raiment. The names of the paternal and maternal grandfathers were usually bestowed respectively on the first and second son ; those too of illus- trious ancestors were given, and sometimes the important matter was decided by chance, or, as they would have expressed it, by the Fates. Different names were attached to a certain number of wax tapers, and the name was chosen PAGAN CUSTOMS. 45 from the taper which burned the longest, suppos- ing that it "would insure the longest life. Amongst other relics of paganism, this super- stition lingered long amongst the early Christians. In vain was it denounced by St. Chrysostom, the golden-mouthed (significant of eloquence), for still in the thirteenth century we find that the Greek Emperor Andronicus (Paleologus) publicly em- ployed this method of determining the name of his daughter. The names of the twelve Apostles were those selected, and chance decided for the princess the name of Simonides, from Simon, signifying in Hebrew obedient. In Greece and Rome the original custom had been to name an infant at the moment of its birth ; when laid at its father's feet, the act of his lifting the babe from the ground was looked upon as an acknowledgment of the child, and an engagement to perform a parent's part in bringing it up according to its station in life. From the Latin word ' tollere,' to raise or lift up, was derived the name of Tullius. The original Tullus was, we may suppose, a particu- larly fine baby, and by this significant name the father expressed his peculiar satisfaction in lifting him up. The Romans afterwards kept the festival of Nominalia, on the ninth day for a boy, and on the eighth for a girl. They adopted the Grecian ceremony of Amphidromia. In the Latin name Arabella, signifying Fair Altar, we may find a 46 WHAT IS YOUE NAME t reminiscence of this custom. This name is alsi noticeable as amongst the few originally femimm names which we have derived from the Latin, b] far the greatest number being only feminisec forms of names originally designed for men. Mighty conquerors as they were, the inferi ority of the Eomans to the accomplished Greeks in so many of the refinements of life is recallec to our minds by this particular, incidental!) betrayed by the history of names. Such names as Areta, virtue, Arsinoe, elevation of mind, Eulalia, one who speaks sweetly, Aspasia, winning, Eucharis, signifying excelling in grace, altogether lovely, with countless others, remain to show us that in Greece the especial graces oi womanhood were not ignored. Alas for the lack of chivalry in the early days of Rome, when we read that two letters reversed were considered sufficient to represent woman- kind ! C and M reversed (as if to point the insult!) signified Caia and Marcia. By these tokens were women once designated by a people whose history was to be illumined by the lives of Lucretia, Portia, and Cornelia the mother of the Gracchi. As time went on, the women of Rome, gain- ing continually increasing respect, won for them- selves individual and appropriate names, till at last we find amongst those of Latin derivation one of the most beautiful names a woman can bear, Beatrice, the Joy-giver, one who makes blessed. ' SCANT COURTESY IN ROME AND CHINA. 47 The first step was to distinguish daughters by a feminised form of the name of their house, which, as in the case of the tenderly beloved daughter of Tullius Cicero, was sometimes soft- ened into a diminutive, Tulliola. But if more than one daughter was born in a family, they were designated as major and minor; if more than two, by numbers. The sisters of Brutus were known as Junia major, Junia minor, and Junia tertia. The names of Secundilla, Quar- tilla, &c, remain to show us that, in some names at least, attempts were made to soften the chilly sense of such disembodied names as numerals appear to be. An English huntsman would take shame to himself were he unable to suggest a suitable name for each individual hound in his pack. Rome's scant courtesy to her daughters finds no parallel in the history of names, except amongst the Chinese. The owners of the distorted feet known as ' golden lilies ' were at one time also known in their father's house simply as 1, 2, and 3. Look backwards now to the time when the human race consisted of but a few families, ere, for the wickedness of man, ' the fountains of the great deep were broken up,' so that while from ' the windows of heaven ' cleansing waters passed over the face of the earth, huge masses of its framework should be disjointed below, to remain for ever witnesses of the overwhelming might of 48 WHAT IS TOUR NAMJfi : God when sin persisted in provokes His wrath. Contrast the supposed perfection of civilisation of the conceited Chinese with those earliest days of all, when men took delight in distinguishing their women by names of pleasing significance. We read that Lantech's wives were called Adah, Ornament, significative of great beauty; and Zillah, Shadow, in a hot country a word of de- light, and significant of a gentle nature, where would be found refreshment and rest. From ancient Assyria came, as we have seen, Esther, the Star, and from thence also came Susan, the Lily. The followers of Mohammed,* even while they deny to women a place in the paradise to come, do honour here to those on whom their earthly happiness depends, by seeking their names from amongst flowers and gems, and even from the firmament of heaven itself. The Arabic Jullanar, in Persian Gulnar, signifies the brilliant pome- granate blossom ; Yasemeen is the fragrant jas- mine; Zumurrud is an emerald; Shejeret-el-Durr is a tree of pearls, and plural also to denote the extreme of excellence which no single object could portray; Budoor signifies Full Moons. Shall we turn to savage tribes? A brave from amongst the North American Indians, though his tones are those of a master who must be obeyed, yet summons his docile squaw to his * The writer's suggestion to be afterwards set forth. NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN NAMES, ETC. . 49 side by a name which at least indirectly proves his real appreciation of her charms, recalling as it does some lovely aspect of nature, or some familiar object of grace. Her musical voice, perhaps, has gained for her the name of Minne- ha-ha, or laughing water; Tah-mi-roo, or the startled fawn, expresses the soft shyness of her beautiful eyes; O-li-ti-pa identifies her with the pretty prairie-bird ; Mong-shong-shaw, the bending willow, describes her graceful form ; and Hu-la'h-dee, the pure fountain, tells of the dearest and most lasting of all charms, a pure, true heart. Some of the sweetest of our women's names in present use amongst ourselves were originally the gift of the fiery Celt and fierce Teuton, or his descendants, the Norseman and Anglo-Saxon. Gwendaline, in the Celtic Guenddolen, signifies ' the lady of the white bow.'' If the Arabs prefer the full moon, it would seem our ancestors loved best the crescent or young moon. Or, as the crescent form tells alike of age and of early youth, let us — rather than do any pos- sible injustice to a Celtic lover — see in this musical name the key-note of that sweet song in the Irish Melodies — Believe me, if all those endearing young charms. Why should not Ango, the Undeviating, when he breathed the name of Guenddolen, have meant 50 WHAT IS YOTJE NAME f all that his descendant, Thomas Moore, did say- in after years ? — Let thy loveliness fade as it will, Around the dear ruin each wish of my heart Would entwine itself verdantly (lovingly) still. The Teuton Adel-hild (Adelaide) tells us of the noble maiden or lady, Bertha of the shining one, and Gertrude of her who is trusted and true; Scandinavian Val-borg signifies the chosen tower, i.e. the stronghold of happiness; and Saxon Ead-eath (Edith) signifies happiness that is blessed; and Mildred means one that is gentle of speech. Some names there are now fallen into disuse, which, if we regard the rude times in which they were first invented and used, claim for the hardy sons of the North especial honour from the gentler sex, showing as they do with what tender- ness the strong regarded the weak. Looking as they did upon woman in the lovely light in which she is first represented in Paradise, a ' help meet' for man, we find the Celtic Cwen- borg, ' a woman who is a Helper, 1 and the Saxon El gifa, the Help-giver. As a woman — the manner of Romans and Chinese distinguishing women by 1, 2, 3, as only convicts are distinguished now, excited such warm indignation, that to the east and west, north and south, I hastened to do instant homage to the worthy champions of my sex — may I be STOKY OF THE DUMB SLAVE. 51 pardoned for having so interrupted the account of the ceremonies which, in various nations, have attended the act of name-giving ? It is singular to read how, for many years before the light of Christianity dawned on the kingdoms of the North, a kind of infant baptism prevailed. The Eddaic poems make mention of it, and in the Chronicle of Snorro Sturleson we see a Norwegian nobleman in the reign of Harold Harfagra pouring water over the head of his new-born babe, calling him Hakron after his father.* In the Laxdaela Saga, which embraces a period of time between the ninth and eleventh centuries, this ceremony is also alluded to, and a strange story is told in connection with the child who was so baptised by the name of Olaf or Aulaff, signifying the Olive — a name singularly inappropriate to the infant, who was by no means a bringer of peace. Hoskuld, a merchant from Iceland, visiting Norway for business purposes, was tempted by a Russian trader to invest in a far more dan- gerous purchase than the logs of timber which we may suppose were the articles in which he principally dealt. Hoskuld purchased from the Russian a lovely slave. One element, however, in which a woman's power of mischief principally resides, was wanting : so far as the mighty ■ * Mallet's Northern Antiquities. e 2 52 WHAT IS YOUK JNAJttJi ; engine of the tongue was concerned, the beautiful girl was harmless, for she was deaf and dumb. Carried by the merchant to his Icelandic home, the fair captive became to him the second and inferior wife, which the laws of the island allowed. The original Mrs. Hoskuld — Jorumna, as she was called — found some consolation in the infirmities of her rival : beautiful as she was, her silent empire could scarcely, she thought, be a lasting one ; and so they lived together in tole- rable amity. But the dumb wife became a mother, and, wonderful to relate, her transports of joy were not speechless ! Thinking herself alone, the young mother was overheard one day lavishing on her babe a thousand expressions of joy and tenderness. Gaily she sang while the little one laughed, and when his violet eyes grew dim, she softly murmured a lullaby. Her words were not understood, for she spoke in a foreign lan- guage, but beyond all doubt they were words, and thus was the fact revealed that her deafness and dumbness had been assumed. By degrees, she made her story known. Mel- korka, daughter of Mirkjarten, an Irish king, had been taken captive, at eleven years old, by one of the Scandinavian sea-rovers, who were the terror of the coast of Ireland. Sold to a Russian trader, the resolute child determined that the voice of a daughter of kings should never be heard from the lips of a slave. For years her vow had been A VOICE RESTORED. 53 kept inviolate, but the cooing of her little one had proved irresistible, and had won from her a reply, and then — the long-pent-up stream of melody had impetuously gushed forth in never- ceasing fountains of tenderness. To us the tale is poetry — to how many a woman's breast has the touch of her first baby's hand been as a divining wand, beneath which a spring of eloquence, vocal with delight, hitherto unknown and undreamed of, has leaped into life ! But poor Jorumna naturally saw things in a different light. Only on account of her supposed infirmities had the fair slave been excused the service she, as inferior wife, was bound to render to her superior; but this right Jorumna now enforced, and the story ends in anything but a poetical manner. We may be sure the Irish princess brought no willing mind to the task of waiting on her Ice- landic mistress. One day Melkorka dropped the stockings she was handing to Jorumna ; the stockings were flung at the Irish girl's head ; her Celtic blood was up, and she avenged the insult with a blow. Hoskuld, becoming convinced that happiness and two wives were incompatible, sent Melkorka away to a distant part of the country. When her son Olaf was grown up, he visited Ireland, and became acquainted with his royal grandfather. A series of romantic adventures, duly related by the Saga, terminates with the fortu- nate youth taking the name of ' Pa' or ' Pafugl,' a 54 WHAT IS TOUR NAME ? peacock, from an old gentleman who made him his heir. Amongst the Mohammedans of Turkey, Arabia, Persia, and Hindustan, infants are sometimes named when only three hours old, but more commonly on the seventh day. Their Prophet left particular directions to guide them in then- choice of names. Abd- Allah, Servant of God, and Abd-el-Rahman, Servant of the Compassionate, are amongst those which are most approved. His especial blessing was promised to those who, for love for him, were named Ahmed, praised, and Mohammed, greatly to be praised; this bless- ing was even extended to all assemblies where men bearing such names were present. Astrologers, too, are frequently consulted in the selection of names. It is also a common custom to write five names on separate papers, which are placed together within the leaves of the Koran; the first chapter of the book having been read, one of these papers is drawn out at hazard, and the name so pointed out is given to the child. Although the injunction is frequently neglected, a sacrifice is solemnly pre- scribed to be offered up on the naming day, a ram or a goat, of which 'not a bone is to be broken.' * Amongst the Parsees or Fire-worshippers the newly-born babe is purified in holy water, and * Notes to Lane's Arabian Nights. HINDU LAWS FOR NAME-GIVING. 55 * made to drink of a consecrated liquor; after which a name is bestowed. The most ancient laws of the Hindus (and they are amongst the most ancient in the world) contain special directions for the solemnities attending the imposition of names. On the tenth or eleventh day after the infant's birth, according as the day of the week and aspect of the stars were propitious, the child was to receive from its father a name suitable to the caste to which he or she belonged. If a Brahmin's son, the ears being pierced at the moment of pronouncing the name, the boy's name was to be expressive of favour; if a warrior's son, of power; cultivators of the ground and merchants were to bestow names denoting riches; and those of the lowest caste such as expressed dependence. The names of women were to be easy of pronunciation — soft, melodious, pleasant, and of good augury — terminating in vowels, and sounding like words of benediction* As the ancient Greek, and at times the early Christian also, were wont by lighted tapers to determine the choice of names, the Hindu of to-day resorts to burning lamps. Two lamps are placed over two names, and the one over which the lamp burns brightest is the chosen name. A second name is often added, that of the planet ruling at the time of the child's birth. * F. Schlegel. 56 WHAT IS YOUR NAME i The names having been chosen, the parents sit on the ground, the infant being in its mother's arms ; the father writes the two names on a plate of raw rice, which is handed to him by the officiating Brahmin, and the first name is re- peated three times. In Ceylon the ceremony is full of poetry. The mother carries her child to the temple, and with it an Offering to the god. She also takes three flowers ; to each of them a name is attached, the initial letter, in all alike, being that of the con- stellation which was in the ascendant when the. child was born. The offering is first presented; the Brahmin next presents with prayer the flowers to the idol, and then returns one of them to the mother. The names being unknown to the priest, it is believed that his unconscious selection of one is directed by the god or goddess ; so that the name is received as if directly from them.* In Thibet infants are bathed, and, after prayers have been recited over them, two names are given : one, the name of a divinity, is selected by the priest, and is to be used only in religious ceremonies ; the other, by which he is to be commonly known, is chosen' by the family. The Japanese are said to take new names at four different periods of life : the name given to a child is succeeded by one adapted for a youth, which is again exchanged for that of a full-grown * Rev. F. de "Ward's India and the Hindoos. CHANGES OP NAME IN CHINA. 57 man, and followed by another suitable to an old man.* Princes of Japan bear the names of their ter- ritorial possessions in addition to those of their family and their individual appellations. Our late interesting and intelligent visitors the Japanese ambassadors were known as Take No Ouchi Shimodzukene Kami, Matsudairu Twamino Kami, and Kiogoku Notono Kami. Kami appears to be a title, but it is left to more learned en- quirers to afford the signification of these names. In China changes of names are frequent; a man has sometimes six names given to him at different periods of his life. Great ceremony attends the bestowino- of the first three names. The ' milk name ' is given when the infant is a month old; it is introduced by its mother to assembled friends, the father pronouncing its name aloud; prayers and sacrifices are then offered up. On a boy's first entering school the ' book name ' is given ; the accompanying cere- mony is significative of a religious and moral obligation. The master, kneeling before a paper on which is inscribed the name of a sage, a fol- lower of Confucius, or Koong-foo-tsi, prays for his favourable influence on the boy, mentioning him by his new name. The master then seats himself, and his new scholar pays homage to him by the Chinese act of prostration. On a man's marriage * Noel's Diotionnaire Historique. 58 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? he receives a new name from his father; an enter- tainment is given, and the ancestors of the family- are worshipped. Every man adds two characters or syllables to his individual name on the mar- riage of his eldest son, his family name remaining the same. ' I beg to enquire your lofty surname and great name?' is a common address in China.* Some of the Tartar tribes do not name their children till they are six months old. A parti- cular day is then appointed, and the child receives the name of the person who first accidentally passes by its side. In parts of Guinea infants are named by their mothers at the time of their birth, after a secret consultation with their fetishes. In other parts of Western Africa a feast is given in honour of the newly born. The babe of shining blackness — a little image, as it were, in jet — is placed upon a palm-leaf, and palm-wine (the beloved 'mimbo') is drunk by the parents, their cups being lifted above the child so that some drops may fall upon its face. At the first cry uttered, a name is discovered supposed to resemble it in sound; so that African babies enjoy the peculiar privilege of naming themselves. From, this singular origin is said to be derived the name so widely bestowed on the negro race, Quaco, which otherwise might have been sup- posed to claim kindred with the Duck language. * Davis's Sketches of China. FIRST USE OF A NAME. 59 It is, with regret, found to be impossible even to suggest a signification. A negro tribe on the Ivory coast are known by the name of the Quaquas or Quacas. Qua- mina (?) is a favourite name amongst the Ashantees ; it figures amongst their list of kings, and may often be heard in negro villages in the West Indies. Forty days' feasting, with sacrifices, celebrate amongst the Abyssinians the name-day of their children. Significant names, and some of them of great beauty, belong, as is well known, to the Indians of North America ; but the ceremony of a youth's receiving a name is attended by solemn and mysterious rites concealed from European eyes. It is left to their braves to gain subsequently for themselves names of greater distinction, expressive of their individual prowess and skill in war or the chase. In Mexico and Brazil the names of the natives are also significant, and the giving of them is attended by feasting and religious rites. What boundless fields for reflection and re- search do we thus glance at while we speak of but the first use of names ! Unconscious babes are by them enrolled under their respective standards of faith, varying from the sublimity of doctrine and purity of precept professed by the followers of Christ, down to the degrading prac- tices of the avowed devil- worshippers. 60 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? But the Prince of Darkness rejoices in the ser- vices of many who are not his avowed followers. In all lands there are enemies — more or less openly so — of the light. May all who in earnest love the ' Good Master ' hold fast to His name, and its .signification as united to their own names in holy bonds — Christians, and therefore anointed 'priests and kings,' bound to live pure and noble lives ! But we are soldiers too. The contest of good and evil goes on continually, without and within. Do we seek to overcome ? Let us take a lesson from earthly conquerors. The nation from whom we have derived the noble name of Vincent, he who overcomes, or the invincible, and Victoria, the auspicious name which needs no translation, was above all others a con- quering nation. It was not by inheritance, not by good fortune, not by wise policy, that Rome became the mistress of the world, but by the dauntless bravery of her troops. Amongst her laws we find one that is strangely suggestive. It was permitted to various classes to change their names on certain occasions: slaves on becoming freedmen, plebeians pass- ing into the patrician order, assumed names of higher import ; but Rome's soldiers — those on whose indomitable valour the existence of her empire depended — to them it was forbidden to change their names. On each man's buckler his name was engraved ; FOLLOWING A LEADER'S NAME. 61 had it not a voice as it went before him to battle ? His name going before him — who dared be a coward then? An abandoned shield proclaimed aloud the infamy of its owner; the runaway's name was lost — and for ever ! See now, too, the ensigns which go before the respective troops. Those glittering eagles of silver and gold, consecrated by prayer, rarely dishonoured by defeat — on them you may read the number of the legion, and its leader's name ! 62 WHAT IS TOUE NAME f CHAPTEE III. Infinite variety of subjects connected -with the history of names — Sovereignty in names — Names attached to an- cient dynasties ; also to royal and noble families. TN the history of names there is indeed -*- ' l'embarras des richesses ; ' the difficulty throughout is not ' what can one say ? ' but what one must leave unsaid. From the moment we are awakened to .the value and power of names, to that when, a great list lying before us, we shall look on the names of many nations, classed according to their sig- nifications, we shall find innumerable by-paths opening out on either side. Which of these shall we enter? Which must we pass by? We have learned the burden of the song, Let us answer to our names ; we have glanced at the strange power possessed by names, and at the various solemn rites by which various nations have consecrated, and still do consecrate, the act of name-giving ; let us again take wing —or, if you like the image better, let us together mount the library steps, and, reaching down some dusty old tomes, see what we can gather in ancient histories about names. SOVEREIGNTY IN NAMES. 63 The theme is too wide to be fully set forth in a sketch like this ; but we could not pass by the interesting subject of the nature of the names which monarchs assumed in the earliest periods of the world's history. They are all of striking significance, especially those which were adopted as being in themselves expressive of sovereignty. Such names passed on, with crown and sceptre and royal robes, from dead kings to their suc- cessors. It can scarcely be doubted that this practice originated in the belief of metempsychosis. In its supposed transmigration through various bodies, the royal soul, thus retaining its name, carried out the idea as expressed in later days : ' Le Roi ne meurt pas. Le Roi est mort. Vive leRoi!' Well might the mass of the people in those far-off days have believed in undying kings, when by one unchanging name the laws of successive generations were enforced. The names so in- vested with perpetual sovereignty, in those remote times, were also so grand, and of such wide significance, that in them the individuality of their temporary wearers might well be lost. Royal names for the most part signified a god or a conqueror. The appellations of ancient Assyrian monarchs, successors of Belus, builder of Babylon, repeat in various combinations the name of Bel or Baal, the Sun-god, whose worship under different names; 64 WHAT IS YOUR NAME t was so widely spread throughout the glowing climes of the East. Egyptian monarchs also claimed to be emanations from the Deity. The names of Pharaoh and Eameses are both derived from the Sun-god, the tutelary divinity of the land. Ra-messu signified the sun-be- gotten, and Pharaoh was from Ph the, Re sun; Potiphe-ra signified consecrated to the sun. One of the Pharaohs assumed the additional name of A-mosis, signifying sprung from, or son of the moon. In the Syriac tongue Pharaoh included the meanings of both a king and a crocodile, the hideous monarch of the muddy waters of the Nile. The name of Ptolemy, which in later days was borne by many kings of Egypt and Mace- donia, was derived from the Greek, and signified a warrior. There was much meaning in the name, for in many instances the crown was won by the sword. In the battle-field of Persia unbroken lines of kings are not to be found, but names of exactly similar import to the Pharaohs and Ptolemies of Egypt alternate as the appellations of the monarchs of Iran. Kouresh (the Cyrus of Greek and Latin histo- rians), signifying the sun, was in the ancient Pehlevi dialect still more expressive — Kor-shid,; the splendour of the sun; the old name still' sounding in our ears in Ehor-assan, Sun-land, and A RISING AND SETTING SUN. 65 Kour-distan. As a sun, indeed, in its bright rising, its glorious noon, its crimson setting, was the life of Cyrus, the Persian hero of so many romantic tales. Hoping to shield him from the cruel designs of his grandfather, who mistrusted a child of whom such great things were predicted, his friends attempted in vain to rear the son of the royal Mandane in a herdsman's family. The instincts of race shone forth in the superiority instinctively claimed by him over his boyish companions, and which they as instinctively ceded. The young Khor-dad, signifying Gift of the Sun, chosen in sport as their king, as a king in earnest enforced his authority, and through some rebellion in his mimic court the secret of his royal birth became known. It was when, the prophecy fulfilled, he united in himself the throne of the Medes and Persians, that Kor-shid, the Splendour of the Sun, assumed his resplendent name, so singularly appropriate to the vicissitudes of his fortunes. In the dawn of life clouds had obscured his horizon, but sud- denly they were all dispelled. The glory of his manhood's prime was as the splendour of the noontide sun, and in his death the figurative expression for the red sunsets of eastern climes — ' the sun setting as in a sea of blood ' — also became, through the cruel Scythian queen, Tomyris, a terrible reality. Cyrus, when taken prisoner by her, was beheaded, and his head was thrown into a huge leathern bottle filled with 66 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? blood, the savage queen exclaiming, ' You have thirsted for blood — now satisfy your thirst.' The name of Kouresh, or Korshid, as expres- sive of an emanation of deity, was ere long succeeded by that of Xerxes, a name so trans- lated by the Greeks, and said by Herodotus to signify a Conqueror. The Greek Xerxes, Median Cyaxares, Hebrew Ahasuerus, and the Kh-sh-yarsha of ancient monuments, has in later days been translated by ' the Lion King,' a natural Oriental figure for a conqueror. Xerxes, if derived from the Zend word Ksathra, Sanscrii, Khsathra, signifies a King. Artaxerxes, a name borne by many successive Persian monarchs, sig- nifies ' the Honoured King ; ' the prefix, Persian Ar, Sanscrit Arya, signifying '■Honoured.' 1 From the same root sprang modern Iran's old name of Ariana. In the ancient kingdom of the fire-worshippers, where, in the city of Yezd, or Izad (the Holy Name), it is said that the heaven-descended fire still burns unquenched since the days of Zoroaster, the old name of their tutelary god constantly re- turned in various combinations as their sovereign's name. Hormuz, or Orosmades, signified Pure Light, and Khosru, the Sun. Mithra, another name for the sun-god of Persia, gave to kings of Armenia and Pontus the name of Mithridad, translated by the Greeks Mithridates, a synonyme of Khor-dad, Gift of the Sun. In later days the ' Sophis of Persia ' again pro- THE FIRE-WORSHIPPERS. 67 claimed how in Ariana, the ' honoured ' land, the religious element indissolubly combined itself with the principle of sovereignty. The royal title, when it ceased to claim the name of deity, assumed that of its ministers. The sun and fire, chosen as objects of venera- tion by these descendants of Shem, were typical of their religious history. The clouds of super- stition and the smouldering darkness of human corruption again and again threatened to quench the light of the true faith, but its glory was never wholly obscured. Amongst idolaters (allowing that they were so) the fire-worship- pers, as they have been called, have always been distinguished by the comparative purity of their doctrines and lives. Christians may well lay to heart some of the noble precepts of the Zend-Avesta, or ' Living Word,' given to the Persians by the great Zo- roaster, the Greek rendering of whose Persian name, Zerdusht, signifies a Pure or Living Star. Some learned writers read the name as Ziru Ishtar, 'The seed of the goddess Ishtar;' the Assyrian name for the planet Venus. The Ma- gian philosopher's name was suggestive indeed, for star-like amidst the gloomy fatalism of a Pag; an world must have shone forth such words as these :— ' In your afflictions offer to God your patience; in your joy render to Him acts of thankseivins:.' Do not the trees of our orchards, the blackberry bushes of our hedge-rows, repeat j 2 68 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? the same lesson to us? See how they silently bend beneath the chill weight of winter's oppres- sive snows ; see, again, how at the first breath of spring they hasten to put forth their green leaves and fair blossoms. The summer sunshine falls not on ungrateful objects there, for behold in autumn their good fruits. But the Persians of old had another teacher besides Zoroaster, and another holy book besides the Zend-Avesta. The Sof h, or ' Persian Bible,' as it has been called, is said by some writers to have derived its name from the Greek a-op/a, wisdom. How may this be, if indeed this venerated book be of such antiquity as to claim for its author Abraham? Shall we not rather suppose that the Greeks themselves adopted this word, as they did adopt other words, and the whole tangled maze of their mythology, from the fertile East? Must we not look to the Sanscrit paradesa if we would know where the Greeks found their paradeisos — our paradise, or garden of delight ? Sophi, or Son, is said by Bochart to mean, in the original Persian, one '■Pure in Faith,' 'devoted to God.' * The significations of the Greek and the Persian words Sophia and Sofi, Wisdom and Purity, are in the Inspired Word united. ' The wisdom * The books of the Muslim darweeshes (dervishes) of the order of Soofees are called ' Ta sow wuf,' that is, of spiritual life. D'Herbelot, Bibliotheque Orientale: quoted by Lane Arabian Nights, vol. ii. p. 240. THE MOSQUE OE SANTA SOPHIA. 69 that is from above ' is there said to be 'first pure.' Do not our own hearts tell us also that only by the ' pure in heart,' who see God, can true wisdom be found ? The Hebrew word Zophim, explained as ' Seers,' * carries out this idea, confirmed by the Hebrew prophet Zephaniah's name, which (trans- lated by the French Sophonie, and Italian Sofo- nia) is said to signify ' The Secret of Jehovah.' The Greek Sophia, though cruelly misused by the so-called sophists of the schools, did still so retain its original holy signification, that it was at one time used by the early Christian Church to express the Incarnate Word as the ' Wisdom ' of God. It was then considered too sacred to be used commonly as an individual name.f This name, of Eastern origin (as I believe), once held in such especial honour, will be found amongst the heroic names of Arabian conquerors of old — Sofian, and Abu Sofian. In its feminine form, it becomes in Arabic Safiyeh. In Turkish it is Sofiyeh, as a woman's name, and signifies Chosen. In the magnificent mosque of Santa Sophia — the name of which has been preserved by the Turks, though the city is called Stamboul — once a Christian church, and which Moslems them- selves believe will become so again one day, eight of the great columns were brought from the * Stanley's Jewish Church, p. 403. t ' Therefore some godly men do dislike it as irreligious that it should be communicated to any other.' — Camden's Remains, &c. 70 WHAT IS YOUK NAME ? Temple of the Sun at JBaalbec, and eight from the Temple of Diana (the Moon) at Ephesus.* Do not these superb spoils of the false gods of Assyria and Greece, thus consecrated to Divine Wisdom, seem to say — TV unwearied sun from day to day Does his Creator's praise display. Soon as the evening shades prevail, The moon takes up the wond'rous tale. History tells us how the word Sofi was dis- graced by cruel Persian kings who bore the name, and yet more by the horrible doctrine subsequently taught under the name of Soofeism. Our ancestors brought back to us from the Cru- sades a new and terrible word, Assassin : it was used to designate the red-handed followers of Hassan, the mountain-chief of Alamoot, signifying the Vulture's Nest. Assassin, once supposed to have come from Hassan, was really derived from Hashish, a kind of hemp, by means of which the Fedavee, or Devoted, were intoxicated, when it suited the purposes of their wicked chief. We will now see how the name Sofi was crowned with sovereignty and became that of a royal dynasty. A race of sheiks long dwelling * The long-lost quarries of Rosso and Verde Antico, which were rediscovered about two years ago by the German sculptor Hen- Siegel, contain an inscription saying that from them were taken the columns for the temples of Baalbec and Ephesus, wlvich now adorn St. Sophia's at Constantinople. Bremer's Greece, vol. i. p. 97. THE SOPHIS OF PERSIA. 71 at Erdebel, had successively passed their lives in mystic contemplation of this sacred book — the Sofh — containing doctrines called by them ' Kish Abraham.' In the fourteenth century a member of this family rose into eminence as Sophi-ed- Deen, signifying One Pure or Wise in the Faith. By his descendant, the warlike though cruel Ismael, was the dynasty of the Sophis, Sefes, or Suffavees (in Shakspeare's time called 'the Sophys of Persia ') established, which lasted for upwards of two hundred years. The followers of Sophi- ed-Deen were distinguished by a cap of crimson wool, and the Mohammedans, who so often fled in terror before these Kussilbashes, or red-caps, even while themselves cherishing the name of Sophian, have attempted to cast ridicule on the title of Sophi by pointing to the woollen cap as its origin, ' Souf ' being the Arabian word for wool. As a religious order, the Sophis still exist — the reigning Shah of Persia being considered the grand master of the order. The first convent of the order, in Egypt, was founded by the chivalrous opponent of our Coeur-de-Lion, Salah- ed-Deen, signifying the Goodness of the Religion, or the Faith. Looking to ancient India, we find in Porus the Greek form of the name of a brave monarch — of one whose noble nature, kindred with his native palm-tree, no weight of misfortune could de- press ; discrowned, but still a king, commanding the respect and admiration of his conqueror 72 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? Alexander. Porus has been said to signify a ' Prince,' but, traced to its original Sanscrit, it has a nobler and far more appropriate meaning, Paurusha signifying a Hero. Names significant of sovereign, power were common in the East, such as Archelaus, signify- ing in Greek Ruler of the People ; and they had their synonymes amongst the Teuton princes of the West, who themselves claimed to be of Asiatic origin. In that word of infinite significance, thu, to do, the words Teut, signifying God, Father, Ruler, and Thiudans, signifying the People, alike had their root. Thence arose the grand name of Theod-o-ric, which signifies a Chief, who is Father of the People. Grandly was the name carried out by the mighty monarch of the Ostrogoths, whom history and song have delighted to honour. ^Ethiopia claimed the sun as her father and her king ; but the dark-skinned race were ruled by women, their queens successively bearing the name of Candace, which is said to signify ' pure possession.'* The ' Brothers of the Sun and Moon,' who rule the celestial kingdom, called by barbaiians China, not content with their heavenly designa- tion, affect also such earthly appellations as may strike terror into the hearts of their foes. From B.C. 49 to a.d. 1832, Lung, a Dragon, * Cruden. CHINESE DRAGONS. 73 has been a favourite cognomen in ' the Flowery- Land,' having been assumed not only by lawful sovereigns, but also by rebel leaders. Hwang Lung, Yellow Dragon, Tsing Lung, Azure Dragon, figure amongst their chronicle of kings; yellow and blue being the colours most affected by the Chinese, considered by them as typical — the yellow of earth, the blue of heaven. Chaou-kin Lung, the Golden Dragon of 1832, is said by Sir John Davis to have always worn, as significant 'of his name, a yellow dress. In the far West, where Pizarro and his fol- lowers sought not for undying fame, but for perishable gold, they found, in the Incas of Peru, misused by them so cruelly, another royal race, who claimed to be children of the sun — descendants of the heavenly visitants, Manco Capac and Manca Ocolla his wife. From the fifteenth century the emperors of Morocco and their descendants have successively borne the name, or more properly the title, of Mouley, signifying Lord and Master. Zay, or Sai, was the general title of the Ashantee kings. The Negro kings of Loanga have adopted the prefix of Manna, which answers to the Spanish title of Don. Their names most frequently represent their most cherished article of property. Manna Gangala signifies Don Shield ; Manna Belle, Bon Knife.* * Noel's Dictionnaire Historique. 74 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? The Princes of Mingrelia selected the noble name of Dadyan, signifying the Just. The Em- perors of China and Japan are known after death by different names from those which they bore when living. By these new names they are worshipped by their people as divinities. So, too, in Rome, their deified heroes some- times received fresh appellations. To Romulus, whose name signified Strength, was given that of Quirinus, the name of an ancient Sabine divinity. The reckless claimers of supernatural descent, so numerous in remote ages, grew less frequent as the strong arm of military power was found to be the more certain element of success. As time rolls on, we find the simple family name of a successful general deemed of sufficient value to express in itself the idea of sovereignty. When Rome's invincible soldiers clashed to- gether their brazen shields, and with a mighty shout hailed some comrade by the name of Ccesar, he was straightway invested with the purple. To Caesar Augustus the imperial diadem itself belonged, and with it dominion over all the known regions of the world. This name, surpassing all human names in celebrity, and which, up to the present day. is synonymous with empire — for emperors of Austria still affect to claim the title of 'the Caesar' — may well have engaged much attention as to its derivation. the cjesak's name. 75 But, in itself, the name was nothing, its signi- fication was as nought. It was from its wearer, from the Caesar himself, that the mighty name derived its subsequently mighty significance. To Julius Caesar — of whom it has been said that, as general, statesman, lawgiver, poet, orator, and historian, he achieved such excellence that the distinction he gained in each character would separately have made any man remarkable — was rendered the most superb homage ever rendered to man.* We shudder to read of Pedro the Cruel's ill- advised homage to the unhappy Inez de Castro — her fleshless brows marked by the glitter of a jewelled crown — but the honour paid by Rome to her slaughtered son was nobler far than any imaginable outward demonstration could have been. Unmatched in ancient and modern times is the spiritual grandeur of the investiture of the dead hero's name — himself uncrowned — with the insignia of royalty. To be a Caesar was hence- forth to be a King. Alas for the monsters that in Rome's later days disgraced the name ! The Caesar would seem to have adopted the Punic signification of his name, by having an elephant engraved on the coinage of Rome while he was in power, it being contrary to law for the name of a man to be stamped on the money of a commonwealth. * Smith's Classical Biography. 76 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? But the most generally received derivation of this mighty name is from the Latin cmsanes, hair. Such a name, bestowed on an infant who was born with much hair, accorded with the ordinary Roman custom of deriving names from personal characteristics. It only becomes singular when regarded as the distinctive name of a family of the Julia gens, iulus being derived from the Greek iWoj, signifying downy, or the soft hair of early youth ; this name having been, it is said, first assumed by Ascanius of the royal house of Troy, on the occasion of a successful combat while yet the early down of manhood was upon his lip. The name of Augustus is in our own language sufficiently suggestive. Derived from the Latin verb Augeo, to honour, it was first bestowed on Octavianus, the nephew and adopted son of Julius Ceesar, its Greek synonyme being found in Sebastos, signifying to be reverenced and honoured. As the name of the first emperor, and in itself expressive of rulership, it was, when joined to the name of Csesar, indicative of su- preme authority. Augusta was the title given to the empress. But it is not only in ages past, and amongst such high and mighty personages as Egyptian Pharaohs and Roman Ceesars, that certain names have been attached to certain dignities. In both the communions into which the Syrian Church is divided, the custom prevails of trans- mitting from prelate to prelate the same name. NAMES 0E ROYAL AND NOBLE FAMILIES. 77 The head of the Jacobite Church, who claims the title of the Patriarch of Antioch, is always called Ignatius (from the Latin), signifying to kindle or inflame. It was a name worthy to be remem- bered as that of the first Bishop of Antioch, once called the ' City of Cod,' where the followers of Christ were first called by His name. St. Ignatius, martyred in the emperor Trajan's reign, torn to pieces by lions in the amphitheatre of Rome, is said to have been the blessed child taken to the Saviour's arms when He spoke the words, ' Of such is the kingdom of heaven.' The Maronite dwellers in Mount Lebanon, who from the twelfth century have been dis- tinguished from the rest of the Eastern Church by their professed allegiance to the Church of Rome, always give to their spiritual head the name of Peter. The beautiful names of Victor Amadeus and Victor Emmanuel are hereditary in the royal house of Savoy ; Victor signifying in Latin a Conqueror, Amadeus (Latin), a Lover of God, and Emmanuel (Hebrew) signifying ' God with us.' Lords of Lusignan have chosen the name of Geoffrey, said to have been of Teutonic origin, signifying ' Joyful.' Simon, in Hebrew signifying Obedient, has been attached to the house of De Montfort ; and Anne, a woman's Hebrew name, signifying Gracious, to the house of Le Montmorenci, Premier 78 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Baron of Christendom. The name was first intro- duced into the family by Anne of Bretagne, who gave it to her godson. Henry, derived from the Scandinavian Eoric or Eric, signifying a Great Lord, is so identified with the German Princes of Reuss, that the Saxe-Gotha Almanack of 1862 chronicles Prince Henry the Seventy-fourth. In a curious old French book (1C81) on the origin of names, by Messire Gilles Andre de la Roque, we may see how Guy, Baron de Laval, fourteenth of the name, obtained from Pope Pas- cal II. permission for all his heirs in perpetuity to bear the Christian name of Guy. It was to preserve the memory of services rendered to the Church by the Baron and his brother, while serving in the Holy Land under Godfrey de Bouillon. This privilege was confirmed by letters from Philip I. of France. By the will of a succeeding baron, the. lordship of Laval was made inseparable from the name of Guy. Xone could succeed to the honours of the house who was not of that name ; in the event of an heiress, whoever she married was bound to assume it. This beautiful name has been by some writers simply translated from the French Gui, Mistletoe ; others have derived it from the dwarf Guion of Celtic mythology, connecting him with the sacred plant of the Druids. But such stringent directions for the preservation of the name, as perpetuating the recollection of some military service, would seem to show that the lords of GUY DE LAVAL. 79 Laval, time-honoured owners of the name, did themselves derive it from guyer, guier, guidon (oldFrench), signifying to guide,to direct, whence our word guide, identical with the French, though differently pronounced. Chaucer uses the word ' gie ' in the same sense, to conduct, and almost the same idea is expressed in the Icelandic ' gae,' to take heed, a necessary qualification in a guide. In connection with this derivation is preserved the beautiful signification of a standard-bearer, one who goes before, carrying the guidon or broad pendant. The proper name is in fact frequently so spelt, ' Guidon ' in old French books. We may be sure that the first Guy de Laval won his beautiful name by some gallant deed as a guide, or a standard-bearer, or as both. If Messire de la Roque, living nearer those times, had but sought out its origin, and not told us only of its preservation ! 80 WHAT IS YOUR NAME 'i CHAPTEE IV. One individual name originally sufficient — Family names adopted — Principles of Roman nomenclature — The four Roman names — Nomenclators, &c. TT would be impossible in a history of names -*- strictly to divide the subjects of individual and family names. The one or the other may be the principal theme, but one cannot pass either entirely by. The most superficial glance will at once show how closely they are inter- woven with each other, being, indeed, conver- tible, the individual names of one generation becoming the family names of another. William is said to form the basis of no less than twenty- nine surnames in England.* In the early history of the world one name was sufficient to distinguish individuals, but, as these multiplied, it was not only becoming but necessary for family names to be added. By these second names were distinguished the va- rious branches of the one original stock, while individuals were still marked out by distinctive and significative personal appellations. It is singular to remark how at different times Lower on Surnames. HONOURS ATTACHED TO INDIVIDUAL NAMES. 81 and under different circumstances honour and dishonour are attached to the same particular. In the history of Rome we find her great men priding themselves on two, three, four, and sometimes six names, while slaves were forbidden to use more than one. In our own history we read that in the twelfth century a wealthy heiress objected to marry Robert, natural son of Henry I., on the plea that It were to me a great shame To have a lord withouten his twa name. Yet two centuries before, in Domesday Book, that ancient register of the landed proprietors in England, we find that the comites or counts, the men of highest rank, were simply distin- guished as Comes Hugo, Count Hugh — Comes Rogerus, Count Roger — thereby assimilating themselves to royalty : in all lands the special distinction being conceded to sovereigns and their immediate families of using their individual names only, from their exalted rank no sur- name being required to distinguish them. Christians in the house of God are carried back as it were to the infant days of history. Sur- names are not acknowledged there. When, as individuals, we stand before the Lord and Maker of all, the conventionalities of the world are lost sight of, and we are known only by our individual names. G 82 WJtlAX lO iuuxi .p. 562, on her marriage with Sigebert, king of Austrasia, was honoured, not by a new name, but by the addition of some syllables to her old name. In these syllables there was much meaning. In one letter, which was a contraction, there was the most meaning of all. Bruna, or Brenna, signifying Brown, dark, dark-haired, dark-eyed, dark-complexioned, or a combination of all three — a peasant girl might have borne the name, but no maiden of low birth would have dared to call herself by the name which was given to the Queen, Brune- childa; Hilda, deiived from the war-goddess of the Teutons, signifying both a lady of rank and simply a maiden ; but the c that preceded it was a sign of royalty, being a contraction of the H 2 100 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? Teutonic cuning or cyning, German konig, a king. The Celts or Gaels had a somewhat similar word expressive of royalty — Conan, a prince. Darkness and light expressed by their re- spective names do not afford a stronger contrast than do the stories of the Queens Dagmar and Brunechilda. The history of the dark beauty, from her royal cradle in the sunny south amidst the olive branches of Spain, to her death of shame and agony in a Burgundian camp, reads like a romance in the early pages of the history of France. Her many crimes were odious, but how ter- rible was her expiation of these ! The daughter, wife, and mother of kings, at seventy years of age — at the command of a nephew, blood-guilty as herself — exposed to the scoffs of a rude sol- diery, as for three days she was paraded through the camp, covered with filthy rags, and bound on the back of an old camel. Even her frightful death was a relief — tied to the tail of a wild horse, her skull was fractured, and her body torn limb from limb. Strange contrast to the peaceful ( ?) death-bed of her rival, the far more infamous Fredegonde ! The terrible hatred which existed between Brunechilda (or Brunehaut, the French form of her name) and her sister-in-law, and subse- quently step-mother-in-law, Fredegonde, has passed into a proverb amongst the French. But BBUNECH1LDA OF EKANCE. 101 it should not be forgotten that Brunechilda saw- in Fredegonde the murderer of her sister, the Princess Galsuinda, and of her husband, Sigebert. The latter days of the Spanish Princess were indeed stained with crime; but in her earlier days her name had been associated with many excellent works. The high roads she gave to Prance are still called ' Chaussees de Brunehaut.'* But Fredegonde was a monster from her youth. As waiting-maid to Andovere, first wife of Chil- peric, she displaced her mistress in her husband's affections, becoming first his mistress and after- wards his wife ; and then with cowardly cruelty, when eighteen years had gone by, she sought out her unhappy victim in the quiet asylum of a convent: the unoffending Andovere was stran- gled by her orders, and her young daughter, Basim, subjected to horrible treatment. But the pages of Fredegonde's fife are too black for any eye to desire to look upon them. Our English history affords an example of a foreign princess taking as a bride a new Chris- tian name from her new home. The Norman Princess Emma, on coming to England as the wife of Ethelred (a. d. 1001), took the Saxon name of Elgiva, the noble help-giver — a name of exquisite significance both as a wife and a queen. We may hail as of good augury the Christian name of the ' Rose of Denmark,' now joyously * Anquetil's Histoirejle France. 102 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? grafted on the stem of England's royal rose. Almost a synonyme with Saxon (or Teutonic) Elgiva is the Greek Alexandra — the feminine form of Alexander — signifying .a brave helper — Alexis signifying help, or defence, and Andreios courageous. Our own beloved Queen Victoria has, as a second name, its diminutive Alex- andrina. As a bridal gift from the King of Denmark, the Princess of Wales possesses a facsimile of the now well-known Dagmar cross. Would that it could whisper her, ha an English voice, two verses from the old ballad already quoted! — Now listen, my handsome lady ! Rejoice, and give God the praise, You will never repent-J ' [-voyage To the latest of your days. And as long as my life endureth I will be your servant true, And all the f ™>bles of Denmark ' people of England "Will love and honour you too. At one time empresses of Austria changed their names on their marriage and coronation.* In the fifteenth century Eleanor of Portugal, married to Frederic III. of Austria, took the name of Helena. In the seventeenth century the saintly daughter of Philip- William, first Elector Palatine of the branch of Newburgh, * Coxe's House of Austria. ELEONORE OF AUSTRIA. 103 married to Leopold L, changed her name of Magdalen Theresa to that of Eleonore. The simple inscription which she chose for her coffin — Eleonore, Pauvee Pecheresse. Morte le 19 Janvier 1720— was in perfect keeping with her holy life. One cannot but regret those mistaken ideas of a God whose name is Love which made the life of the royal Eleonore a painful succession of acts of mortification, pilgrimages with bare and bleed- ing feet, frugal fare, and adornments not of gold and precious stones, but bracelets with sharp iron spikes lacerating her tender arms ; but, at the same time, who would not hold in high honour one who in all sincerity thus sought to obtain subjugation of self ? Her ardent desire was in all things to fulfil the Divine command, ' Be ye perfect.' As the mem- ber of a church which esteemed such acts of penance, she was unwearied in performing them ; ' as an empress and a wife, she was equally in earnest to do that which was right. Her public duties were never neglected for the sake of her private wishes. For a time the reins of govern- ment were in her hands : they were held with admirable discretion and wisdom. To please her husband she alike attended public entertain- ments and prepared with her own hands delicacies 104 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? for his table at home. An exquisite musician and perfect linguist, she cultivated her talents for the enjoyment of others. During the last illness of her husband she was a tender and devoted nurse, taking no rest by night or day. Amongst holy women whose lives may be as lessons for us, let us not forget Eleonore or Magdalen Theresa of Austria. We have already seen how in Japan and China men take new names at different periods of their lives, and how Arab fathers and mothers both delight to lose as it were their own identity in that of their first-born — giving up their own names to share the one which they have bestowed on their child. A fancy once existed amongst literary men of assuming classical names. This was especially the case in Italy and during the fifteenth century. They claimed as their precedent an academy founded by Charlemagne, where all the members, including the emperor, were designated by ancient Greek and Roman names. Pope Paul II., suspicious and cruel, sought by imprisonment and torture to drag from some of these unhappy men avowals of heretical motives for such changes of names. Unadvisable as the practice was, it had, however, simply arisen from an overstrained admiration of classical authors. Platina, the . historian of the Popes, whose real name was Sacci, suffered a year's imprisonment. Sometimes these enthusiastic admirers of ASSUMPTION OF GREEK AND LATIN NAMES. 105 Greece and Rome contented themselves with translating their own names into Latin and Greek. By this means also traces of the native country and the parentage of many writers are lost to the general reader ; and in some cases they have been almost, if not altogether, swept away even from the student. But some men are from their greatness recognised by all through any disguises. Of Syrian extraction and of Greek birth and edu- cation was the Latin-named Longinus — the philo- sopher, chief counsellor, and friend of Zenobia, queen of Palmyra. On the taking of the city the Emperor Aurelian covered himself with dis- grace by ungenerously putting to death this faithful servant to the conquered queen. The Greek name of Longinus's disciple, Por- phyry, had a double significance. Porphura, purple, in that it was the ' Tyrian dye,' recalled his native town Tyre; and in that it was the royal colour, it was a figurative rendering of his original Arabic name Malek, signifying a king. Said Ibu Batric, a celebrated historian and physician of the ninth century, born in Egypt, translated his Arabic name Said, ^signifying happy, into its Greek synonyme Eutychius. The still more celebrated Arabian physician of the following century, Avicenna, called by Hebrew writers Abou Sina, might well be spoken of by a shorter name than that which properly belongs to him : — 106 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? Al- Sheikh Al-Rayis Abu-Ali Al-Hossein Ben Abd-Allah Ben Sina. Al-Sheikh signifying a title of respect especially belonging to saintly or learned men, and Al Rayis signifying the chief.* It could not be said of this learned Arabian as it was of some Frenchman in later days — that, possessor of many names while alive, dying he left no name behind. Before Avicenna had attained his twenty-first year he had written a cyclopaedia, the Arabic title of which, Kilat el Mainu, literally means 'the book of the sum total.' 1 In his work is to be found the earliest mention of oranges, which our crusading forefathers, on first beholding them in Palestine, believed to be the golden apples of the Hesperides. The Swiss reformer, Philip Schwartserdt, black earth, is scarcely known to us except by the Greek version of his name, Melancthon. Unrecognised as his by the Pope, some of his writings appeared under the name of Ippofilo (Philip reversed) da Terra. The Dutchman, Van der Beken, signifying streams, called himself by a Latin name Torren- tius, signifying torrents. We have preserved the word beck from our Saxon forefathers. West- moreland and Cumberland each have a river Troutbeck, or trout stream, the word itself being * We read in all Eastern travels of the Reis as the chief or head nian, the captain of the ship or boat, &c. ENFORCED CHANGE OF NAME. 107 commonly used in the north of England for small streams. An enforced change of name has been amongst the engines of cruelty employed by tyrants to make their subjects miserable. In 1465 Edward IV. of England commanded his Irish subjects to take for themselves and their children English surnames, on pain of annual forfeiture of their goods until the law was obeyed. In 1568, the bigot Philip II. of Spain, hoping to denationalise the remnant of the Moors still lingering in the land they had so enriched and beautified, ordered them to abandon both their individual and family names, compelled them to be baptised, and to adopt Spanish designations.* His law was perforce obeyed, but all the more closely would an outraged people cling in secret to their ancient faith. Amongst Mohammedan Moors now dwelling in Africa are therefore to be found such names as Perez, from Peter, and Santiago, or St. James ! f An Act of 1603 forbade on pain of death the Highland clan of MacGregor to call themselves by their name. To this terrible decree a thrill- ing ballad of Sir Walter Scott alludes, ' The MacGregors' Gathering : ' — The moon 's on the lake, and the mist 's on the brae, And the clan has a name which is nameless by day, Then gather, gather, gather, Grigalach ! * Watson's History of Philip II. t Salverte. 108 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? The hatred and terror which were at that time inspired by the outlawed clan are said to have ori- ginated in the ferocity displayed by Ciar Mohr, the great mouse-coloured man (an ancestor of Bob Eoy's), during a contest with the Col- coihouns, in Glen Fruin, the vale of sorrow. But by their loyalty the MacGregors nobly regained their name. Enrolled as Murrays and Buchanans under the banners of the Earl of Athole and the Laird of Buchanan, they gallantly fought for Charles even while his edict against them was in force. Their name was proscribed, but their armorial bearings remained, and to them these brave men responded. The MacGregors bear a pine-tree crossed sal- tier-wise with a naked sword, the point of which supports a royal crown. The sword of the MacGregors has been tried in a fire from the heat of which none but a well-tempered blade could have come forth unscathed. It was a cruel edict, confounding the innocent with the guilty. At the Restoration Charles II. annulled the various edicts against them, and restored to them their name, in gratitude for the loyalty they had shown. The deprivation of name is a punishment fitted only for the prison and the hulks. In those gloomy precincts to which their crimes have con- ducted them, it is a felon's well-merited disgrace to have his name taken from him. So long as he is undergoing his sentence it is well for him to A NUMBER INSTEAD OE A NAME. 109 feel, as he answers to his number only, that he has for a time lost all right to honour and respect from his fellow-men. But to take altogether away from man or woman their proper names is to take from them, so long as one sparkle of right feeling remains, one of the strongest incentives to well-doing. 110 "WHAT IS YOUB NAME? CHAPTER VI. For one's name's sake — Heroes, inventors, discoverers honoured tkroug-k their names — Sovereigns' names stamped upon coins — Names clinging to mossy wells and beetling cliffs — Stories of lives in the names of individuals — Christopher Columbus — Pollio Vedius — Contrasts be- tween names and lives, and misnomers — St. Felicitas and Julius Cfesar — Legends derived from significations of names — Semiramis — Monkish legends growing out of old pictures — Pictures suggested by significant names — St. Lucia — St. Sophia — St. Katharine : her legend and meaning of her name — St. Margaret — Mary Magdalene — Mary and Miriam. ' T?OR Thy Name's sake ' is a solemn adjura- -*- tion which we find in the Holy Scriptures addressed to the Most High God as one of the most urgent and powerful of appeals. How many a path of glory has been trod by human beings Avith these trumpet-like words going before — for their names' sake! — for their forefathers' names' sake! ' A peerage or Westminster Abbey!' is one of the many well-remembered sayings of the greatest of England's naval heroes : either way it was his yearning desire to do honour to his name. Nelson should take its place in England's roll of peerless peers, or Nelson should be engraven on an honoured tomb ! Some conquerors have FOR ONE'S NAME'S SAKE. Ill taken names from their conquests ; but Nelson, with a truer pride, placed a coronet on his own. It is almost instinctively felt that the highest homage inventors and discoverers can receive is that the precious things bestowed by them on their fellow-men should be known by their names. Inspired by this hope, the chemist, with calm courage, silent and alone in his laboratory, sur- rounds himself with an atmosphere of death — his life too often the forfeit of his daring expe- riments. So, too, the adventurous sailor! He fearlessly thrusts his ship's prow through heaped-up bar- riers of ice : his grave may be yawning beyond — but what matter? He deems himself overpaid for hourly hand-to-hand struggles with death if but some day his name be suffered to rest upon one icy peak, one barren rock, in those far-off untrodden desolate realms. So, too, in the region of art. We read of two wealthy men, accomplished sculptors and archi- tects, who, caring nought for money in com- parison with fame, erected at their own cost a magnificent temple at Rome, hoping that the law which there forbade men to inscribe their names on their works might be relaxed in their favour. But it was not so; and, as their only resource, Batrachus and Saurus carved on the fluting of the column of their temple frogs and 112 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? lizards, such being the signification of their Greek names. In some of our English cathedrals we see such compliments paid to bishops and benefactors. In Winchester Cathedral, on the exquisite pulpit of carved oak black as ebony, a skein of silk is represented in the carving, as an allusion to Bishop Silkstede. Knights of old often carried their names be- fore them on .their shields, like the soldiers of Rome, but hi pictured form. The heraldic bearing of the Dundases, a family as ancient as the period when Gaelic was spoken in Mid- Lothian, is the English translation of their name, a ' hill with a tuft of wood.' * A lion is attempt- ing to push through ; the motto is a challenge, ' Essayez ' (Try). A Swedish family, Guy Hen- stern, bear the beautiful device of a golden star of seven rays, displayed on a field azure. Amongst the heraldic bearings of old families in England and on the Continent many such illus- trations may be found. One of the most ancient and most jealously guarded prerogatives of rulership, whether re- siding in sovereigns or senates, has ever been the power of impressing a name on the coins of a country. On the money of Rome Julius Caesar dared only to stamp a figurative allusion to his name, * Stewart's Sketches of Highland Clans. ENDURING NAMES. 113 an elephant, which in the Punic language was the signification of Caesar. Coins have some- times become so identified with the sovereign's name which they bore as to be known only by that name — the Darics (from Darius) of Persia, the English Jacobus, and French Louis d'or and Napoleons, are examples. Coins would seem in their turn to have sug- gested human names. From Stater, a Persian gold coin of great antiquity, is it not probable that Statira (the Greek form of), a common name amongst Persian queens and princesses, was de- rived ? It would be significant of preciousness, as in the Arabic a woman's name, Denaneer, which signifies pieces of gold. But not only have distinguished men inscribed their, names on banners of fame and weapons of war, and on great works of art and science, but kindly acts of women have given to their names also a long and strangely enduring power. The trickling waters of mossy wells through- out the land repeat in silvery tones the names of saintly maids, whose uneventful but holy fives are best cherished by those pure springs — a cup of cold water given in the name of their Lord. But hark ! on rock-bound coasts, in the midst of the storm, wild winds and waters mutter wrathfully woman's soft names ; for lo ! the beacon- light, or the landmark, or church-tower,- called after them, has saved the ship, and their prey is snatched from them. I 114 WHAT IS YOUR BAMJif To the north of Bude, near the magnificent headland of Hennacliff, or the Haven's Craig, there are beautiful cliffs known by the name of Morwen Stowe. In a poor village hard by, in strange contrast to its poverty, is a splendid old church. Cliffs, and village, and church, are all known by the same name, Morwen Stowe, or the station of Mor-well. Leland tells how in the ninth century the fair and virtuous and wise daughter of Breachen, a Celtic king, and Gladys, his wife, gained from the Saxon king Ethelwulph a piece of ground on that bold headland. There Morwen (signifying lady of the sea) built a house of God, that mariners outward-bound or home- returning, may kneel to Him who ' holds the waters in the hollow of His hand,' asking for His safe guidance, or returning Him thanks for the same. Christian names, and even their affectionate diminutives, have been given in honour of men to inanimate things. Killingworth colliers, rough ' sons of night ' as they are, call the safety lamp invented for them by the great and good Stephenson, the ' Geordie Lamp.'' A glorious incentive to noble lives to feel that when our mortal bodies have crumbled into dust our names will yet live in the loving recol- lection of successive generations — the very sound of them be as an inspiration — as a trumpet-call going before to victory — as the lark's song high in the air, lifting men's thoughts heavenwards^ SEBASTIAN CABOT. 115 But ah! these very types are themselves of earth : they, too, must have an end. The trumpet- note is the breath of man, and so it must die away. The lark, ' singing at heaven's gate,' builds her nest low on the ground, Time's cruel plough- share must pass over it. He builds too low who builds beneath the skies. The fair superstructure of good deeds must have a surer foundation than the longed-for gratitude of our fellow-men. All know that the devil is a bad paymaster; but the world, is it not dishonest too? In the history of names we catch delightedly here and there some that have been greatly honoured, shining like stars gloriously from out the grey mist of past times ; but too many there are that we sorrowfully search for in vain. How many benefactors to their race have gone down in sadness and disappointment to their nameless graves — still century after century going by, and yet the injustice done to them is not rolled away! The whole life of Sebastian* Cabot, the daring mariner who first saw North America, was, till some thirty years ago, lost in obscurity ; and even now the place of his death and his grave is un- known. Even at the very moment of his dis- covery his name was overlooked. Let us read * A sad misnomer : Sebastian sig. to be reverenced. Where is the reverence and honour that was his due P i 2 116 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? an entry in Henry VII. 's privy-purse expenses : ' 10th August, 1497 : to hyrn that found the New Isle, 10?.!' Romulus lives in the name of Rome, and in the city of the Csesars the good and evil fame of her emperors is preserved. But he whose matchless enterprise gave to his fellow-men a New World, how has his name been honoured? A province here, a district there, a town else- where, at far-off intervals, faintly repeat the name which should have rested on the whole vast con- tinent. Christopher Columbus left the recording of his name to others, and how ,has the charge been fulfilled? The only spot, a tiny island in the Caribbees, to which the discoverer did give his own name, his Christian name, is, curiously enough, called only by its abbreviation, St. Kitt's. But this name, so strangely overlooked, is in itself a marvel. Reader, look with me now on a West Indian conch-shell, with its rough-looking outside and polished lining on the inside. Some of it is like a door-panel of tortoiseshell. As it lies before us there, it is as the door of an empty house, for not a sound is heard from within. But take it up, put it close to your ear, and listen! The shell has a voice — has it not told you its story? The cradle song that the great waves of ocean sang to it when it was a baby shell has never been forgotten, and the booming voice of its native sea is for ever sounding in the deep heart of the STORY OF A LIFE IN A NAME. 117 wanderer ; and those who listen to the shell will hear it also. "Will you think me over-fanciful if I say that to me many names are even as the conch-shell ? Voiceless they may seem to many, but if you will listen to them they will tell you the story of many a life. The names of the great discoverer are especially remarkable. What do they signify, those names, Christopher Columbus ? The Christ-bearing Dove. Ah ! now you see what I mean ! Darkly and gloomily heaved the great sea of wrath over the drowned world, but over its angry face a sweet bird flew fearlessly, for afar off she espied a speck of land — the cleansed world was again looking forth from the waters of its bap- tism. It was a dove that first saw the old world renewed, for she it was who brought back the first green leaf. Far off, and unknown to the dominant race, lay a large portion of man's inheritance, for stormy and trackless waters lay between it and them. A brave adventurer stood on the brink of that measureless sea, while, on the very beach where he stood, chill land-streams of indifference, black pools of envy and mistrust, surged up about his feet. But the wings of faith were given to him, and the bright clear eyes of hope ; and Columbus, the dove, over-passed the great sea, and brought back green leaves — the first palms from the West. Palm-branches are alike for a conqueror's and for a martyr's grave. 118 "WHAT IS YOTJR NAME? And his other name, Christopher ? Was the Church's old legend of the Canaanitish giant, St. Christopher of the fourth century, pro- phetic of the Christopher Columbus of the fifteenth century? — the strong man battling with the troubled stream, carrying the Holy Child across. Was not the brave sailor as a giant strong in faith ? Strong in his mental and spiritual convictions, he breasted rough waters indeed — patiently, for he had the nature of the clove; powerfully, because he was the Christ-bearer. To pagan Rome belong the dazzling pages of a Cassar's life ; but the Christian world claims the precious lessons contained in the story of Chris- topher Columbus, significant in all its striking features. In the commencement see the sruidina: chart laid to heart, and the seafaring life embraced; then come the speaking contrasts of his after- life. One day, a foot-sore traveller, he begs at a convent's gate for bread and water for his hungry child; another day a queen casts her jewels at his feet. Now wearied with procrastination, wasted with disappointment, yet patiently, perseveringly pressing onward still, combating objections and ignoring scoffs. Undaunted now and resolute, one man against a mutinous crew, he overrules them all. Success is trembling in the balance. And now the magnificent dream is fulfilled ; the hopes of a lifetime are achieved. Does he meet his triumph proudly as one that has conquered? CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 119 Behold him on his knees, tearful, and kissing the ground. He rises, holding his drawn sword the while — it is to plant the cross on the land which he names San Salvador! Was he not rightly named Christopher, the Christ-bearer? Yet two more scenes ere the end ! Welcomed as a prince and a conqueror, the woolcomber's son sits in the presence of royalty. And now for the sixth time recrossing those seas — which his invincible courage had made a highway for the nations — see him in his tiny cabin, a prisoner and in chains ! But not for long : the child's hard lessons were learned at last, so his Father bade him come home. And now on the one side of Columbus dying of a broken heart, behold the pomp of a splendid funeral, and on his tomb a superb epitaph — such is earth's payment. On the other side, see the messenger, whose voice the easterns say is the sweetest of all the angels of God, the angel of death, Azrael (i. e. the help of God) — his whisper is joyfully obeyed, and the storm- tossed mariner is wafted to the haven of eternal rest — such is Heaven's gift. But must that personal appeal, those mo- mentous words, for your name's sake, be heard only in paths where glory and distinction may be won ? Our Christian names are oftenest heard within home-walls, and in ' the trivial round 120 "WHAT IS YOUE NAME? the common task ' there may often be found much meaning in those words ' for your name's sake ' — ay, and influence and power, too, if we will but accept them as reminders of especial graces. And, be it remembered, Christian graces, ' fruits of the spirit,' have a distinguishing characteristic. ' Trees of righteousness ' are not like the trees of our orchard, where upon each tree only one kind of fruit may be found. The fruits of the spirit grow in fair clusters, combining various kinds. On every tree one fruit may be found more developed than the rest — but be sure that where 'love' is, there too will be 'joy' and 'peace.' ' Meekness and long-suffering ' may be of slower growth ; but be not discouraged — they will surely put forth ere the ripened tree is transplanted above. The especial use of reminders is to counteract habits. Most habits begin in early youth. Their name is legion ; but amongst them there are few so little regarded, and yet so destructive of hap- piness to individuals and to those surrounding them, as a habit of wrangling and contradiction. My little talisman, which consists in a recol- lection of the signification of our name, has been offered to Willie in the nursery— will Alfred and Edward accept it in the playground? Some dispute has arisen — disputants soon grow warm. In the midst of that rapid interchange of angry words, think you that six words of advice could make their way? For my experiment I NAMES AS REMINDERS. 121 ask only room for two, and those no third person shall say. Each boy shall say, one to the other, their names — Alfred ! Edward ! Alfred, all-peace, or the grander signification given by some to our great Saxon king's name, Aelf-fred, the genius of peace; Edward, Ead- ward, the keeper, the guardian of happiness. Are the little quarrellers girls ? Rachel, the lamb, significant of gentleness ; Effie or Euphemia, the pleasant-spoken : my children, for your names' sake, remember how a soft answer turneth aivay wrath. In our own day we see some living up to their beautiful names. On rare occasions only may one allude to living characters, but lives overflowing with good deeds must in a measure become public, and names that are uttered with countless blessings must echo beyond the home-walls where Englishwomen best love their names to be inscribed. To how many sick, sorrowful, and in need, has Angela Burdett Coutts been as the actual reality of her lovely Greek name, signifying a messenger from God ! Florence Nightingale's surname is translated by Philo-mela, lover of song, but Philo- mena reads both as a ' lover of courage ' and as one of a loving mind, and therefore as one beloved. This name she has won for herself — Longfellow's lovely lines to St. Filomena, as the ' Lady with the Lamp,' have bestowed it on her. 122 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? This name may remind us how monkish legends and countless fables of many kinds have grown out of the signification of names : although in this instance the ingenuity was still greater, the name itself being first constructed out of some detached words. In 1802, in the catacombs of Rome, a sepulchre was discovered which contained the skeleton of a young girl. Rudely painted on the exterior of this long-hidden tomb was beheld an anchor, an olive-branch (hope and peace), a scourge (suffer- ing), two arrows and a javelin (death) ; of a half-effaced inscription only these words, lumena pax te cum Ji, remained. They were sufficient to suggest the story of the life and death and name of a Christian martyr ; and the ' glorious St. Filo- mena' is said to have become within the last twenty years ' one of the most fashionable saints in Italy.' * But ere we turn to this new matter of interest in names, we should perhaps, as a shadow to heighten the bright fights above — of Christians living wp to their names — see how terribly some- times the Dark Master, to whom pagans fre- quently dedicated their children, claimed and. received — as it were, in right of their names— their services. Come with me, then, to Pozzuoli, ancient Puteoli. Its name was doubly significant, * Mrs. Jameson's Sacred and Legendary Art. POLLIO VEDITJS. 123 whether derived from its wells of sulphureous waters, or from their unpleasant smell. It is the very spot where holy Paul afterwards landed, bearing to Rome the banner of the Cross. The fish-ponds of Pollio Vedius — evil god (under that name the Romans worshipped the Prince of Darkness) — are filled up. Centuries have passed since their foul mists dai'kened the angry sky. But could those crimson-streaked waters flow again, they would shudcleringly tell how living bodies of wretched slaves were flung into them, so that lampreys, fattened on those poor quivering limbs, might furnish daintier dishes to the mon- ster whom they had served. A cracked goblet was sufficient excuse for ' a slave to be flung to the fishes.' At a banquet given to Augustus — a Csesar worthy of his name — such an order was given by Pollio Vedius, giver of the feast. The emperor pleaded for the slave, but in vain. The cruel glutton was inexorable ; and the indig- nant Csesar ordered on the instant the ponds to be filled up, and every crystal goblet his host possessed to be broken before his face. Though the burden of my song be Let us answer to our names, I must not pass by mis- nomers. There have been, there ever will be, inappropriate names; but if we look well into their meanings we may find it more possible to live up to many of these than we may at first suppose, or even their very contrariety may be made eloquent by us. 124 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? St. Felicitas and Julius Caesar shall be our teachers in this. Those saintly men and women of old, are they not as ' a cloud of witnesses ? ' Of earth, indeed, as vapours and exhalations, nothing in them- selves, but in that, feeling their own emptiness, they have been lifted up into a purer atmosphere, they become more and more beautiful as they draAv closer and reflect more vividly light — emanating front the Source of Light. ' Clouds' — exquisite in their varied shape and hues — lifted above this toiling world, as we gaze on them are we not in thought lifted heavenwards, even as we hope in a purified state ourselves to pass into that glorious 'cloud of witnesses ? ' St. Felicitas, the happy one, a Roman widow (a.d. 173), beheld her seven sons tortured and put to death before her eyes. Scourged with thongs, beaten with clubs, flung from a rock, and beheaded — such were the cruel forms of death that a tender mother beheld her darlings undergo. But her heroic spirit never quailed. She bade her brave boys ' be strong of heart, and look to the heaven where Christ and His saints awaited their coming.' For herself, 'she blessed God that she had borne seven sons worthy to be saints in Paradise.' When her own day of mar- tyrdom came, compared to what her soul's agony had been, her bodily sufferings were as nothing. Tortured and thrown into boiling oil, she was ' faithful unto death.' Felicitas, in another world, MISNOMERS. 125 as a bright angel near the throne of God, listening to the harpings of her sons, answers to her name of the happy one. In Julius Caesar the curious combination of two names, both significant of hair, the one shaggy and the other soft, is the more striking, as the appellation of one who, as his medals and busts have sufficiently made known, was bald. The privilege accorded to the Roman hero of always wearing a laurel wreath was, it is said, peculiarly acceptable, not so much as a reminder of the glory he had won as for the green garland itself, which should conceal his baldness, which amongst the ancients was considered a disgrace. We may wonder that a man who had attained such dazzling preeminence could have attached any im- portance to so small a defect, his personal appear- ance being in all other respects most admirable. But instead of a silly sneer at the weaknesses of great minds, may we not try to turn the notice to good account for ourselves? Julius Caesar had neither the soft down of the one name, nor the abundant hair of the other ; but was not the undying wreath that he won well worth them both? Have any of us misnomers? How many a Patrick is there in humble life ! Patrick, derived from the Latin, signifies nobility, but nobility of mind is confined to no station. True nobility of heart and life may be attained by all who seek it at the hand of the King of 126 WHAT IB XUUJtt JNAiVLE,; kings. All know that ' the Crown is the fountain of honour.' A weak and sickly lad may answer to the name of Charles, derived from the old Teutonic name of Karl, which signifies a strong man and a valiant. Be not cast down, dear boy ; the more fragile and transparent the lamp, the more brightly the flame may shine through. To covet distinction is an in- stinct with men — to be brave is to be beloved ; but the weak body has no power to daunt the brave soul — no physical strength had the hero of Tra- falgar. And yet higher than earthly fame, re- member that 'he that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a kingdom.' Amongst my sisters, too, there may be some misnamed. One of the prettiest and most ancient of names, for it was that of the daughter- in-law of Methuselah, is Adah, signifying orna- ment, and figuratively expressive of great beauty. There may be Adas to whom a name significant of beauty would be inapplicable ; but let us take its exact meaning, and then, sweet sisters, see if it be not in your own power, while answering to your names, to acquire a far more lasting adorn- ment and charm than personal beauty by itself can bestow. In the same Holy Book which tells us of the first Adah, we are also told of the 'ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.' Eunices, too, unknown to fame, ye may in your peaceful homes carry out the meaning of your grand Greek name, as day by day ye achieve fair victories. iSJUMl±4AM!S THE DOVE. 127 In one widely celebrated name we find a link between the subjects of misnomers and names out of the signification of which legendary tales have arisen. The exquisite music of Rossini, superbly rendered by Giulietta Grisi, has made the name of Semiramide more familiar to our ears than perhaps that of any other heroine of antiquity. Her actual story is like an Eastern romance, though it begins and ends with a legend sugges- ted by the signification of her name — Semiramis signifying in Syriac a clove. The gentle and innocent dove was, however, no fit name for the Assyrian queen, at once warlike and voluptuous ; nor was it given to her as a characteristic appel- lation. Yet to her (in whom many learned writers behold the original of the Syrian goddess, Astarte, adopted by the Greeks as Aphrodite, and by the Latins as Yenus) doves were especially conse- crated. The car of the goddess of love and beauty is always represented as drawn by them, and in honour of her doves were themselves worshipped in many parts of the East. The Syrian town of Askelon, devoted to the worship of Astarte, was remarkable for its in- numerable flocks of pigeons and doves, for it was there considered sacrilege for one of these birds to be killed. Near Askelon, in the 'ancient little village of Hamami, which signifies a Dove, we find at once the birth-place of the renowned Semiramis and the derivation of her name. Of 128 WHAT IS YOUR NAME f such obscure birth, was the magnificent queen, that to conceal the reality a fable was invented, assigning to her a celestial origin and a super- natural bringing up. Overshadowed by the wings of doves, she was said to have been also fed by them with milk brought in their beaks from the neighbouring village. But the future queen of Assyria was, in truth, a child of shame, abandoned by her mother. The helpless little one was found by a compassionate shepherd of Hamami, who carried her to his humble home. There she grew up, gifted with remarkable beauty and talent, the name given to her having been compounded from that of her foster father, Simma, and Hamami, her native village. Married in early youth to the governor of Syria, Semiramis was taken by her husband to the Assyrian court, or rather to the camp, where Ninus the king carried on in person the siege of Bactria. Hitherto the besiegers had been unsuccessful ; but it is said that the baffled generals were taught a lesson in their own art by the beautiful stranger, who not only planned the attack, but herself led the inspired troops to victory. Transported with wonder and admiration at so marvellous a creation as a lovely woman who in courage equalled the bravest, in skill sur- passed the wisest of his warriors, Ninus com- manded Onnes to give up his wife to him. The unfortunate husband, reluctant to obey, was put MOKKISH LEGENDS. 129 to death, and the Assyrian monarch hastened to crown Semiramis as his queen. Devoted to her through life, Ninus at his death left to her the government of his kingdom, in which, after a splendid reign of forty-two years, she was suc- ceeded by their son Ninyas. There is no need to linger on her world-wide fame, her surpassing beauty, and maiwellous achievements in peace and war; but her name and story form a striking illustration of the fact, that in the signification of names a key is often to be found to the strange wild legends of other times. In Semiramis, the Dove, is revealed the secret of her supposed supernatural nursing mothers, and her imaginary translation to heaven after death in the form of a dove. The story of Wolf-fed. Romulus is explained by Lupa, his nurse's name ; and many like fables may be found to have sprung from like sources. Monkish chronicles are full of similar fanciful tales. The legend of St. Rene, who was said to have risen from the grave seven days after his burial, originated in his name, which, derived from the Latin Renatus, signifies born again. This name, adopted in the early Church as signi- ficant of a new spiritual life, suggested to cre- dulous miracle-seekers in after times the marvel of St. Rene rising to a new bodily life. To St. Athanasius, whose Greek name signifies Immortality, the Greek Church attributes the miraculous power of having caused a wolf to K 130 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? act as his obedient messenger— the simple fact being, that Athanasius sent to a monastery some herbs gathered with his own hands, and he chose for his messenger an individual bearing the name of Lycos, in Greek signifying a Wolf. Of this celebrated Patriarch of Alexandria, the ' Father of Orthodoxy,' as he has been called, it was said in the sixth century, ' Whenever you meet with a sentence of Athanasius, and have not paper at hand, write it down on your clothes.' * In a work on Popular Superstitions, by M. de la Mothe A. Vayer, a long list is given of saints, the signification of whose names has led to a belief in supernatural powers possessed by them in connection with subjects corresponding to such signification. The lame address their prayers for relief from their infirmity to St. Claude, Bishop of Besancon a.d. 581, his name being derived from the Latin Claudius, signifying lame. With greater plausibility the blind seek as- sistance from the martyred saints of the fourth century — St. Clair, derived from the Latin, sig- nifying clear, bright; and St. Lucia, also from the Latin, signifying light. From this signification is said to have also arisen the legend of St. Lucia's having being deprived of her eyes, of which we find no mention in the early history of the Christian Church. * Stanley's Eastern Church. ST. LUCIA. 131 , The story grew out of the pictured representa- tions of this fair girl, a native of Syracuse — one of the many martyrs in Diocletian's reign. Old painters, delighting in symbols and devices, in- troduced into their pictures of St. Lucia an eye, or eyes, as significant of her name. As time went on, a story grew, till the imaginary legend was coarsely rendered by the saint's carrying her eyes on a plate, while her other hand dis- played the awl with which they were supposed to have been bored out. A nobler, truer reading of her name was Dante's Santa Lucia, as the type of celestial light or wisdom: as such she is beautifully represented bearing a shining lamp.* Some of these superstitions connected with the names of saints have neither a foundation of truth nor poetical imageiy to plead for them: It is supposed in France to be unlucky for grain to be sown on St. Leger's day (October 2) — the martyred Bishop's name, signifying light, wanting in weight, is thought to affect the growth of the plant and make it light in the ear. The shoemaker's choice of a patron is said by some to have simply arisen from his name Crispin, derived from the Latin crepis (borrowed from the Greek), signifying a slipper. But it would seem certain that the brothers Crispin and Cris- pianus, who were born at Rome, and travelled * Mrs. Jameson's Sacred and Legendary Art. k 2 132 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? to Soissons to preach the Gospel, did really follow in that town the trade of shoemaking — the two names rendered by them so illustrious being perhaps taken from their employment. These saintly men carried out St. Paul's ex- ample and precepts in all their fullness, working with their hands the thing which was good: they also gave to them that needed, supplying shoes to the poor without payment. The good that they did lived after them, for in the name of these martyred brothers of the third century brotherhoods of charity were formed, the mem- bers of which paid the produce of their voluntary labours into a common stock for charitable pur- poses. In an old romance a prince of the name of Crispin is made to exercise, in honour of his name, the trade of shoemaking, from whence, it is said, arose the epithet of the 'gentle craft.'* The name of Crispin was at one time a common nickname for a shoemaker, and at this moment in France shoemakers call the bag in which they carry the tools of their trade ' un saint- Crepin.' In our Reformed Calendar one of the holy- brothers' names is still preserved. St. Crispin's day (October 25) was one of our most venerated holy days in former times. Old England's long, long roll of victories also records that day as the anniversary of Agincourt. Shakspeare's glorious * Brady's Clavis Calendaria. st. Crispin's day. 133 speech of Henry V. before the battle commemo- rates both brothers' names : — And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered. And when 439 years should have passed away, again was St. Crispin's day wreathed with laurel and cypress for England's heroes. BALAKLAVA ! Frenchmen may criticise and Englishmen dis- pute as to who said what; but no Englishwoman will ever hear that name without glowing cheeks and brimming eyes — without thanksgiving to God that English mothers bear such sons. Noble Curtius leaped into the gaping earth, for an oracle' had said that only thus could Rome be saved ; but at a breath, ere the half-uttered words were spoken, the confused order made plain — so madly jealous were they of their country's fame — England's ' gallant six hundred ' rode into a gulf of fire, into the valley of death. Peculiar interest attaches itself to the origin of all legendary tales. With much that is objec- tionable, there is also much to charm, much to profit, even in the legendary lives of saints. There seems little doubt but that, at the first, many of these legends were simply allegories, clothed with impressive language by meditative monks, hoping to affect the heart, and next, by the eager painter's hand, clothed in yet more 134 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? gorgeous colouring to attract the eye. But much of the delicacy and beauty of these lessons, whether real or imaginative, has been lost by the coarse handling they received in the progress of time. May we not win back some of their charm if we search for the fountain-head of these once clear streams? Where the old painters and poets sought and found inspiration, we too, if we seek, may find many sweet lessons for ourselves, and for every day. We have seen how St. Lucia's legend and her pictured representation alike sprang from the signification of her lovely name, Lucia, light, celestial light, a never-dying lamp, making dark- ness light before her. So, too, with St. Sophia — the name which we find in ancient Persia linked with faith. Adopted throughout the East, we find it in the Hebrew form in the prophet Zephaniah's name (trans- lated by the French Sophonie, by the Italians Sofonia), signifying the secret or word of Jeho- vah, almost a synonyme with the Greek Sibyl, counsel of God. St. Sophia is represented with a martyr's crown, encircling with loving arms her three fair children, the offspring of heavenly Wisdom being Faith, Hope, and Charity. So, too, the legend and picture of the strong man battling with the troubled stream, the holy child seated on his shoulders. Did not both grow out of the beautiful meaning conveyed by st. Katharine's legend. 135 the name of Christopher, the Christ-bearer — a name doubtless first given to one who, bearing the name of Christian, bore also the image of his master Christ? We must take very much away from the legend of St. Katharine ere we can look upon it with pleasure even as an allegory. The tale of the Egyptian princess has no claim on our reverence on the point of antiquity. Katharine of Alex- andria, said to have lived at the very beginning of the fourth century, was not heard of even in the East till the eighth century, nor did her marvellous story reach Europe till the crusaders brought it back with them in the eleventh century.* Full as it was of the elements of romance — a young queen of marvellous beauty, matchless wisdom, and exquisite purity of life, persecuted by a cruel tyrant, and with unshaken courage going forth to meet death in a hideous and hi- therto unheard-of form — no wonder that the tale seized on the imaginations of all. St. Katharine was at once adopted as a popular saint. Wild though it was, the legend carried out the scrip- tural lesson of human imperfection. In a dream the spotless Katharine hears Christ say that ' she is not fair enough for Him.' Purified by suffering, made perfect through faith, she died for the truth, and her glorified spirit in heaven first hears * Mrs. Jameson's Sacred and Legendary Art. 138 WHAT IS YOUE NAME? the welcome words, ' she is fair enough ' to be Christ's. In the fifteenth century, doubts having arisen as to the authenticity of her legend, and even the fact of her existence being questioned, her festi- val was suppressed by many prelates in France and Germany ; yet never has the affection for her name passed away. St. Katharine still stands in our Reformed Calendar (her day being the 25th of November), her name still rests on many a house of God, charitable institutions are called after her, and ancient abbeys and ruined priories repeat her time-honoured name throughout the land. One would fain believe that the reverence of so many simple hearts — carried though it was, alas ! to so mischievous a height — has not been all given to a myth. Some foundation may have existed for the tale that the monks of Mount Sinai are said to have sent forth to the world, though no proofs can be given, and no assertions can be made. But if we simply look to St. Katharine as a wise and holy maiden, who sealed her faith in Christ with her blood, may we not in the meaning of her name discern a spiritual truth of great beauty ? ' Aikatrina, pure and undefiledj derived from Katharos, spotless and pure — does it not remind us of the sacred promise that ' the pure in heart shall see God ? ' Yet one more sainted name demands our notice, MARY MAGDALENE. 137 from the strange contrast which it affords to the story of her who bore it. We look not now to one whose chronicle has come forth from the scriptorium of dreamy- monks, for Holy Scripture records the name of Mary Magdalene. We absolutely know that in the deep abasement of an awakened conscience a penitent woman sought and found pardon and peace at the Saviour's feet. What was her name?* — she who with hair unbound (a sign of sorrow in the East), the gold of her tresses dimmed by her falling tears, knelt silently, bowing down in her shame and anguish of heart. Magdalene (so called from the place of her birth), the Magnificent. Is there no lesson in her name ? In the pride of her beauty — for the power of * This question, it is well known, is open to discussion; but where Origen and Chrysostom have ranged themselves on one side, and St. Clement and St. Gregory on the other, who may dare to affirm anything positively ? One can only in this, as in all other cases, speak to the best of one's belief. I fully believe, with the Eastern Church, that Mary of Bethany was a virtuous woman, and a distinct person from Mary Magdalene ; or why, in her home of Bethany and in connection with Martha and Lazarus, should Maiy never be called Mary Magdalene ? We know that out of Mary Magdalene were cast seven devils, but whether she was indeed the woman who was a 'sinner,' I do not think Scripture has made so plain. But I would say, as one has said who carefully studied the subject : ' The woman who under the name of Mary Magdalene — whether her name be rightfully or wrongfully bestowed — stands before us sanctified in the imagination and in the faith of the peo- ple in her combined character of sinner and saint, is a reality, and not a fiction. Even if we would, we cannot do away with the associations inseparably connected with her name and her image.' — Mrs. Jameson's Sacred and Legendary Art, vol. i. p. 333. 138 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? beauty is very great — Magdalene might once have gloried in her name — Magnificent as a stately tower* But the tower whose foundations are on the shifting sands of time, shall it not crumble away? The magnificence which is of earth, shall it not yield to decay? It was in her other name that Magdalene's safety was found — Mary, which in Hebrew means bitterness. Mary, or Miriam, a name first given to the daughter of Jochebed. The mother's name sig- nified ' whose glory is Jehovah,' but her child was born in the bitterness of Egyptian bondage, and she thence derived her sorrowful name — bitter- ness as of the sea, waters of affliction, of which they drank from a full cup. But the bondage of Mary Magdalene was the bondage of sin, and when once its bitterness was felt the hour of her freedom was at hand : ' loving much,' to her 'much was forgiven.' Strangely still sounds the name of Magdalene, the Magnifi- cent, applied to the sorrowing daughters of shame. How gloriously from her other name has its sorrowful meaning been rolled away ! In every Christian land Mary is the name that most women love best to bear. Much sorrow had the mother of our Lord, and the sweet Marys of Gospel his- tory, like Miriam of old, were born while their * Migdol, a tower. BITTER MADE SWEET. 139 countrymen were in bondage, but they lived to see a far more glorious ransom accomplished. Of the waters of Marah they indeed also drank, but He of whom the tree was typical was Him- self with them, and by Him was the bitter made sweet. 140 WHAT IS TOUR NAME? CHAPTEE VII. Nam e-giving Adam's first work in Paradise — Nam e-giving a natural instinct — Names of Stars — Saxon names of Months — Names of Animals, Flowers, Plants — Legend of St. Veronica. ' T E besoin de nommer '* is coeval with the use JLi of words. We have seen that in Paradise it was the first act that Adam was called upon to perform. It is a natural instinct — from the hoary-headed Chaldean sages of old, who gave to each shining constellation, each twinkling star, separate and significative names, to the lisping little one in our nursery to-day, who, with her finger on her rosy lip, sits knitting her pretty brows, trying to think of some nice name for her kitten or her doll. In the spangled heavens, as in some indestruc- tible book, we read in lustrous characters these significant names of the highest antiquity. Some contain in themselves revelations of the past. Red Aldebaran, signifying ' he that goeth before,' is said to point to that far period in the history of astronomy when this brilliant star, called by modern Arabians Ain-al-Thaur, 'the * Salverte. NAMES OF STARS. 141 bull's eye,' marched foremost of the celestial host, Taurus being then the first of the signs.* The names of others were as wise counsellors: the sweet Pleiades (in Hebrew, Cimah), whose Greek name signifies ' to sail,' gave Grecian sailors notice that spring, the time most favourable for voyages, had arrived; while stormy Orion, signi- fying ' to agitate,' warned them to stay at home. Even through the rugged disguises imposed on some of our week-days' names by our Saxon forefathers, we may still catch the shining of celestial orbs. With God's people, as from the beginning of time, we keep the week of seven days — the six days of creation, the seventh of rest. With the wise men of the East, Chaldea, Egypt, and ancient Hindustan, with the sages of Greece and Rome, we retain the recollection of the old 'planetary theory,' itself founded, it is said, on the ' doctrine of musical intervals ' — the ' music of the spheres,' a favourite thought in science as in poetry. And through all the various systems to which men have successively subscribed, unchanging still to the glad ear of Faith is the matchless harmony to which unnumbered worlds of light move vocal to their great Creator's praise. Far off it is indeed, and human ears are dull. What wonder, then, that we can only catch broken echoes of the God-taught strain — here a swelling chord, and there a dying fall, as new planets are * Encyclopaedia of Natural Phenomena, by J. Forster, F.L.S. &c. 142 WHAT IS YOUK NAME ? discovered, or familiar stars fade away? But are not these suggestive enough of the melody of all- perfect work that, mingling with angelic songs, encircles without end the throne of the Most High? France and Italy unite in their week-days Christian and Pagan names. The first and the last day have, in Italian, sacred significations — Domenica, the Lords day ; and Sabbato, the Sab- bath or Best, as with the Jews. The French Dimanche is very expressive — the word dime answering to our tithes, that portion of the land's produce which was appointed as the Lord's due. The moon and the stars shine through the other days — red Mars, pale Mercury, bright Jupiter, Venus radiant-eyed, and cold and dis- tant Saturn moving slow. The people of the North consecrated these days to divinities of their own, but they for the most part corresponded in their attributes to those of gods which the Grecian mythology had borrowed from the East. The first day was dedicated to the sun, the second to the moon. In the North the sun was regarded as feminine — she was said to be the wife of Tuisco ; the moon was masculine. These genders are still so preserved to them in the German, Dutch, Danish, and Swedish lan- guages, all originating from the Teutonic root. Tuisco, ' the most ancient and peculiar god of all the Germans,' * points to the far-away legends of * Verstegan. NAMES OF MONTHS. 143 the Teutonic race, and their Indian god Deut, by whom the tribes were led from the countries of the rising sun to regions where a sterner atmo- sphere should reinvigorate the race.* Next come Wodin or Odin, god of battles, and father and chief of the gods ; Thor, the thunderer, the first- born of Odin ; Frigga or Freyga, the beautiful, the Yenus and Juno of the North; and S eater, a Saxon idol resembling Saturn. It is singular to remark that, while our week- days still bear Saxon names, the months of the year have reverted to those given to them by our Roman conquerors. Excepting only January, from Janus, a keeper of doors — the two faced god looking to the past and to the future — the Saxon names were far more significative than the Latin. The first month was called Wolf-monath, or Wolf-month, because at that rigorous season of the year men lived in dread of the attacks of these ravenous beasts. February, the second month, was called Sprout- kale, from the sprouting of kale which was used as a winter broth ; this name was afterwards changed to Sol-monath, from the returning sun. March was Lenet-monath, because of the * In High Dutch the third day of the week is called Erechstag, also in remembrance of the deified hero of old. The name Erech, originally from the word Heric or Haric, a chief warrior, became significative of a mighty lord, and has passed into countless forms — Eoric, Euric, Eric, Heinrich ; and from it our name of Henry is derived. 144 WHAT IS YOUK NAME '( lengthening days; hence we still call the fast preceding Easter, Lent, because the greater part of that season fell to Lenet-monath. April, Oster-monath, took its name from the east winds which prevailed at that time. May was called Tre-milke, because, on account of the fresh juices of the young grass, cows then afforded milk three times a day. June was Sere-monath, or dry month. July, Hay-monath, from the making of hay; or, Masd-monath, from the meadows being then in bloom. August was Barn-monath, from the harvest- time filling their barns with corn. September was Gerst-monath, from barley being then reaped. The old Saxon name for barley was gerst ; but this grain being looked upon with especial favour, 'from the drinke therewith made called beere,' it became first beerlegh, then berlegh, and finally barley.* October was called Wyn-monath, or Wine- month. November was Wind-monath, or Wind-month. December was originally Winter-monath, or Winter-month; but after Christianity was esta- blished in the land it became Heligh-monath, or Holy-month, from its being the birth-time of our Lord.f The Parsees assign each day of the month, and * Clavis Calendaria. f Ibid. NAMES OF ANIMALS. 145 each hour of the day and night, to superintending genii, and give to them the names of presiding deities. Significant names, chosen either from those of their gods or from lofty mountains, were given by the people of Armenia to each separate day of the week and to each of the twenty-four hours of the day and night. The wandering tribes of the Kalmuck Tartars, whose worldly possessions consist in vast herds of camels, horses, sheep, and a comparatively small number of cattle, give to months, days, and hours, names taken from those of animals. Greece and Rome did honour, too, in a differ- ent manner, to the names of some animals. The winners" of chariot races at the Olympic games consecrated in the temple of Jupiter the names of the horses to whom their triumph was owing, and ancient Latin inscriptions still exist which record the names of the winning horses in the circus at Rome. Of these names some recall that of their first master, others refer to their native land, while others are characteristic names, such as The Gentle, The Proud, &c. In Thibet, not the men who ride, or those who own the winning horses, receive prizes, but the animals themselves; various privileges are con- ferred upon them — amongst others they receive new and honourable names. But to the priceless steeds of Sahara, cherished as they are beyond all other possessions by the L 146 WHAT IS YOUR NAME 't sons of the Desert — petted, caressed, and cared for as tenderly in their youth as the children of the family — to them human names are never given. Forbidden by their Prophet to make representa- tions of the human form, it was also forbidden to the followers of Mohammed to call animals by the names of men and women.* And so amongst Arab steeds none answer to such names as cor- respond with our ' Miss Fannies ' and ' Lord Johns ; ' but beautiful names are found for them, generally significative of jewels — Marjanah, Coral; Lu-lu-ah, the Pearl, &c.f Thought travels back to sacred promises of old, and to the ' Good Shepherd ' who ' calleth His own sheep by name,' when we read of . flocks, sometimes exceeding a thousand in num- ber, being all known by name to their keepers. iSTot only is this the case in Palestine, even as it was in our dear Lord's day, but it is so also in Terceira, one of the lovely Western Isles or Azores, so called by the Portuguese from Acor, a hawk, those birds abounding in the islands when they were first discovered. We read also how in Italy vast flocks of sheep and herds of cattle are all known by name to * Miss Beaufort, a late traveller in the East, mentions, as amongst the many causes of ill-will existing between the Moslems and the Maronites, the intentional insult implied by the Zuh'leh people calling their clogs 'Mohammed,' while we at home consider it as a compliment to have our names given to pet animals. t Miss Beaufort mentions as names of dromedaries, Simri, Black ; and Helweh, Siveet. NAMES OF ANIMALS. 147 their vigilant keepers. Not only are the names of distinguished families in the land bestowed upon these beasts, but also their titles. Travellers describe the movements of these immense flocks of sheep as full of interest and picturesque beauty. As cattle are in Switzer- land yearly led to mountain pastures, so in Italy the sheep are pastured in the mountains of the Abruzzi and the highlands of the kingdom of Naples. When the summer heats begin, long processions ascend the breezy hills, sheep guarded by dogs, who, like their fleecy charges, all an- swer to individual names, which in their case are generally significant of fidelity and courage. The shepherds follow with their families, all laden with their domestic properties. When fruitful autumn's harvests have been gathered in, and the gleaning of the grapes and olives is over, the roads again become white with the snowy fleeces of the far-extending flocks, descending for the winter months to low-lying lands. The vast plains surrounding Rome for a circuit of six ' miles quickly assume the appearance of an immense sheep-fold, temporary huts being erected for the shepherds and their families. Independently of names given to individual animals, it is curious to notice how certain proper names of men and women have become identified with particular animals as a class, and this most frequently apart from their signification, and seemingly unaccounted for. i 2 148 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? In some cases such names, however, are most happily appropriate. The Englishman, in his wanderings over the globe, wherever he finds a red-breasted bird, calls it by the familiar name of ' Robin,' in remembrance of his trustful little favourite at home. We all know how this cheery little bird stays with us throughout the winter : the nightingales and the goldfinches do not tempt him to fly away with them to summer climes. We all know how, when snow is on the ground, his bright eyes peep through our window panes, while he taps on them with his tiny bill ; and -wherever heard, his gentle appeal is always responded to. But who knows why this name of Robin was given to him ? Whatever the rea- son, certain it is no name could suit him better : bright-eyed Robin answers to his name. As in winter he thankfully picks up each scattered crumb — as in spring-time he cheerily sings to his mate — is not his happy trustfulness a sweet repetition of the holy lesson intrusted to the ' fowls of the air?' Oh, listen to the little bird, anxious and careworn human beings ! Will your Father in heaven not ' much more care' for you? Robin is a bright counsellor. Robin is from Robert, originally Rod brecht, from the Teutonic, signifying one who speaks or counsels brightly, excellently. But why should the crafty fox be known as Reynard ? Rein-hard, an old Teutonic name also, which has so lovely a signification, a pure heart. NAMES OF PLANTS. 149 And Marten, which, like Martin, must be ori- ginally derived from Roman Mars, the God of War — whence our martial or warlike — what has such a name in common with a member of the weasel family? the name of Martin itself being given to different kinds of swallows. A bril- liantly coloured little mullet, found in the bay of Suediyeh, is called by the natives ' Sultan Ibrahim.' In France, a still greater number of such instances may be found. Both the English and French have assigned the pretty name of Margaret, signifying a pearl, to a mischievous chattering bird — Magpie and Margot. Glowworms, or St. John's worms — in German, Johannis Wurmchen — have their name explained by their beginning to appear about St. John the Baptist's day (24th of June), when St. John's Wort begins to blow. The same reason — its coming into bloom about the 22nd of February, St. Margaret's day — gives to the pretty daisy its old English name, Herb Margaret. In France it is always called ' Marguerite.' Herb-Bennet, or Gold-star, the common clove- scented Aven of our hedge banks, was originally named Herb Benedicta, from its blossoming about Corpus Christi day (May 28th). In France it is feminised as 'Benoite;' and also in Italy, 'Erba Benedetta' — all having the same signification, blessed. Herb-Gerard, or Gout-weed, flowering on St. Gerard's day (April 23rd), is supposed to share, 150 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? with its namesake, the power of healing the gout. The plant may be healing, or, like the saint, powerless to heal. The issues of life and death, sickness and health, are in the Almighty's hand alone ; but yet St. Gerard has an apt cure for much suffering — a noble lesson for all. A pre- cious truth lies in the significance of his name : derived from the language of the warlike Teu- tons, Gerhard sig. Brave heart. Sweet Williams take their name from St. Wil- liam de Monte Vergine, whose festival is the 25th of June, when they are in full bloom. A narrow-leaved variety, now seldom seen, used to be called Sweet-Johns. Wild Spinach is called by the French Bon- Henri. To Chervil, one of our old medicinal plants, was given the name of Sweet Cicely ; to one of the Milfoils, that of Sweet Maudlin, from Magdalene ; but why was a native of North Africa called Sweet Marjoram? Marjorie or Margery, a pretty old English diminutive — gone out of fashion now — for Margaret, but surely prettier than Maggie or Meg. And the aromatic herb of the East, the Kayhan of Persia (in Arabic, Eeyhan, a proper name, sig. the favour of God), which, because of its name, perhaps, as Avell as its fragrance, is planted in burial-places, and scattered by Egyp- tian women on the grave of those they loved. How comes Sweet Basil by its kingly name? Basileus, in Greek, sig. a king. The wild aro- LEGEND OE ST. VERONICA. 151 matic plant which is eaten by us when candied with sugar, the dried roots of which the Lap- landers chew as tobacco, is called Angelica (from the Greek), sig. a messenger from heaven. Is it because of its heavenly blue — unmatched in colour but by children's eyes — that the lovely Speedwell is called by the sainted name of Vero- nica, for on her day (the 13th of January) the wild flowers are all hidden away under their snowy coverlet? Protestants do not accept the wild legend of St. Veronica, Vera Icon, a compound name, Latin and Greek — Vera, true ; eikon, figure, likeness. The impression of the Saviour's face was said to have remained on a cloth with which a com- passionate woman wiped from His brow the drops of agony, as, bearing His cross, He passed her door on the way to Calvary. We do well to reject miracles based only on tradition; we do well to shrink from all undue reverence to saints ; but we do not do well to lose one lesson contained in the Hfe of a holy man or woman. We see, as it were, St. Paul and St. Barnabas rending then clothes in horror when unseemly worship is offered to them ; we hear them exclaim- ing, ' Sirs, why do ye such things ? we also are {were] men of like passions with you.' But we also hear our dear Lord's voice applying His parable of the good Samaritan to all hearers with the words, ' Go and do thou likewise.' 152 "WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? It may or it may not be that the blessed woman since called Veronica (from the supposed miracle) was Berenice, daughter of Salome, niece of Herod. Would that it were! for then she would have shown much courage as well as much compassion. But is it not more than probable that the legend had some foundation in fact? What wonder would it be if, from amongst the daughters of Jerusalem who did weep for Him who 'went about doing good,' one pitying hand stretched forth, as the patient Sufferer passed by, and passed her woman's veil tenderly over the ' marred' face, wet with the dews of unutterable agony ? Sacred dews, that shall henceforth descend in showers of unspeakable mercy upon mankind ! The Saviour's image — not graven on the sense- less cloth — would most surely be impressed on the woman's feeling heart, sanctifying her after- life, and making her for ever His own. He who attached a reward to a cup of cold water given in His name — would He have passed on His way regardless of this act of womanly sympathy, nor left His blessing behind ? And not to Veronica alone ! Sisters, are our veils ever wet with tears ? Let them recall to us Veronica's veil of other days— not pictured, but simply wetted by our dear Redeemer's drops of agony. HaUowed by the thought, thrice blessed will our tear- wetted veils become, if they serve to imprint the Saviour, the Comforter, upon our VERONICA, THE TRUE IMAGE. 153 hearts. The scene is reversed. It is we who must now bear the cross — it is He who will wipe our griefs away. Do any bear the pretty name of Yeronica? Oh, what a continual reminder they have of the holi- ness which their lives should reflect ! * * The Robin, called in Brittany Jean le Oorge-rouge, has his red throat and breast accounted for there by a pretty legend. His feathers are said to have been first crimsoned by his own blood, as he wounded himself in striving to pluck the thorns from the Saviour's crown. Some flowers have been called after saints from growing abun- dantly in the neighbourhood of their shrines. The plant Angelica may have derived its name from its healing powers, and fanciful eyes have discovered in the markings of the leaves of the Veronica some resemblance to a human face. The flower was believed to be a charm against evil spells ; hence its common name of Speedwell. 154 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? CHAPTEE VIII. Curiosities in histories of names — Superstitions in an- cient Rome — Lucky and unlucky names — Diocletian — Hippolytus — Superstitions in various nations — Lucky and unlucky letters — Talismans and charms — Moses' Rod — Solomon's Seal — Abracadabra — Hebrew and Drui- dical alphabet of trees and plants — Anagrams and acrostics — The Imperial riddle of the vowels — Sad story of an anagram — Variations in a name. TN days of old, ere Faith born of the Spirit J- was seen with radiant finger pointing ever upwards to a God of love, the human race, anx- ious-eyed and irresolute, followed blind super- stition into many a darkling and crooked path. Accomplished Greece and warlike Rome were alike bewildered by the conflicting claims of their many divinities, to whom in their ignorance and irreverent folly they attributed such idle jealousies and bitter animosities as would have disgraced humanity. They walked in fear and doubt all the day long. The minds of some of the wisest of their philosophers, the bravest of their commanders, were alike strangely and un- healthily affected by the commonest incidents of their daily life — they were unnerved or elated by the most immaterial circumstances. Amongst these many causeless sources of undue LUCKY AND UNLUCKY NAMES. 155 hopes and fears, none were looked upon as more pregnant with meaning, none considered of more moment, than lucky or unlucky names. Oracles were consulted and sacrifices offered up, so that by their gods fortunate names might be revealed. In religious ceremonies, and in all public undertakings, the greatest precautions were observed, so that those who assisted in them, or at least all those to whom prominent positions were assigned, should have names of good augury. The children by whom the victims were led, the priests by whom they were to be sacrificed, or by whom the new temple was to be dedicated, were carefully selected according to the signification of their names. When citizens were chosen for the formation of new colonies, or soldiers enrolled for military expeditions, or even when electors registered their votes, such names only as were supposed to presage good fortune were allowed to head the lists. In Rome, Valerius, sig. of strength, and Salvius, sig., of safety, were amongst the lucky names ; but Vespellian, derived from vespa, a wasp (a dis- agreeable companion indeed), Nasvus, a blemish, and Egerius, expressive of want, were avoided as sure prognostics of evil. Certain tribes were considered in consequence of their names to bring misfortune whenever they presented themselves first to vote, or to take part in any public ceremony. When criminals 156 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? were assembled for judgment, the trials com- menced with those whose names were reckoned as least fortunate. Good or evil auguries were drawn even from the names of animals. Lepidus iEmilius Paullus Macedonicus, a Ro- man consul, appointed for the second time to conduct the war in Macedon against Perseus, on returning to his house from the election found his little daughter iEmilia (No. 3) in tears. On his asking the cause, the child replied that her favourite dog Perseus was dead. The Roman general gladly accepted the omen for good. As- sured of success, he set off on the expedition which terminated in Perseus, last of the Mace- donian kings, being brought in triumph a prisoner to Rome, there to die of a broken heart. Before the battle of Actium, Augustus was rejoiced by a favourable augury — a donkey and its driver were the humble instruments of his joy. Meeting an ass, he hastened to enquire its name. It proved to be Nikan, sig. in Greek to conquer. Thus encouraged to ask the name of the man by whom it was led, his triumph was complete, for it was Eutyches, the fortunate ! After his victory over Anthony, Augustus built a temple in which were placed figures of the luck- bringing (?) ass and its master. In later days an Italian physician found in his name a powerful letter of introduction to the court of the Imaum of Muscat. On being asked LUCKY AND UNLUCKY NAMES. 157 his name, he replied Vincenzo, which, translated into the Arabic, Mansour, announced him as the victorious, and secured for him the immediate favour of the prince. In another name good fortune sprang from the addition of a letter. Friendless and poor, a young Persian named Nuari bore about him a continually depressing reminder of his low estate, for Nuari sig. destitute. One day the master with whom he studied, struck by his promise of excellence, exclaimed that his name should no longer be Nuari, but that he should be known as Anuari, sig. brilliant. The changed name acted as a charm : the spirit of the lad was aroused, and the whole power of his mind was put forth. The clouds of neglect and con- tumely rolled away — as a newly found star the young poet shone forth, and to this day his ad- miring countrymen delight to sing the songs of Anuari, the brilliant. Some names, alas ! have lost all their prestige through the change of a letter. An R changed into an H has ruined one reputation irremediably ! What cruel destiny presided over the transfor- mation of Robin Goodfellow — the beneficent fairy of olden times, well known to all country lads and lasses — into Hobgoblin, now become the nightly terror of all waking inmates in dark nurseries? But some names have in very truth brought misery on their possessors. To one of the early martyrs of the Christian Church a death of 158 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? peculiar horror was assigned in consequence of his ill-omened name. Hippolytus, a Koman soldier placed as a guard over St. Laurence — whose martyr's crown ex- ceeded in glory the laurel-wreath sig. by his name — moved by the dying saint's exhortations, and inspired by his sublime courage, not only became, but boldly avowed himself to be, a Christian. After the cruel martyrdom of St. Laurence, who was roasted alive on a gridiron, the brave Hippolytus, eager to prove his gratitude for the inestimable boon which the saint had bestowed on him, joined with some other fearless Christians in the daring act of carrying away the mangled body and affording it Christian burial. Soon arrested by the lictors of the Emperor Decius, Hippolytus resisted all attempts to shake his faith, and, after having seen nineteen of his family beheaded, he was himself reserved for a more agonising death. His name, signifying in Greek torn by horses, suggested to his cruel per- secutors the hideous mockery of fulfilling its meaning by tying the gallant soldier to the tails of wild horses. In the following century a strange story was attached to one of these unlucky names, as it proved to the bearer of it. A youth of obscure parentage received from his mother a name. Her name Doclea, from the village where she was born, was altered for her STORY OF DIOCLETIAN. 159 son into Diocles, sig. in Greek the glory of Jupiter. Enlisted in the Roman army, Diocles disputed one day with a woman the price of a meal which she had supplied to him. Reproached by her for his meanness, the young soldier mock- ingly replied, that when he became emperor he would become generous. ' You speak in jest, but your words will come true,' exclaimed the Druidess ; ' after you have killed a wild boar you will become emperor.' Haunted by this prediction, the ambitious sol- dier, as he pushed his way through each successive grade of his profession, eagerly sought every opportunity of slaughtering a wild boar. But it was not for many years that, far distant from his native land, on the banks of the .Tigris, the hidden sense of the prophecy flashed on the mind of the then captain of the Palace Guards. The news of the death of the Emperor Numerianus had reached the camp — Diocles was chosen by acclamation of the troops as his successor. One obstacle alone remained — one only rival stood between him and the throne — the praefect of the praetorians, Aper, sig. wild boar. Seizing on the pretext of his being suspected of the murder of his son-in-law, Numerianus, Diocles killed Aper with his own hand, and as emperor assumed the sonorous name of Diocletian. As I write the name Diocletian, does there not pass before the mind of my readers, even as it does before my own, an exquisite vision of such 160 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? mingled beauty and mournfulness that none could look and few can think upon it without tears ? A fair pale body — a woman's long hair floating around, dimly revealed through green translucent W aves — a still and shadowy horror over all — the only light in the picture the fair pale body just sinking to rise again, and the circle of light which, hovering overhead, tells of the 'Martyr in Diocletian's Reign.'* Was that murdered woman's drowning form amongst the crowd of avenging visions that scared from the throne of the Caesars the man whose life-long ambition it had been to attain to that proud preeminence? The lowly -born Dal- matian achieved his wildest dreams, but when his sceptre reeked with the blood of Christian martyrs its weight became intolerable. With his own hand, in the presence of the army and the people, in the very spot where he had so trium- phantly assumed them, he divested himself of the insignia of sovereignty to which he had attached unusual splendour. His imperial robe was of cloth of gold ; his silken slippers, dyed in purple, were incrusted with gems ; his diadem blazed with jewels of inestimable value ; and he caused himself to be addressed as Master, Lord, and God ! But the prosperity of the wicked is no enviable thing. The Dalmatian slave did indeed ascend the * The beautiful picture of that name, by De la Roche, in the French gallery of pictures in the International Exhibition of 1862. VARIOUS SUPERSTITIONS. 161 Caesars' throne, but of his own will he de- scended from it as from a seat of thorns. Worn out in body, distracted in mind, the murderer of so many men, women, and children, in a state of insanity, finally starved himself to death, to escape an imaginary death at the hands of Con- stantine. Prophecies like those which fired the ambition of Diocles frequently, as we see in his career, lead to their own fulfilment ; but it only needs to compare the superstitious fancies of different nations, which are often in direct opposition to each other, to show how far they are from resting on any sure foundation. It was at one time considered unlucky in Ireland to give a son his father's name, supposing that it shortened the parent's life. So, too, amongst the Hurons, a warlike tribe of North American Indians, it is (or we should, perhaps, with a people continually wasting away, say was) the custom that only after the father's death a child is allowed to bear his name. ' The Australian savages, on the contrary, dread no danger from the living, but shrink in terror from the name of one lately dead: survivors who bear the name hasten to take another, and even all utterance of it is avoided. Far more intelligible is the mistaken but tender superstition of the natives of Tonquin, the northern part of Cochin China. Does the news arrive there of some dear one dying in a M 162 WHAT IS YOTJE NAME? far-off land, his relations, jealous lest the stran- gers amongst whom he died should have neg- lected some needful observance in the last rites paid to the dead, are eager to fulfil these duties themselves. In the old home to which he will never return, they determine that his name at least shall be heard and honoured once more. The dead man's name is inscribed on a plank of wood — their love investing the rude symbol with reverence — and a mimic funeral takes place. We have seen that with names, as with human beings, ' some have been born to greatness, some have achieved greatness, and some have had greatness thrust upon them.' The lustre which encircles many names has been cast on them by the deeds of those that bore them ; while other names, fair in themselves, have been sullied and disgraced by their possessors. Names so dishonoured were indignantly pro- scribed by noble families in ancient Rome. The beautiful name of Lucius, sig. Light — which has in all languages its synonymes — was once a favourite praenomen in the patrician family of Claudius ; but rendered infamous by the crimes of two Luciuses, one convicted of murder and one of theft, the name was abandoned by the family. Favour and disfavour have attached them- selves not ' only to names, but even to the letters of which names are composed. LUCKY AND TJNLUCKY LETTEES. 163 By sages of old each letter was connected with a particular star, so that astrological influ- ence, as well as numerical value, contributed to exalt some letters above their fellows. A, E, H, and I were considered fortunate ; B, C, D, and F were looked upon as unlucky. T was also among the fortunate letters. The Greek Tau, t, or St. Anthony's Cross, was in olden times the hieroglyphic of security. It was said : ' Kill not them upon whom ye shall see the 'letter Tau.'* For it was the initial of Theos. But, disproving these idle fancies, the letter A proved most unfortunate to Alexis, married to the niece of Manuel Comnena. The Greek Emperor, anxious to fasten a quarrel on his niece's husband, affected to discover an indica- tion of Alexis' aspiring to the supreme autho- rity, in that his name began with the first letter of the alphabet. Pythagoras is said to have originated the belief that an uneven number of vowels in a name was a sure presage of misfortune to the unhappy proprietor — loss of sight, a broken limb, or some other mischance. In later days a French versifier accounted for the misfortunes of Margaret of Austriaf in the * G-willim's Display of Heraldry. t It was the morning of her life which with this princess was so overclouded. Margaret was the only daughter of Maxmilian I. and the beautiful Mary of Burgundy. She lost her mother, who was good as she was beautiful, while still in her cradle. Affi- anced to the Dauphin of France, son of Louis XI., the young m 2 164 WHAT IS TOUR NAME ? circumstance that the initial letter of her name was also that of the words malheur, misere, mal, martyre, malediction, malefice, mort. But, dear English Marys, Margarets, and Maudes, remember, I pray, that some of these terrible omens are destroyed by translation into other languages. The four letters which compose the name of the first man, ADAM, being the initial letters of words which in Greek indicate the four car- dinal points, Anatolia, Dysis, Arctos, and Me- sembria, were supposed to signify that God made Adam from earth taken from the east, the west, the north, and the south.* princess was sent to that country to be educated ; but on Charles VIII. marrying Anne of Brittany, she was dismissed, with all honour, but dismissed — an insult which her father never forgave. Another husband was found for Margaret in Don John, only son of Ferdinand and Isabella. On her voyage to Spain she was nearly lost, off the English coast, in a tremendous storm. With great composure the young lady composed her own epitaph, which, with her jewels, she bound about her arms : — ' Ci git Margot, la gente demoiselle, Qu'eut deux maris, et si mourut pucelle.' She did, however, live to reach Spain, and was married to John, who soon died. Again she married Philibert, Duke of Savoy. In three years she was again a widow, having then only reached her twenty-fourth year. Her after life was peaceful and honourable. By her father first, and afterwards by her nephew, Charles V., she was intrusted with the government of the Low Countries. Invested by Charles with full powers, Margaret concluded with Louise of France, mother of Francis I., the Peace of Cambray, thence called 'La Paix des Dames.' Dying in her fiftieth year, she left behind an unblemished name, and was mourned alike by the Netherlands which she had governed, and by Charles whose vicegerent she was. * Noel's Dictionnaire Historique. TALISMANS AOT- CHARMS. 165 It was once customary to write the name of Adam on the four corners of pigeon-houses, as a means of preserving them from the attacks of venomous reptiles. A pleasant by-path here opens out from the broad track of the history of names. We dare not take time to enter far, but we cannot pass on without a glance. How curious it is to notice how, in all tunes and amongst all nations, strong men and wise men have looked upon bits of stones or small scraps of writing as actual pre- servatives from harm ! The learned Egyptian clung to the representa- tions of his graceful Ibis or brilliant Scarabeus. In our day men irreverently take from the necks of mummies sacred gems which tens of centu- ries ago loving hands had tenderly hung about their dead, supposing them to be sure safeguards from all evil. Greeks and Romans, too, had their amulets of precious stones, carved in the shape or engraved with the figures of sacred animals, or mystic symbols. For our Anglo-Saxon forefathers a lump of amber sufficed, with a hole drilled through to hang round the neck of the living, or to place in the grave at the head of the corpse. The African has his 'fetish,' some native charm, or a printed page from a white man's book, or some scribbled line from a white man's hand. 166 WHAT IS YOUR HAME ? The North American Indian has his ' medi- cine,' feathers of a bird, bones or teeth of animals, or a rude representation of beast, bird, or fish. And Christian men and women, too, have shown strange and undue reverence for the relics of saints — looking upon dead bones, or hair, or rags of garments, as holy things endued with power to preserve them from danger. But with the seed of Abraham, the Faithful, the sons of Isaac and Ishmael, this superstition has been carried farther perhaps than with any other people. The Turks have adopted it from their co-religionists, the Arabs. The word talisman has been sometimes derived from the Greek telesma, ' incantation ; ' but it would seem rather to belong to the Arabic talsam, sig. ' mystical characters,' and applied also to the seals, rings, and papers on which such characters are inscribed. The Latin amuletum also claims an Arabian origin, from hamalet, something ' suspended,' as amulets generally are from the neck. Both names point to the East as the place whence Europe adopted this supersti- tion, and where it is still most fondly and uni- versally retained. In the Hebrew Cabala is to be found, it is said, the origin of many of the tales of marvel connected with amulets and talismans. Of those which strictly belong to our subject, the influence of names, we will but glance at two of the greatest importance. MOSES' ROD. 167 Jewish fables tell of the Zaphir rod, the in- strument by which they say Moses performed his miracles. On it the most holy name of God, the Tetragrammaton, or name of four letters, was inscribed. This rod, said to have been created in Paradise on the sixth day, was brought away by Adam, and passed successively through the hands of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph : on his death it was seized by Pharaoh. Jethro, one of the Egyptian monarch's counsellors, being friendly to the Israelites, conveyed it secretly away and planted it in his garden. When Moses took refuge with Jethro, beloved by Zip- porah, she prevailed on her father to consent to their marriage, one condition being affixed — that Moses should pluck out of the ground the Zaphir rod, on which was written the incommunicable name. Other men were allowed at the same time to try their strength, but none could raise it except Moses, who did it by virtue of the sacred name which he alone could rightly pro- nounce. How infinitely more sublime and impressive is the grand simplicity of Scripture ! Moses, once the pride of the Egyptian court, kept his father- in-law's flock in the desert when God spake with him. ' What is that in thine hand ? And he said, A rod.' . . . ' Thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.' No glitter- ing sword, or jewelled sceptre, or shining wand was bestowed on him; but his simple rod of almond 168 "WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? wood, his shepherd's staff, which he was then using in his appointed work, became mighty through the word of God. Uplifted in Jehovah's name, water became blood, fire from heaven ran along the ground, armies of devouring locusts appeared, the Eed Sea divided, and, behold, a pathway to the Land of Promise. Ah ! how often do we look abroad and covet instraments of power, when, lo ! they are in our very hands, companioning with us through our daily work ! God-blessed, the humblest instru- ments may do good service to God and man ; but they must be ' proved ' in prayer. So in later days the sling and the pebble in the shepherd-boy's hand slew the giant; and, yet more gloriously significant, the transverse wooden beams — the despised Cross — when hal- lowed by a Saviour's blood, have become a symbol mighty to save, an instrument of world-wide power, high above all, unmatched in its infinite significance. The Arabs, also, tell of Moses' rod, but they most delight to dwell on the wonders performed by the seal-ring of Suleyman Ibn Daood— Solo- mon the son of David. Partly composed of brass and partly of iron, its especial power con- sisted also in the ' most great name ' of God, ' El Im al Aazam' — a name known only to the especial favourites of Heaven — being engraved thereon. By virtue of this magical ring, Suleyman was Solomon's seal — abracadabra. 169 said to have commanded the mighty race of the genii inhabiting earth, and water, and air, both the good and the evil. His written commands for the good were stamped with the brazen part; those for the wicked with the iron — Hadeed, or iron, being considered unlucky. The Arabs say that thus were the whole race of the genii compelled to assist in the building of the Temple of Jerusalem. Beasts and birds, and even the lawless winds, obeyed this mighty talis- man.* The simple utterance of the name which it bore sufficed to transport the throne of the Queen of Sheba into the presence of King Suleyman in his palace at Jerusalem, and by it they affirm to this day that the dead can be raised. Amongst talismanic names Abracadabra must not be forgotten. Said to be a Persian name, and one of the many synonymes of Mithra, the Sun-god, the word is still to be seen in English and French dictionaries, described as a superstitious charm which, written on paper in a triangular form and worn about the neck, was once a popular remedy for the tertian ague. Serenus Sammonicus, a Latin physician, of the third century, recommended this charm against intermittent fever in some Latin lines, which still exist. * Lane's Notes to Arabian Nights. 170 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? ABRACADABRA ABRACADABR ABRACADAB ABRACADA A B R A C A D A B R A C A A B R A C A B R A A B R A B A The connection between names and numbers is spoken of in Scripture : the number of ' the Beast' is said to be 666. Ill-directed ingenuity has at various periods of history discovered this fatal number in the names of several obnoxious individuals. The Talmud is full of allusions to names and letters and numbers. It is there said that the letters which compose the name of Satan make the number 364, marking thereby that the power of the Evil One extends through all the days of the year excepting one, ' the Day of Expiation.' Letters have also been connected with plants. An alphabet of trees existed amongst the Chal- deans, Hebrews, Arabians, and Celts. Nations in their infancy were taught even as we teach our little ones now — letters and words were connected with pictured devices of various kinds. Some of these ancient symbols were full of poetic beauty, and in them we may often find a key unlocking strange mysteries and making hidden allusions ALPHABETS OF TREES AND PLANTS. 171 clear. Although they may sometimes give us a clue to the meaning of a name, the subject scarcely comes strictly enough within the range of our enquiry to be more than glanced at here. We find that the Hebrew letter Beth (B) was symbolled by a thorn, Daleth (D) by a vine, He (H) by a pomegranate, Vau (V) by the kingly palm, Yod (I) by the ivy, Pe (P) by the cedar, Resh (R) by the pine. These letters were differently represented by the Celts. With them the symbol for B was- the birch, for D the oak, for T the yew, for P the pine, for R the elder and the privet.* The Celts are said to have attached also to each letter and its symbolical plant the significance of some particular power. B was considered as ex- pressive of life, D of expansive or overspreading power. This letter — symbolled in the East by the vine, which before her captivity was the cogni- sance of Judasa, the Holy Land ; and in the North represented by the Druids' sacred tree, the oak, called in the Celtic Duir — has been in almost every land the initial letter of Deity. In the Chaldaic and Celtic alike, Di, the omni- potent, the disposer; in the Greek, Atog; in the Latin, Deus ; Italian, Dio ; Spanish, Dios ; French, Dieu. It was forbidden by the Greek laws that any persons should be ridiculed on the stage by their real names; but the fictitious and significant * Daviea's Celtic Researches. 172 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? names which were adopted in their plays afforded a fertile source of puns. The reproach which French writers have cast on English dramatists, including Shakspeare and Sheridan, for such play upon words, must be shared with the classic authors of both Greece and Rome. Even their orators, including Cicero, disdained not so to feather then' darts of sarcasm ; but in unskilful hands, or with a quick-witted adversary, it was dangerous play. The eloquent Q. Lutatius Catulus (which literally signifies little dog), denouncing with much vehemence the mal- practices of an extortioner, was rudely challenged by one who sought to defend the criminal — ' And why do you bark, little dog ? ■ ' Because I see a thief,' Catulus instantly replied. In a drama translated from the Sanscrit by Sir W. Jones we may see how far in the East also the practice of punning allusions on names Las travelled. Sacontala hails a companion, Pryam- vada, as one ' rightly named.' Pryamvada signifies ' one who speaks kindly ' and graciously. In our own day some happy hits have been made by expressive names, intelligible to all, and yet not clumsily apparent. Amongst a host of imitators few have been so successful as the in- ventors of the names Lord Verisopht and Lord Dundreary. Long names were, as we have seen, amongst the Greeks and Romans confined to men of rank. Their great ladies, we may suppose, appreciated ANAGRAMS. 173 them also, for at the luxurious banquets of Greece and Rome men drank to the health of their lady-loves as many cups of wine as there ■were letters in their names. The fair Greek Charitoblepharos, sig. one who has beautiful eyebrows, was no doubt a popular toast. Anagrams have ab'eady been alluded to as amongst the many curious subjects opening out from the history of names. The ' anagramma ' of the Greeks was at one time in high favour amongst ourselves. By the transposition of the letters composing the names of individuals and countries, appropriate epithets were sometimes discovered. The name of the attorney-general to Charles I., William Noy, a laborious man, was read, 'J moyl in law;' better still, old England was '■golden land.' 1 The simpler these anagrams are, the better. The transposition of a letter would connect two German words — leid, sorrow; lied, song — and illustrate the line all poets have felt to be true : — He learned in suffering -what he taught in song. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries many books were written, composed entirely of these ' Pleasant Fancies ' and ' Fair Conceits,' as they were called. One published in France, 1662, contains French and Latin verses, princi- pally panegyrics on princes and great men. Two of the best of these anagrams, untranslatable of course, were: — 174 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? Anne d'Autriche, Heine de haut rang." Paulus Apostolus, Tu salvas populos.f Though cai-ried at one time to a ridiculous extent, the subject cannot be regarded as wholly without interest, remembering that Galileo, when persecuted by ignorant bigots, disdained not to make use of anagrams. In them he em- bodied some of his scientific discoveries, as the only means by which they could be preserved secret and inviolate. Prophecies were also occasionally put forth in anagrams. Many such issued from a Provencal of the name of Billon, to whom Louis XIII. gave an annual pension of 1,200 livres, thereby securing, no doubt, the line which his prophecies should take. Amongst the most remarkable anagrams are some connected with religious subjects. The anxious enquiry which burst from the lips of the time-serving Roman governor, and which has again and again rung through the universe, uttered by the quivering lips of un- happy men who, like Pilate, are striving to serve two masters — that solemn enquiry, ' What is truth?' — has been made in Latin to answer itself in the person of Him to whom it was addressed : ' Quid est Veritas ? ' by transposing the letters be- * g to be accepted for e, we suppose, t Noel's Dictionnaire Historiijue. ACEOSTICS. 175 comes ' Est vir qui adest ' — ' It is the man who is here.' Acrostics, or verses in which the initial letters of each line form a name or word, ai*e amongst the instances of wasted ingenuity which may be found in connection with names. To Eusebius Pamphili (so called in memory of his martyred friend Pamphilus), Bishop of Caesarea, who lived in the fourth century, has been attributed the supposed discovery of a copy of verses, professedly by the Erythrean Sibyl. The poem put forth as delivered by her — who pre- dicted, it was said, the Trojan war and its issue — described the coming of the Judgment- Day. The initial letters of the lines composed the Greek words, Iesous Christos, Theou Uios, S6t6r, sig. ' Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.'' The initial letters of these words being then put toge- ther, the Greek word Ichthus, fish, is discovered, a fish having been early adopted by the Christian Church as a sacred symbol. Acrostics, as many old books remain to prove, long continued in favour. In the fifteenth cen- tury, Frederic III. of Austria delighted in such exercises of ingenuity. A species of acrostic composed by him was printed on his* books, en- graved on his plate, carved upon his buildings : it consisted of the five vowels, and as a riddle ex- cited much curiosity even amongst learned men of the time. After his death the secret was revealed by an interpretation written in his own hand : — 176 WHAT IS TOXTR NAME ? Austria T7st Tmperare f\ihi TTniverso Ilea Urdreich 1st Uesterreicli U nterthan.* The Latin and German, freely translated, so as to preserve the conceit, may be read : — Austria's Empire Is Overall Universal. In the sixteenth century Sir John Davis, a poetical judge, compounded a dainty dish to set before a queen in a volume containing twenty- six poems, all acrostics on Elizabeth Eegina. They took the form of addresses to ' The Rose,' ' The Lark,' &c. Addison tells us that in his day there were compound acrostics — verses being composed much in the same way as a weaver manufactures his ribands, edged by a name at each extremity, with the same name running down like a seam through the middle of the poem. There were also pentacrostics, where the name was repeated five times. To match with these English follies may be mentioned the labours of a Greek of ancient times, misnamed Tryphiodorus, sig. Giver of delight. His self-inflicted penance consisted in the composition of an epic poem on the adven- tures of Ulysses, each division of the poem leaving out in succession one letter of the alphabet — the first part being called Alpha, because no ' a ' was found therein; the second Beta, for a similar reason ; and so on till all the letters of the alphabet * Fugger. Coxe's Austria. A JbATAL ANAGRAM. 177 were in turn rudely called up, to show that their services could be dispensed with. ' Moses & Son,' ' Eowlands' Kalydor,' and other advertising houses seem now to enjoy a monopoly of acrostics. It would seem to have been felt at last an unwise thing to prefer jolting along on Pegasus with hobbled feet, his wings (the especial glory of the celestial steed) the meanwhile trailing uselessly on the ground. But lest there should still be some whose tastes incline them to the laborious amusement of ana- gram or acrostic writing, I would, as a warning of the fearful risks attendant on such pursuits, recall a lamentable story told by Addison as having happened hi his day ! A gentleman, suddenly enamoured of a fair lady, whose name he was told was the Lady Mary Boon, determined to win her affections by the desperate achievement of an anagram on her name. For this purpose he shut himself up in the strictest confinement for six months. The enterprise was at last accomplished, but not without some liberties taken with his subject. Mary he found unmanageable : he ventured therefore on its diminutive Moll. His task com- pleted — we are not told what he did make out — the hopeful lover hastened to present the fruit of his labours to the lady of his love. But the fair one frowns. She is, in the first instance", vexed to see her Christian name Mary degraded to Moll, and she then coldly informs the gentleman that N 178 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? her surname he has mistaken altogether — it was the lordly name of Bohun, not the plebeian Boon. Horror-struck at the irretrievable mistake, the wretched lover — his mind previously weakened by long and continuous application to the ana- gram — being totally overthrown by the sudden downfall of his hopes, in a few days became a raving lunatic. And yet one plea may be advanced for ana- grams and acrostics, if they are composed with greater accuracy than that of the unfortunate lover of Mary Bohun. The laboured lines may be as the setting to encase some precious stone, as the fossil gum which has preserved uninjured some rare insect or unique leaf of far-off times. Amber is often quadrupled in value from the specimen which it contains. Anagrams and acrostics, sufficiently good to have outlived their day, might be esteemed as a means of discovering the original spelling of some sought-for name. How numberless and perplexing are the various forms which names assume as they pass from mouth to mouth of successive generations, none but a name-hunter can tell. ■ We meet with these wonderfully varying names everywhere ; but let us now turn to one of the pretty Cornish holy wells. It is on the Trelawney property. Its arched roof is overgrown with silvery willows. It is overspread by a huge oak-tree garlanded with ivy. It is known as St. Nun's Well. Her legend is still preserved. She VARIETIES IN A NAME. 179 is said to have been the daughter of an Earl of Cornwall, and mother of St. David, the famous Archbishop of Menevia (now called St. David's), the patron saint of Wales. The waters of this holy well were supposed to cure insanity. Her chapel has passed away, and her name, too, is passing away from her pretty well, which is often now called the ' Piskies' ' (or the Fairies') Well; and yet there was an ample choice amongst the many forms which her name has assumed in various chronicles : — St. Nun, Nunne, Nonnet, Nunnites, Nunice, Nynnina, Neomena, and Niemyne. And after all these variations of her name, other chroniclers speak of the mother of St. David as a nun, called by the name of Malearia.* * Brady's Clavis Calendaria. n 2 180 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? CHAPTEE IX. Antiquity of our baptismal names — Bible names the favourites in England — Art of name-making died out — Names connected with French and English revolutions cha- racteristic — English diminutives of names : their love for them of ancient date — Christian converts clinging to old names — Origin of the popularity of some names — Peter, Catharine, Paul, and Margaret — Successive causes in- fluencing the adoption of names — Our patron saints — Heroes and saints, honoured men and women, romances, &c. — Names beginning with Z — Suggestions for new names from the Spanish, &c. — Nameless creditors — Names amongst Africans, North American Indians, Hin- dus — Jews and Arabians. TT7ITH but very few exceptions, all our bap- ' ' tismal names are older than — as a people — we are ourselves. Modern nations have done comparatively nothing to increase the treasury of individual names. Christianity — with its sublime inspirations, its deep and far-spreading influence over thoughts and words and deeds — has made but a very slender addition to the store. It is by names borrowed from the Assyrian, the Persian, the Hebrew, the Greek, the Roman, the Celt, and the Goth, that Christian Europe enrols her children in the vast army of Christ. To this rule the small exception will be found in a few names of Spanish, Italian, and French BIBLE NAMES. 181 invention, of which the greater number have been derived from the Latin. The religious element, which is more strongly- developed in Spain than in any other Eoman Catholic country, there assumes with regard to, names a different form from its simple manifesta- tion in England. Our open Bibles have given to us our favourite names — of women's names especially, those most universally in use are all of Hebrew origin. Our poorer classes seldom care to go beyond ' Bible names,'* as they are most expressively called, for in that their charm enduring for many centu- ries consists, wholly irrespective of signification. The great body of our people look upon names as typical of those that have borne them, and therefore it is that while Protestant England shrinks from undue homage to the Virgin Mary, her name, as that of the ' blessed among women,' the mother of our Lord, is heard in eveiy house throughout the land ; and almost as common among them is the name of the 'beloved' disciple John. The sweet name of Mary, as ' Marie' or ' Maria,' is also the universal favourite in Roman Catholic countries; it is constantly prefixed to * ' Bible names.' Amongst soldiers, sailors, agriculturists, and mechanics, even such names as Josiah, Jeremiah, Jesse, Noah, Ohadiah, &c, may be commonly found ; and Keziah, Eachel, and Ruth amongst the women of the same class. What joy to think that possibly a knowledge of the signification of such names may be blessed to some at least as an occasional reminder ! Jeremiah, ' one who gives glory to Jehovah; or God ; Obad-iah, 'the servant of Ood: 182 WHAT IS YOUE NAME ? other names, and not unfrequently even to those of men. We read that in part of Bavaria Maria is affixed to every woman's name, and Johann to that of every man.* The musical Spanish name, Dolores, signify- ing sorrow, ahnost a synonyme with Mary, was adopted as commemorative of the sorrows of the Virgin mother : in spite of its sad meaning it is an especial favourite. In Italy and Spain — also introduced in honour of the Madonna — we find commonly used the names of Immaculata, Con- cepcion, and Annunziata, signifying the Annun- ciation. In connection with this last is the still prettier, simpler name, Ave, a favourite name amongst them. Derived from the Hebrew 'haveh,' so beautiful an idea attaches itself to this word, that it may well have become a popular name. In this first word of the angel Gabriel's saluta- tion to the Yirgin are reversed, both in Hebrew and Latin, the letters which compose our first mother's name, Hevah, Eva; and thus it becomes significant of the rolling back of the curse entailed by her upon mankind, by the blessing which at that moment Mary, as the mother of the Eedeemer, was appointed to convey. Some of these foreign Roman Catholic names jar painfully upon English ears. Unfitted surely * Kev. J. Kobertson's Narrative of Mission to Danish Islands. NAMES OF CHRISTIAN ORIGIN. 183 for familiar use are the names, common amongst Spanish women, of Jesusa, and its diminutive Jesusita, and the yet more solemn appellation of Trinidada. But others of these continental names unused by us refer to religious festivals in our church. The French Domenique, Italian Domenico, Spanish Domingo, signifies ' the Lord's day,' or '■belonging to the Lord.' Pascal, almost a saintly name, is from the Hebrew Pascha, passage, the Jews' Passover and our Easter. Epiphanie, Epiphany, from the Greek, to appear, to shine, as a woman's name had its French diminutive Tiphaine,* rendered in English by Tiffany, as in the old lines referring to one of the Breton knights who came to England in William the Conqueror's time : — William de Coningsby Came out of Brittany, With Ms wife Tiffany, And Ma maid Manfas, And his dog Hardigras. In the name of Evangeline, Evangelista (from the Gr., sig. bringer of good news), there is a sound of joy-bells ringing; and sweeter still, from moonlit Bethlehem softly echoes the angel's song in the lovely name of Nathalie, sig. the Nativity. * From Theophama, the ancient name of the festival of Epi- , phany. Out of this word, when it became a name — a name ever a fertile source for a legend— sprang an imaginary personage, Theo- p'hama, the supposed mother of the tMee Mngs of the East. Salverte. 184 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? Its corresponding man's name, Noel, was once — as it well might be — a cry of joy. But it would seem that with rare exceptions the art of inventing names is one of those arts which have died out amongst civilised nations. On two occasions when revolutionised countries sought to inaugurate a new order of things by new names, the attempt in both cases proved a fail- ure. But even in these unsuccessful attempts the guiding principles apparent in both were, in their direct opposition to each other, strikingly charac- teristic of the respective nations and the spirit of the revolutions. Goaded, alas! by years of misrule — and, still worse, the mind of the nation having been cor- rupted by the sight of vice triumphant in high places — France, in her desperate and cruel mad- ness, denied her God, and flooded her land with her children's blood. Amongst other pagan names which, in that they were pagan, found especial favour, was one peculiarly appropriate — Brutus, sig. ' irrational] '•brutish.'* In another instance they were equally uncon- sciously but singularly correct in their choice of a watchword. In that frenzied cry, ' Les aristo- * Vide Ainsworth's Latin Dictionary ; our word brute, explained as 'senseless/ 'savage,' < ferocious/ being derived from Lat. brutus. Vide Todd's Johnson. ' The brute philosopher, who ne'er has proved The joy of loving or of being loved.' — Pope. THE FRENCH EEVOLTJTION. 185 crats a la lanterne ! ' ( Death to the aristocrats ! ) , the monsters who used the word to condemn others little dreamt that they were ever their own accu- sers. Aristocrates, the name of a king of Sparta, literally signifies the rule or power of the best* Did not the leaders of the French revolution seek to destroy 'the rule of the best — nay, all that was holy and good — when they forbade teachers to pronounce the name of God in their tuition of the children of the people ;'f when the pre- sident and members of the commune outraged decency by paying homage to an infamous woman under the name of the Goddess of Reason ; when, not content with inventing horrible deaths for the living — saintly men, virtuous women, inno- cent boys and girls, and sinless babes — they violated the grave itself to insult and mock at the silent dead? None were spared, living or dead — no reputa- tion, no age, no sex, no rank. Amongst the coffins of the royal dead one was missing : it was that which contained the body of a young daugh- ter of Louis XV., who had fled from a gay * apiarog (aristos), 'best, and so in all sorts of relations, like ayaOog (agathos), to which it serves as superlative, in Homer usually best, bravest, noblest .... first transferred in Att. to moral goodness.' — Liddell and Scott, p. 182. Kpa.To.), Tulliola (w.) — Worthy of being brought up. women. Una — One, expression of match- less perfection. Bona — Good. Emerentia — Deserving. Casta, — Chaste. Mathurine — Perfected. Meliora — Better. Teutonic. tS.TS.TS. Vibert — Of eminent holiness. Wimund — Holy peace. Godard — Heavenly disposition. Engelbert — Bright as an an- gel- Amalaric ; Sanscrit, Amala — Faultless ruler. Gomesind; Spanish, Gomez — Good youth. Guthman; Spanish, Guzman - Good man. Betstan — The best. WOMEN". Amalia — Faultless. Amalaberga — Faultless tower, fig. steadfastness. Bathilde — Good girl. Celtic. Saidi, Sad — Firm, just. MEN. Angus,from ango — Undeviating. Arabic. MEN. Saleh — Virtuous and just. Abu '1 Fazl— Father of excel- lence. Aziz, Azeezah (w.) — Excellent. Omar — Better. Persian, Anushirwan — Of a ge- nerous mind. Hindu. WOMEN* Mher ul Nica — First of women. CLASS II. — ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 245 Division 3. Love and Jewels as significant of preciousness. Hebrew. MTT.-W, David, Hobab — Beloved. Jedidiah, Jedidah (w.) — Well- beloved. Benjamin — Son of my right hand. Abner — The father's lamp. Absalom — The father's peace. Saul — Asked for. Adlai — My ornament. WOMEN. Abigail — The father's joy. Hephzibah — Mydelightiainher. Keren Happuoh — My box of eye ointment. Peninnah — Precious stone or coral. Ispah — Jasper-stone. Pinon — Pearl. Sapphira — Sapphire. Greek. MEN. Erasmus — Loved. Erasthenes — Greatly loved. Agapetus— Beloved. Polytimeus — Very precious. Philetas, Philemon, Philander — Loving. Philopater, 8 Philomater, Philo- delphus — Loving father, mo- ther, brother. Patrocles, Metrocles — Glory of father and mother. Pamphilius — Beloved by all. Damian — Popular. WOMEN". Erato, Elma — Love. Erotium — A little love. Leiphile — Twice loved. Pasiphila — Beloved by all. Philumena — Of a loving mind. Charis, Phintias, Phila, Phil- lina — Loving and loved. Eudora — A good gift. Medora («.) — A mother's gift. Imogene — A beloved child. Delphine — A loving sister. Margaret, Margarita, Marguerite — A pearl. Menie (s.) — Cared for, cherished. MEN. Amand, Amanda (w.), Amias, Aymon — Beloved. Desiderius, Didier, Desire"— De- sired. Italian, Benvenuto — Welcome. Latin. Publius, Publicola — Popular. WOMEN. Amata, Amabel, Amy — Beloved. Volumnia — Longed for. 246 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? WOMEN. Nina, 3 Ninita — Darling, little darling (Old Spanish Diet. Spanish. transl. as 'apple of the eye'). Mercedes 3 — A gift, a favour, also 'thanks.' Teutonic. MEN. Leofwyn — Love-winner. Leofstan — Best beloved. Leofric — Beloved ruler. Leopold — Beloved and brave. Alwyn, Alwy — Beloved by all. Ethelwyn — Noble and beloved. Berthold — Beloved and bright. Reynold 4 — Pure love. Edwin, Edwy — Happy and be- loved. Harold — Beloved leader. WOMEN". Wyn,Holdlie — Beloved, lovely. Deorwyn — Dearly loved. Deorswytha — Very dear. Minna, Minnie — Borne in me- mory, beloved. Vala — Chosen. Valborge — Chosen tower. Adeline — Noble wife. Audovere — Happy wife. Ghiselle, Giselle — Companion. Beage — Bracelet, fig. precious. Beage stan — Bracelet-stone. Madoc — Fatherly chief. Celtic. MEN. | Mungo — Beloved. MEN. Mustafa — The chosen. Aziz, Azeezah (w.) — Dear, ex- cellent. Sa'ed — Forearm (expression of nearness, dearness). WOMEN. Mahboobeh Shoh — Beloved. Bahmah — Gift of God's mercy. Tohfeh— A gift. Safiyeh ; Turkish, Sofiyeh — Chosen. Looloo Luluah ; Persian, Mur- wari — Pearl. Johareh — A jewel. Arabic. ZumuiTud — Emerald. Persian, Statira (s.) — A gold coin. Denaneer — Pieces of gold. Bahr el Kunooz — Sea of trea- sures. Shej eret el Durr — Tree of pearls. Nuzhet el Fuad— Delight of the heart. Nuzhet es Zeman — Delight of the age. Lezzet el Dunya — Delight of the world. Hazut en Unfoos — Life of souls. Kui-rat el Eyn — Delight of the eye. Koot el Kuloob— Food of hearts. CLASS II ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 247 Hindu. MEN. | 'WOMEK'. Door dowran — Pearl of the age. Mootie — Pearl. Soem— Emerald. j Ani Mootie— Precious pearl. Chinese. WOMEN. Ghiang Koo — Little darling. North American Indian. MEN. Wingemund — The beloved. Netis — The trusted friend. WOMEN. Nenemoosha — Sweet heart. Eeh-nis-kin — The crystal stone. MEN. Malachi — An angel. Zaccheus — Pure. Er, Neri, Jairus — Light. Abner — The father's lamp. Japhia, Nogah — Splendour. Samson — Sunny. Division 4. Light and Purity. Hebrew. Barak; Carthag. Barca — Light- ning. WOMEN. Ruth — A vision (of bright- ness?). Almah — A maiden. Greek. MEN. Fosco — Light. Phano, Lychnos — A lamp. Phaon — Brilliant. Periphas — Most brilliant. iElianus, Aland, Alan — Sun- bright. Anatole — Rising of the sun, the East. Lampadius — A torch. Ignatius — A kindled flame. Lycurgus — Work of light. Apelles — Without shade. WOMEN. Heloise, Helena (s.) — Bright as the sun. Phoebe, Selina — Pure radiance, as the moon. Asteria — Radiant as a star. Marmarium — Radiant. Aurora — Morning light. 248 v- WHAT IS YOUR NAME Aotis — Ray of light. Aglae, Eudoxia — Splendour. Inclyta — Illustrious. Delia, Phaedra, Lampisium — Brilliant. Parthenia, Neottis, Cora, Co- rinne, Coralie — A maiden. Lampeto — I shine. Olympia — Shining afar off. Psyche — The soul. Zora — Pure. Hyale — Crystal. Margaret, Margarita, Margue- rite, Margery — Pearl. Katharine, Katinka, Katrine, Catalina, Kathleen, Katie, Kate — Spotless, pure. Petala — A young leaf, fig. a young girl. Phsedora, Feodora — A shining gift. Latin. MEN. Fulgens — Brilliant. Flaminius, Flamirda (».) — Flame. Lucius, Lucullus, Luke, Lucia (id.), Lucy (w.), Lucille (w.), Lucinda (w.) — Light. Clair, Clara («>.'), Clare (w.), Clarinda (».), Clarissa (w.) — Clear light. Lilius, Lilian (w.), Lilias (w.), Lilla (w.) — Lily, fig. purity. Virginius, Virginia (w.) — Pure. WOMEN. Diana — Bright as day. Luna — The moon. Stella, Estelle — A star. Teutonic. MEN. Engelbert — Bright as an angel. Bertrand — Bright, generous. Albert, Adalbert, Ethelbert — All bright, noble and bright. Hildebert — Illustrious lord. Childebert^-Illustrious prince. Gilbert, Willibert — Light of many. Dagobert — Bright as day. Herbert — Illustrious ruler, or chief. Hubert — Mighty and illustrious. Egbert — Eminently bright. Berthelm — Helmet of light. Humbert — Light pf home. Philibert — Beloved and bright. WOMEN. Icelandic, Mona — The moon. Bertha — The shining one. Dagmar — The mother of day, the dawn. Hilda — The maiden. Celtic MEN. Taliessin — Radiant brow. WOMEN. Gwendaline — Lady of the white bow, the crescent moon. Essylt, Isolt, Ysolt — A vision (of brightness). Aeron — Queen of brightness, splendid one. Gladys, Gladusa — Brilliant, splendid. Bun — The maid. CLASS II ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 249 Nina — A young girl. Arabic. MEN. Abu Noor — Father of light. Doel Mekan — Light of the place. Kamar es Zeman — Moon of the age. Bedr Basim — The smiling full moon. Es Semendal — The salamander. WOMEN. Shems en Nehar — Sun of day. Shems ed Doha — Sun of the forenoon. Budoor — Full moons, excess of splendour. El Bedr el Kebeer — The great full moon. Nejmet es Sabak — Morning star. Noor el Huda — Light of day (also fig. guidance). Noor Mahal — Light of the Harem. Noor Jehan — Light of the world. Nehar es Sena — Pharos of splen- dour. Zara — The brightness of the East. Persian. MEN. Kouresh, Khosrow, Mithra, &c. — The sun. Korshid — The splendour of the sim. WOMEN. Lab — The sun. Boxalana, from Roushen - Splendour. nan. WOMEN. Sitareh; Hebrew, Esther, Hester I Sosana, Susan, Suzette — A lily. —Star. I North American Indians. women. I Hee-la'h-dee — The pure foun- Seet-se-be-a — The midday-sun. I tain. 250 WHAT IS YOUE NAME? Division 5. Truth, Sincerity, and Fidelity, Hebrew. MEN. Ammon, Amana (w.) — Faithful and true. Caleb — A dog (as significant of fidelity). MEN. Evages— Truthful. Piston — Trusting, trustworthy, Greek. Philalethe — Lover of truth. Alethe (w.), Alethea (w.) — Truth. MEN. Fides, Fidelis, Fidelia (w.) — Faithful, true. Latin. Vero, Vera (w.), Verax, Vera- nius, Verania (to.) — True. MEN. Eoger — A man of his word. Beornoth— A noble's oath. Teutonic. WOMEN. Gertrude — Maiden trusted and true. Celtic. MEN. Gruron — A true man. Gwair — A just man. Arabic. MEN. Amin, Amineh (to.)— Faithful. Kuleyb, Celb, Celba(i«.)— Dog, fig. fidelity. Abu '1 Wefa— Father of fidelity. Sawab — Rectitude. North American Indian. MEN. Shonka — The dog. CLASS II. — ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 251 Division 6. Help-givers. Hebrew. MEN. Azur, Esdras, Hoshea — Helper. EapHa — Healer (title of honour with Egyptian monaroha). Manaen — Comforter. Hanani, Ananias — Grace, mercy. WOMEN. Zillah — Shadow, fig. shelter, protection. Hamutal— Shelter (from heat or rain). Hannah, Anna, Anai's, Annette, Annie, Nanette, Nanina, Na- non, Anina, Anita 5 — Grace, good-will. Greek. MEN. Soter, Sosthenes, Sosia, Sosan- dra (w.) — Saviour, preserver. Alexis, Alexia (w.), Amyntas (m. w.), Alcides, Boetius, Epicurus — Helper. Jason — Healer. Onesiphorus — Bringer of help. Alexander, Alexandra (w.), Alexandrina (iv.), Alaster, Allister — A brave protector or defender. Lysias, Lysander — Liberator. Egidius, Giles, Gillian (w.) — A shield. Evergetes— Benevolent. Megaliter — Large heart. Aristobulus — Excellent coun- sellor. Menelaus — Who strengthens the people. WOMEN. Panacea — A healer. Euryone — Of vast usefulness. Pyrgo — A tower, fig. protection, shelter. Charixene, Polyxene — Lover of strangers, hospitable. Charis, Charity — Good-will. Ophelia — A help-giver. Eucharis — Gracious, Good, and Fair. Latin. MEN. Salvator — Saviour. Sulpicius — A refuge. Fulk— Support. Scipio — A staff! Gratian, Gratia (w.), Grace (w.), Gracienne (w.) ; Italian, Graziosa ; Spanish, Engracia — Courteous, kindly. Auxilius — Helpful. Benevolus — Well-wisher. Publius, Publicola— Universally esteemed. Expeditus— One who expedites. 252 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? Extricatus — One who extricates. Ponce — Abridge, fig. of succour. "WOMEN. Mercedes— Favour. Carita — Charity. Genereuse — Generous. Portia— A harbour, fig. safety. Teutonic. MEN. Adolphus, Adolphine (to.), Ede- fonzo — Noble helper. Alfonzo, Alphonsine (to.) — Al- ways a helper. Ludolf — The people's help. Udolph — Happy helper. Rodolph, Rolf, Raoul — Counsel and help. Randolph and Ralph — Pure, disinterested help. Chilperic — Kingly helper. Botolph — Ship of help. Gyffard — Liberal heart. Gaston — Hospitable. Roland — Saviour of his coun- ty (?)• Beomhelni — Helmet of the no- bles. William, Wilhelmina (w.) — Helmet, or helm, of many. WOMEN. Ethelgifa, Elgiva— Noble help- giver. Heldewig, Hawisa, Avico — Lady of defence. Lutgarde — Protectress of the people. Emma ; Icelandic, Ammie — A nurse. Hildegarde — A lady who is a protectress. Bridget (brygge) — Bridge, fig. of succour. Ingeborge — Tower, fig. of de- fence, shelter. Lina («.) — A support. Celtic. MEN. Celtic % Teutonic, Ceol mund- Ship of protection. WOMEN. Cwen burgh — A woman who is a tower, fig. trustworthy. MEN. Azim — Defender. Hhafiz ; Persian, Hafiz — Pre server. Arabic. Maaroof — Kindness. El Feizad — The overflowing, fig." generosity. North American Indian. Mecheet a neuch — The wounded bear's shoulder. CLASS II ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 253 Division 7. Courage and Strength. Hebrew. HEN. Ari, Arieh, Laish — A lion. Areli — Son of a lion. Phcenic. Hiram — High-souled. Lebbeus, Boaz— Manly. Elon — An oak, fig. strength. Gideon — Who breaks. Herod, Herodias (w.) — dragon. Zeeb — A wolf. WOMEN". Eshtaol — Strong woman. - Fiery Greek. KEN. Andrew, Adrian, Alcander, An- tenor — Manly, brave. Evander — Good and brave. Leander — Gentle and brave. Iphis — Courageous. Iphicles — Glory of courage. Iphicrates — Strength of courage. Nicias, Nicanor, Meander, Nico (w.), Nicium(?(7.) — Victorious. Nicephorus — Bringer of victory. Domitian — A conqueror. Nicholas, 6 Nicola (w.), Colette, Nicodemus — -Victorious over the people. Andronicus — Conqueror of brave men. Inachus, Alcestes, Alcestis (h>.), Alcibiades — Full of strength. Callimachus — One who fights gloriously. Aper — Wild boar. Eetion — Eagle. Lycos, Lycostrates — Wolf, strength of a wolf. Cephas, Petros, Petrea (w.), Pe- ter, Petronilla (w.); Italian, Pietro, Pietra (w.) ; Spanish, Perez ; French, Pierre, Pier- rette(w.); Perrine(?o.) — Eock. Hector — An anchor, fig. cham- pion, defender. Machfera — Sword, fig. warlike. Chasrernachus — Eejoicing in war. Panthoiis — Always brave. Triptolemus — Thrice brave. Pammenes — All-enduring. Telemon, Mentor — Patient and brave. Demosthenes — The strength of the people. Adamastus — Indomitable. Thrasymene — Brave speaker. Thrasybulus — Brave counsellor. Leo, Leonidas, Lionel, Leonce (m. w.), Leonora (w.), Leonie (to.), Leontine (w,), Laena 7 (w.)— Lion-like. WOMEN. Eunice — Good victory. Zelie — Zealous. Berenice — Bringer of victory. 254 WHAT IS YOUR NAME '{ Elpinice — Hope of victory. Deidamia — Dauntless. Dorymene — Courageous. Aichileonis — Chief lioness. Iphigenia— Of a courageous race. Callisthenie— Full of strength. Timandra — One -who honours brave men. Latin. MEN. Victor, Victoria (■».), Victorine (w.), Vincent — Victorious, in- vincible. Romulus, Romola (w.) — Strength, power. Marcus, Mark, Martin, Marcel- lus, Marcia(w.), Marcella(w.), Marcellina (w.) — Martial. Valentine, Valerius, Valerie (w.)> Nero 8 — Strong. Firmin, Firmilianus— Firm, un- shaken. Lupus, French, Loup; Sabine, Hirpus — Wolf. Anthony, Antonia (w.~), Antoni- nus, Antonina (w.), Antonio, Antoinette (w.) — Anton, race of Hercules, sig. of strength. Aquila, Aquilinus — Eagle. WOMEN. Tanaquil 9 — Eagle chieftainess. Romilda — Lady of power, La- tin 8f Teutonic. Ursula, Ursina — Little bear, sig. of courage. Elvira — Of manly courage. Teutonic. MEN. Archibald, Erkinbald, Baldric, Baudry — Chief of the brave. Algernon, (s.) Algar, Holgar — Noble weapon, fig. noble and brave. Hugh (also Celtic) — Mighty. Frank, Francis, Francisco, Fran- ces^.), Fanny(tt>.), Francesca (».), Fanchon (iv.) — Indomi- table. Edgar — Happy weapon, fig. suc- cessful in war. Germain, Germaine (w.) — Man of war, warlike. Gerald, Geraldine (w.) — War- like chief. Gerard — Brave heart. Richard — Great heart, valiant, powerful. Sigurd, Sigeard — Ruling spirit. Sigismund — Victorious peace (mund also sig. protector). Sighelm — Helmet of victory. Sigbert — EJustrious conqueror. Berenger, Berengaria (w.) — Warlike chief. Bertram — Eminent for strength. Engelram — Of supernatural strength. Gustavus, Gonsalvo, Goncalez, Gunstaf — Staff of war. Gunther — Warlike leader. Gunthram — Strong in battle. Meyrick — Renowned chief. Hargrirn, Grimoald — Fierce chief. Hildebrand — Sword of war. (Hildr— War-goddess.) Canute— Knot, fig. strength. CLASS H. — ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 255 Scebald — Fearless at sea. Modred 10 — Brave counsellor. Charles, Karl, Carlos, Charlotte (w.), Caroline (w.) — Valiant, strong. Leonard — Lion-heart. Leonric — Lion-ehief. Arnold — Eagle-chief. Arnulph — Eagle and wolf, fig. matchless bravery. Everard — Heart of wild boar. Bernard, Bemardine (w.) — Bear's heart. Ulf, Olf— Wolf. Wulfric— Wolf-chief. Ethelwolf— Noble wolf. Ranwulph — Generous wolf, Wulfheah— Tall wolf. Soewulph — Wolf of the sea, &c. Ferdinand; (s.) Spanish, Her- nando (foerdig) — Daring. WOMEN. Matilda, Maude — Brave girl. Thora, Thordisa,Thyra — Daring. Velleda — Powerful. Gonda — Brave. Hildegonde, n Modgudor — Fe- male warrior. Celtic and Gaelic. MEK. Cadwallader — Supreme disposer of battle. Fingal («.) (fion-gael) — Strong- est of the strong. Colgar — Warrior with the proud looks. Boiorigh, Brian — Terrible chief. Cedric (s.) (cead righ) — War chief. Cadmar — Strong in battle. Fergus — Strong arm, strong man. Ard gal — Exalted valour. Dugald (s.) — Black-haired and strong. Caradoc (Caradawg) — Captain of fighting chariots. MEN. Baharam— The planet Mars, a king, a sword. Behadar; Hindu, Behadur; Ara- bic fy Turkish, Behadir — A hero. Dermot (s.), Diarmid'(duir meod) — Oak-father, fig. a chief. Morhold — Ruler of the sea. Morvran, Mervyn — Raven of the sea. Tuileach — Overwhelming flood. Merideth — Roaring of the sea, Gniphon — Battle-spear. Flamddwy — Firebrand. Llewellyn — Lion-like. Gryffyn, Griffith, Grufryd — Dragon. Arthur — A bear. Bathanal — Son of the wild boar. Budignat — Son of victory. Boadicea — Victory. Kahraman — A warrior. Carcas — Eagle. Fareksavar — Intrepid horse- man. Turkish, . Bdheiim — Thunder- bolt. 256 WHAT IS YOUR NAME Arslan Sher; Arabic, Assad Dirbas, &c. — Lion. Slierkok — Mountain lion. Alp Arslan— Strong lion. Cyaxares — Lion-king. Arisai — Lionlike. Kelig Arslan — Sword of a lion. Kesel Arslan— Bed lion, &c. HEN. Er Eaad el Khasif— The loud pealing thunder. Alp — Strong. Ghanim — Taker of spoil. Chinese. Arabia. Hallouf— "Wild boar. Marfain — Hysena. Melek el Mansour — Victorious king. MEN. Hwang Lung — Yellow dragon. Tsing Lung — Azure dragon. Chaon-Kin-Lung — Golden dra- gon. Lung So — Dragon renewed. North American Indian. MEN. Soangetaha — The strong-heart- ed. Kwasind — Strong man. Pahtooeara — He who strikes. Munnepuska — He who is not afraid. Goto kow pah a — He who stands by himself. Eeshakkonee — The bow and quiver. Kenen, Pehta, Nixwarroo, &c. — War-eagle.* Eeahsapa — The black rock. Nekime' — Thunder. Tunt aht oh ye — The thunderer. Ea chin che a — The red thunder. Wa saw me saw — Roaring thun- der. Mahtothpa — The four bears, fig. of fourfold courage. Shome cosse — The wolf. Chaheechopes ■ — The four wolves. Kah gah gee — The raven. Ladooke a — The buffalo bull. Pez he kee — The bison. WOMEN. Oo j een aheha — The woman who lives in the bear's den. Me cheet a neuh — The wounded bear's shoulder. Katequa — The female eagle. Ah kay ee pixen — The woman who strikes many. * A few only of these almost unpronounceable names are given as being characteristic, but every tribe has its various names signifying more particularly Thunder, Eagles, Eagle's ribs, &c, and Bears, red, white, grizzly, old. &c, Bear's child, Buffalo's child, &c. The wounded, bear's shoulder, as the name of a wife, suggests a pretty idea of tender and soothing support, to which a terrible contrast is afforded by the woman who strikes many ! (Names quoted from Catlin's N. A. Indians.) CLASS II. — ABSTRACT QUALITIES. Tahitian. 257 MEN. Pauma — A kite. WOMEN. Pomare — Perhaps the feminine. Division 8. Wisdom and Intellect. Hebrew. MEN. Zephaniah — The secret or coun- sel of God. Darda— Pearl of wisdom. Chilmah — Learned. Barnabas — Son of exhortation, or prophecy. WOMEN. Dinah — One who judges. Deborah — A bee, fig. industry and art of governing. Greek. MEN. Cleomenes, Climene (to.) — A glorious mind. Sophocles, Clisophus — Glory of wisdom. Callinoiis — Fine mind. Nicomedes — Powerful mind. Euphron, Euphronia (to.) — Eight-minded. Sophronius, Sophronia (to.), So- phroniscus — Temperate, wise. Cleobulus — Glorious counsellor. Aristobulus — Best counsellor. Chrysostom — Golden-mouthed, fig. of eloquence. Pythagoras — Who speaks as an oracle. Numa — Law. Cosmo — Order. Bulis — Well-advised. Nestor — One who remembers, or is experienced. Archimedes — A master-mind. Melesias — Thinker. Pythias — Enquiring. Daedalus — Ingenious. Cadmus — Who adorns. Metiochus— Prudent. Gregory — Vigilant. WOMEN. Sybil — Counsel of God. Theano — Divine intelligence. Sophia, Sophy, Sophiele, Sopho- nie — Wisdom. Sophronia, Sophrosyne, Sophro- nium — Temperate, modest. Ida (s.), Idaline — Ear-seeing. Arsinoe — Lofty- minded. Ismena, Athenais, Miner vina — Learned. Eurymene — Large-minded. Eurydice — Liberal judgment. Urania (from Sanscrit), Varouna — Who studies the skies. Eudocia — Who thinks well. Phantasia — Imagination. Icasia — Who conjectures. S 258 WHAT IS YOUK NAME? MEN. Cato — Well advised, prudent. Facundus — Eloquent. Latin. WOKEN. Sapientia — Wise; French form, Sage. Prudence. Teutonic. MEN. Ernest, Ernestine (w.) — Ear- nest-minded. Egbert, Cuthbert — Eminent for wisdom. Robert, Rupert, Robin, Robi- netta(w.) — Bright counsellor. Cuthwin — Winner of wisdom. Wistan — Wisest. Conrad — Wise counsellor. Alured (s.) — Universal coun- sellor. Arabic. MEN. El Abtan— The most profound. | Meh di— A guide. North American Indian. MEN. Ethelred, Ethelreda 12 (w.% Au- drey — Noble counsellor. Roderick ; Spanish, Rodriguez, Diaz — Chief counsellor. WOMEN. Edma — Mind. Radegunde — A woman who counsels. Chesh oo hong ha — Man of good sense. Not oway — The thinker. Mash kee wet — The thought. Wa hon gaskee — No fool. Hahnee — The beaver. Pah me cowetah — The man who tracks. Division 9. Glory, Power, Noble Birth, and Station. Hebrew. MEN. Abraham — Father of a great multitude. Malchus — Fang. Adrammeleck — Power of the king. Sharai — Prince. Jared — Ruler. Jesse, Jessica (?».), Jessie (to.) — Wealthy. Adonizedek — Lord of justice. Adonibezek — Lord of lightning. Aaron — Lofty mountain. CLASS II. — ABSTEACT QUALITIES. 259 Ephraim — Increasing. Bartimeus — Of honourable birth, or the son of Timeus. "WOMEN. Milcah — Queen. Sarah — Princess. Deborah — Bee, fig. female ruler. Aholibamah — 'My tent is ex- alted.' Magdalene, Madge, Madeleine, Madeline — Tower, magnifi- cent. Greek. MEN. Basil, Basilis (tv.); modern Greek, Vassilis, Vassilissi (w.), Va- sileia (w.) — "King and Queen. Anaxis, Anaxo (w.) — King and Queen. Kyrios, Kyria (w.), Kyrillos, Cyrus, Cyril, Cyrilla (w.), Cyra (w.) — Lord, lady. Archelaus — Chief of the people. Porphyry — Purple, fig. royal. Stephen, Stephanie (w.) ; Spa- nish, Eateban ; French, Etienne — Crowned. Epiphariius — Most illustrious. Sebastian — Reverenced. Creon — 'I command.' Crcesus — Who commands. Pericles — Surrounded with glory. Entimeus — Honoured. Cleitus — Illustrious. Cleogenes— Son of glory. Cleon, Oleander — A glorious man. Cleodemus — Glory of the people. Cleostrates — Glory of the army. Cydias — Glory. Euclid — True glory. Eugene, Eugenie (w.), Eupator — Well-born, of noble descent. Hegemon — Leader. Pancrates — All-powerful. Trismegistus — Thrice (counsellor to Osiris). Patrocles — Father's glory. Metrocles — Mother's glory. Archebulus — Chief counsellor, chief of the senate. Archestrates — Chief of the army. Archippus — Chief of the cavalry. Aristocrates — The power, or rule, of the best. Demosthenes, Democrates — Power of the people. WOMEN. Iphianassa — Brave queen. Panthea — Divine. Pantaclea — All-glorious. Celia, Medea — One who com- mands. Phenice — Palm-tree, fig. victory. Monimia — Self-sustained. Eleutheria — Liberty. Clio, Clelie, Cleine, Clorinda — ■ Glorious, renowned. Cleonimia — Glorious name. Cleodora — Glorious gift. Cleopatra — A father's or a coun- try's glory. Clearista — Best glory. Clytemnestra — Glorious wife. Cleophila — Lover of glory. s 2 260 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Latin. MEN. Regulus, Regillianus — Kingly. Regina (id.), Reine (id.) — Queen. Augustus, Augusta (;;;.), Au- gustine (in. w.), Crescentius, Crescens (w.) — Increasing. Maxinius, Maximin, Magnus — Great. Celsus — Elevated. Titus, Tita (w.), Titian (Etrusc.) — Honoured. Patrick — Noble. Liberius, Camillus, Camilla (w.) Freeborn. Tancred (s.) — Aged chief. Tanagra(w.)— Aged chieftain- ness. Lorenzo, Laurence, Laurentia (w.), Laura(w.) — fig. Crowned with laurel. Palma, Palmatius, Palmyre (w.) — Palm-tree, fig. of victory. Respectus — One whom people turn back to see. Caius, Caia(?f) — (used to sig.) Master and mistress. WOMEN. Couronne 13 — Crown. Digna — Worthy of honour. Teutonic. MEN. Otho, Odo, Odette (w.) (from Odin) — Significant of supreme power. Sanscrit $r Teutonic, Amalaric — Faultless ruler. Alaric, Athalric ; Spanish, Alva- rez — Noble ruler. Reginald ; French, Regnier — Godlike or chief ruler (regni, gods). Theoderic — Fatherly chief or ruler of the people. Louis (s.), 14 Ludwig, Ludovic, Clovis, Cloud, Louisa (w.), Louise (w.), Louison(?u.) (Old French), Aloys ; Russian, Lo- doiska (w.) — Hero of the people. Attala, Ella (m. w.) — Noble. Athelstan — The most noble. Landric — Lord of the country. Sigeric — Victorious lord. Dudda — Head of the family. Dunstan — The highest. Marmaduke, Waldemar— Most mighty. Ethelward, Aylward, Ethelwold — Noble governor. Meyrick, Almeric, Ethehner, Aylmer — Great and noble. Aldred, Eldi-ed, Wildred— Re- vered by many. Henry, Harry, Eric, Erica (w.), Eoric (eorl, earl), Henrietta (id.), Harriet (w.), Hetta (w.) — A mighty lord or a hero. Herman, Hermanric, Armand — Commander in chief of an army. Walter, Waltheof— Chief of an army. Soefreth — Freedom of the sea. Evremond, Ebermund 15 — Wild boar, protector. WOMEN. Cunegonde— Royal lady. CLASS II. — ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 261 Aldegonde, Olga — Noble lady. Ethel— Noble. Ethelswytha — Most noble. Adelaide, Adeline, Adelioia, Adele, Adela, Adeliza, Adeliz, Alix, Alice, Ethelinda — Noble maiden. Hermenegilde, Hermione, Er- minia, Ennengarde, Irmen- trude, 16 Irma — Maiden of high, degree. Clotilde (s.), Othilde, Ottilie, composed of Clovis and Hilda — Sig. of a chiefs daughter. Alodie, Elodie — An heiress. Ethelwyne — Noble and beloved. Celtic and Gaelic. MEN. Rhys, Ruiz, Ruy, Conan 17 — A prince. _ Gallawyg — War-god,fig.mighty chief. Fineack — Noble. Fingal (s.) — Noble and strong. Hugh, Hugues (Hu-eadarn) — The mighty, indomitable. Gwanar — The ruler. Murdock, Murtagh — Great chief. Verken-kedo-righ — Great chief of a hundred heads. Or-kedo-righ — Chief of a hun- dred valleys. Trystan — The proclaimer. WOMEN. Gwen-hywar — Lady of the sum- mit of the water, fig. queen of the sea. Sclavonian. MEN. Vladimir 18 — Glory of princes. Droghimir — Good prince. Casimir — Prince of the chief house. Ladislas, Wladyslaw, Lancelot — Glory of power. Stanislaus — Glory of the state. MEN. Melchior — Kingly. Persian. WOMEN. Ariana — Honoured. Arabic. MEN. Malek Shah— King. Mellaky — Princess. Almir — A prince. Shems al Mulook — Sun of kings. Taj ah Mulook — Diadem of kings. Seyf el Mulook — Sword of kings. Seyf ud Dowlah — Sword of the state. Hamed — Praised. Mohammed, El Amjad — Greatly praised. 262 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? Shamikh — High, lofty. Turkish, Togred bey — The falcon lord. WOMEN". Zita — Mistress. Sharaf alBenat — The glory of damsels. Hindu. WOMEN". Perrya Amma — Great lady. | Pun Amma— -Golden lady. Mexican. MEN. Montezuma — Severe master. MEN. Stee cha co me co — The great king. Hongs kay be (synonymes in every tribe, not titles, names given to children) — The great chief. North American Indian. Ha na tah me mauk — The wolf- chief. Chee me na na quet— The great cloud. Koman nikin— The great wave. MEN. Solomon, Salome (?o.)- Noah, Manoah — Rest. Jonah — A dove. Barjonah — Son of a dove. Division 10. Peace and Gentleness. Hebrew. WOMEN. Peace. Jemima; Syrian, Hamami — A dove. Rachel— A ewe lamb. Greek. MEN. Irenseus, Irene (w.), Iris (rain- bow) — Messenger of peace. Leander — A gentleman, gentle and brave. Melisander (a poet) — Significant of a man with honied lips. Meteo — Gentle. Parmenio — Patience. Eudjus — Serene. WOMEN. Ianessa — Who governs gentle. Ianira — Who softens men. Melissa — Bee, fig. honey. Millicent, Milly, Melicerta, Me- lita — Honey, sweet. Melina — Balm, gentle. Drosee — Dew, fig. both of sooth- ing and refreshing. Glycera — Sweet. CLASS H. — ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 263 Amaryllis — A refreshing stream. Ethrosyne — A serene sky. Elais — Olive-tree. Azelie — Not emulous. Orca — Oil- vessel, fig. healing and peacemaker. Paula (s.), Pauline — Kest. Rhene — A lamb. Latin. MEN. Celestinus, Celestine (w.) — Hea- venly-minded. Clement, Clementina (w.), de- mentia (w.), Clemence (w.) — Courteous, affable. Oliver, Olivia (w.), Olive (w.), Olivarez — Olive-tree, fig. Placidius, Placidia (w.), Plaeilla (a).), Tranquillus, Tranquilla (w.), Quietus, Mansuetus, Lenius, Lena (w.), Latona — Quiet, gentle. Pudens, Pudentia (w.) — Modest. Tacitus — Silent. Tace (to.) — Be silent ! Old French, Aignan, Agnes (w), Nancy; Welsh, Nest; Spanish, Inez — A lamb. WOMEN. Dulcibella, Douce — Sweet and fair. Serena, Terentia — Soft, gentle, patience. Teutonic. MEN. Frederic, Fritz, Frederica (w.), Alfrie, Afra (w.) — Peaceful ruler. Alfred — All peace, or the genius of peace (self — genius). Humphrey — Home-peace. Wilfred — Peace of many. Raymond,Keinfred — Pure peace. Manfred — Man of peace. Offa— Mild, gentle. Winfred, Winifred (w.) — Peace- winner, or Lover of peace. WOMEN. Mildred — Gentle of speech. Celtic. MEN. Columba, Colombe (w.), Mal- colm (coulm) — Dove. Tegid — Serenity ; also Beauty. Owen — Lamb, or form of John. MEN. Salam, Salameh (w.) — Peace. Es Samit— The Silent. Arabic. WOMEN. Ten 'om — Soft, gentle Syriac. WOMEN. Semiramis (hamami) — A dove. 264 WHAT IS YOUK. NAME ? Division 11. Charm, Winsomeness, and Melody and Perfume figurative of them. Hebrew. ■WOMEN. Naamah — Pleasant. Phoenician, Sidonia — Enchant- ress. Bithron — Daughter of Melody. Mahala, Anah — Sweet singer. Kebekah — One who draws with a noose. Hadassah — Myrtle. Keziah — Cassia. Keturah — Incense. Greek. MEN. iEmilianus, Maximilian • — A winning speaker. Emilius, Emilia [s.] (w.), Emily (to.) — Of winning manners. Pisander, Peitho — One who per- suades men. Eulalos — Eloquent. Erasiphron — Of a kindly voice. Eumenes — Charming. WOMEN. Charis — Grace. Epicharis — Full of grace, exqui- sitely charming. Aspasia — Winning. Hedia, Hedyla — Pleasing. Euphemia, Effie, Phemie, Eula- lie — One who speaks sweetly. Emmeline, Amelia (s.) — Full of melody. Lyra, Lyris — A lyre, fig. of har- mony. Evadne, Ariadne — Sweet singer. Hymnis — A singer. Euterpe — Charming. Calliope — A beautiful voice. Ligia — Silvery-voiced. Philomela — Lover of song. (Edomium — Nightingale's throat. Erianthe — Sweet as many flowers. Muriel, Thya — Perfume. Ianthe, lone, la — Violet, fig. Modesty. Haidee (s.) — Modest. Aura, Isaura — Soft air. Rosaura — Breath of a rose. Cassiopeia — Fragrance of cassia. Myrrha, Myra, Myrtah, Myr- rhena — Myrtle. Latin. WOMEN. Gratius (to.), Gratia, Gratianus (m.), Gratiana, Grace, Gra- cieuse, Gracienne, Graziella, Graziosa ; Spanish, Engracia — Graceful, winsome, charm- ing. Violet, Viola, Violetta, Violante — fig. Modest grace. French, Re'se'da — Fragrantweed, mignionette, fig. Little dar- ling. Carmen (s.) (favorite Spanish name), Carnienta — Song, also sig. a charm. Vinnulia — Winning. Blandine — Caressing. CLASS II. — ABSTRACT QUALITIES. Arabic. WOMEN. Shereen, Hulweh — Sweet. Enees el Jelees — Charmingcom- panion. North American Indian. WOMEN. Shawon dazee — The south wind. Pshanshaw — Sweet-scented Minne ha' ha — Laughing water. Minne wa' wa — Pleasant sound of wind in the trees. Vitian or Figian Islands. WOMEN. Naiogahui — One who smells sweetly. MEN. Baruch — Blessed. Sardis — Prince of joy, Terah — Flourishing. Ephratah — Fruitful. Isaac — Laughter. Division 12. Joy, Joy-givers, and Good Fortune. Hebrew. Joseph ; Spanish, Jose" ; Breton, Joscelyn ; Italian, Giuseppe ; Josepha (w.), Josephine (to.), Giuseppina (70.) — Increasing. Ave — All hail ! sie. of welcome. Greek. MEN. Evelpis, Elpidius — Hopeful. Elpis — Hope. Eudemon — Fortunate. Chaeremon, Charmion (jo.), Charmis — Glad. Thales, Thalia (w.), Thallusa (w.) — Flourishing. Euthalia — Flourishing richly. Charops — Rejoicing the eyes. Charimene (w.) — Rejoicing the spirit. Tychichus, Eutyches, Syntyche — Fortunate. Polydor, Pandora (jo.) — Much gifted. Plutarch — Who commands riches. Procopius — Successful. Charilaus — Rejoicingthepeople. Chseriphiles — Lover of joy. WOMEN. Euphrasia, Euphrosyne — Joyous. Gelasia — Laughing. Amenaide — Satisfied. 266 WHAT IS YOTJK NAME? Latin. MEN. Benedict, Benoit, Benoite (iv.), Beata (jo.)— Blessed. Beatrice — Making blessed. Felix, Felicia (id.), Felicity (w.), Felise (w.), Fortunatus, Faus- tus, Fausta (?«.), Faustina (w.) —Happy. Salvius, Salvia (iv.), Salvina (w.) — Sage, fig. safety. Hilary, Gaudentius, Jocunda (w.) — Joyous. Bonaventure— Good fortune. Boniface — Pleasant face. Prospero; Italian, Properzia- Prosperous. Sallust— Healthy and happy. WOMEN. Letitia, Lettice — Gladness. French, Esperance — Hope. Spanish, Mercedes— Favour. French, Opportune — Welcome. Teutonic. MEN. Odo, Eudes — Happy, powerful. Odalric, Ulric, Ulrica (w.) — Happy ruler. Edwy, Hedwig (w.) — Happy chief. Edwin — Happy and beloved. Edward — Guardian of happi- ness. Edmund — Happy peace. Geoffrey, Jeffrey — Joyful peace. WOMEN. Edith— Blessed. Ida (m. w.) — Happy. Eleanor, Ellen, Lenora, Nellie —Fruitful. Arabic. MEN. Abu Saadat, Umr' Sood (w.) — Father, mother of prosperities. Sa'ad, Sa'a dek (to.), Zaidee (w.) — Prosperous. Ferook — Fortunate. El Asad — Most prosperous. Selim, Selimah (w.) — Healthful. Mes'ood, Mes'oodeh (w.), Mey- moon, Meymooneh (w.)-" Happy. WOMEN. Noam — Felicity. Persian. MEN. Feroz — Fortunate. Ferozeshah — Fortunate king. Ferdusi, Feridoon — Paradisi- acal. 19 WOMEN. Ayesha (s.) (aische) — Happy. Hindu, Narmada — Bestower of pleasure. !': {: I ■ NOTICES TO CLASS II. 267 NOTICES TO CLASS LT. ABSTRACT QUALITIES. 1 Penagia, Pan-Hagia, All-holy, the name given to the Virgin Mary by the modern Greeks. 2 Philopater, Philomater.— With all their boundless wealth of words, and their ingenuity in forming names by endless combina- tions of them, the Greeks had a strange, uncomfortable fancy for calling people by their opposites. A shepherd-guardian and de- fender of the sheep would be named Lycidas, from Lycos, a xvolf, the enemy of the flock ; to a cold, unimpassioned orator would be given a name signifying warmth anijlre. Some of these mocking names were given on graver grounds. Two of the Ptolemies were sur- named as above : the first, because he poisoned his father; the second, because of his undutifulness to his mother, who, in consequence, endeavoured to exclude him from the succession to the throne. This curious fancy for misnomers seized also on the mind of an Eastern monarch. His wife, who was exquisitely beautiful, was named by him Cabihat, sig. ugly, so that the effect of her charms might be heightened from their striking contrast to her name. 3 Nina. — This word, or name, as it has become to us, is used by the Spaniards as a term of endearment, sig. darling; Ninita, little darling; or simply to express 'a young girl,' and also in address- ing a young lady, answering (but rather more familiarly) to our modern 'Miss,' 'the English Mees,' as our French neighbours say. Eveiy other European nation has a better-sounding title for un- married ladies than we possess. In frock-and-pinafore days, Miss sounds not a miss (though even then it will not do to dwell upon the actual meaning of the word, a loss, a want) ; but surely as ap- plied to elderly ladies in spectacles, it has a silly sound. In Pope's and Addison's days, young ladies after ten years of age assumed the title of Mistress, which was given to both married and unmarried women. Miss, applied to a grown-up girl, was a term of reproach. Could not some scholar in a chivalrous spirit take up the cause of the unmarried daughters of Great Britain and supply them with a more befitting title ? Mercedes, a favorite name for Spanish women, is also used by Spaniards as a term of respect, answering to 'your honour' in English. 'Muchas mercedes' signifies 'many thanks,' as in mo- dern Greece the surname of one of the Ptolemies, Eucharisto, sig. very gracious, is the common word for expressing thanks, being the exact rendering of the French ' mille graces. \ Mercedes, as a name, 268 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? with its pretty double signification of 'a gift' and 'thanks,' may be to the parents as an acknowledgement for the blessed gift of a child, and to the child as a reminder that her life should be indeed a cause of thankfulness. * Reynold. — The clear waters of the Shine may illustrate this name ; in the German word ' rein ' is still preserved the signifi- cation pure, clear. 5 Anna, or Hannah. — That word of melody, grace, as significant of 'good-will/ has echoed unceasingly through this fair world of ours since 'the morning stars sang together' of God's favour to man, and the crystal streams and pleasant trees of Paradise gave back the sound. High above all the discords of earth, it has rung, it will ever ring on the ear of faith, but sweeter far has it become since angels sang it over the cradle of Bethlehem. The word grace, so infinite in significance even to the heathen world, has ita synonymes in all languages, and men have loved to make of it a name, and dower with it their children. As a Hebrew name, Anna, grace, has a double significance, be- longing to Virtue, God-given grace, as illustrated by Prov. xi. 16 : ' a gracious woman retaineth honour ;' and belonging to Help-given, in that grace implies kindliness, good-will. In Hebrew, the prefix Jeho to Hanan makes it a Name of Religion, signifying God's grace, or God's gift. From Jehohanan come John, Jane, &c. Grace, in the Greek Charis, and the Latin Gratia, also bears a double signification. Charis, as good-will, the original of our Cha- rity, inward grace, belongs to Help-givers ; and, in the sense of mrtward grace, charm of manner, greater than the charm of beauty, it belongs to what I have called Winsomeness. The Latin Gratia I have looked upon in like manner. 6 Nicholas. — This name would suggest matter for a chapter, which must here be compressed into a little note. It has the sin- gular distinction of making two diametrically opposite impressions. When we hear it, we think of a holy man, a lover of children, the protector of the defenceless and weak — we think also of the devil ! The bravest English schoolboy, however lightly he may utter the name, would have a very wholesome dread of the appearance of 'Old Nick.' The most timid little Greek, Russian or German girl, as she lays her fail- head on her pillow one night in the year, has no dearer wish (supposing always that she knows that she has been good) than that her (in German) Santa Claus should visit her bedside before morning ; for then she will surely discover in the stocking laid ready to his hand, the toys that she longs for most. NOTICES TO CLASS II. 269 For the evil repute of the name of 'Nick' we must go much farther back than to Niccolo Macchiavelli, the -wily Florentine po- litician of infamous memory, upon whom some learned writers once fathered it. ' Old Nick ' had his origin in the malignant water- sprites of Northern mythology. They were male and female, Nix and Nixe, Neckar derived from necce, to kill. In the semblance of a fair youth or girl, or an innocent-looking child, these dreaded beings were supposed to haunt the most beautiful streams ; wiled onward by the enchanting melody of their songs, unwary travellers were lured to the water's edge, and then — their destruction was secure. Have the Nixies fled ? Would to God they were ! Evil spirits, both male and female, with enticing words accomplish still the ruin of immortal souls. Not only by the river side, but far below the surface of the earth, in the gloomy depths of the Harz-mountain mines, we again catch the echo of the fatal name. Kupfer-NickeL the fumes of which are poisonous, has for its deadly compounds arsenic and cobalt, so named from Cabalus, the once so-dreaded demon of the mines that the Church-service of Germany had a special form of prayer used for the expulsion of the fiend. But the children's loved Santa Claus, or Claussen, as he is af- fectionately called, must not be forgotten. The Christian Saint's Greek name was prophetic, Victorious over the people, with that best victory winning their hearts. In all Roman Catholic coun- tries this holy man is looked upon as the protector of the weak against the strong; he is emphatically the Saint of the people. Marvellous tales are told of his babyhood — standing up with joined hands to pray, when an infant of but a few hours old, and other incredible performances. Pity it is that foolish inventions should thus throw discredit on the realities of a good man's life. The origin of St. Nicholas's stocking may well be true, for his vast wealth was spent in acts of charity. Three daughters of a distressed noble are said to have been relieved from a threatened life of misery by marriage portions contained in stockings, which were thrown in at their window on successive nights by the Saint. Therefore it is that in Greece, and Russia, and Germany stockings are laid out on the eve of St. Nicholas (December 6) for the Saint to fill. Mixing the false with the true, a terrible tale hangs over the three children which usually accompany St. Nicholas in his pic- tures. At a time of famine, the Bishop of Myra, travelling in his diocese, lodged at the house of a man supposed to be of good repu- 270 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? tation. The monster, however, since provisions had become scarce, had been accustomed to steal children, murder them, and serve them up as food to his guests. But the revolting dish placed be- fore the holy man told its own tale, and the bishop, rising from the table, discovered a tub of dismembered limbs, over which he made the sign of the cross, and three children instantly arose alive and well, to be restored to their overjoyed another. The irreverent custom practised in England, in Roman Catholic times, of electing ' a boy bishop,' originated in the name given to St. Nicholas of the ' Child Bishop,' on account of his early piety. The synonyme of Nicholas, Nicodemus, is applied in France as a terrn of reproach ; c'est un Nicodeme, means a silly man, who seeks for popularity. This application of the name doubtless refers to the Nicodemus of Scripture, who at first visited our Lord by night, 'for fear of the Jews ;' but his after-fearlessness should have wiped away the reproach. It was the voice of Nicodemus that was raised before the assembled rulers to inquire: 'Doth our law judge any man before it hear him, and know what he doth ? ' And it was Nicodemus who brought an hundredweight of myrrh and aloes to embalm the body of the Crucified. 7 Lcena. — A bronze statue in Athens of a lioness without a tongue commemorated the noble spirit of this woman of lion-heart. Concerned in the conspiracy of Harmodius and Aristogiton, to overthrow the tyrant Hippias, Lsena was dragged to the torture ; on her way she bit off her tongue, lest her coming agony should wring from her the name of an accomplice. 8 Nero. — This name, so constantly given to black dogs, may seem to the general reader wrongly translated. It is, however, on the best authorities said to be a Sabine word, sig. valiant ; others have derived it from the Greek neuron, nerve. Not valiant, but of iron nerve the monster must have been whose hand kept true to time in the dance music he played while the cries of his victims in the burning city resounded on all sides. Nero, as black, comes to us from the Italian ; from the Latin niger, black, we have Nigel, sig. a dark, black-haired man. Nero was wrongly painted in the great French picture in the International Exhibition : the tyrant's especial pride was his golden hair. 9 Tanaquil. — Tana, a word found on Etruscan inscriptions, sig- nifying master, lord, and, as applied to women, corresponding with the Roman prasnomen Caia, i.e., mistress of the house * It is sin- * Salverte. NOTICES TO CLASS II. 271 gular to find also a Persian word, Tan, signifying strength, power, while amongst the ancient Scots a Thane was a chief. 10 Modred and -Respect.— Lucifer, the light-bearer, accepted now as the 'proud,' and Abigail, the father's joy, only accepted as a 'maid-servant,' have shown us how names have been wrested from their original meanings— how many words also have been similarly wronged. In digging about the old roots of languages when name- hunting, we come upon some in whom are discovered the title- deeds, as it were, of words long since dispossessed of their birth- right. Too late to hope to restore them to their high estate, it is at least curious to read their original grant. See now Respectus, a Roman name. What would have been thought of the sanity of anyone who had spoken of the late Duke of Wellington as respectable P And yet we find Respectus a name of high repute, signifying, as it did, a man whom all turned back to look at; it would therefore have been no inappropriate word to use. And Modig, too ! Ask anyone the meaning of the word Moody, they will tell you : ' out of humour.' Not so did the hardy Norse- men, the ViMngr of old, look on the original word. Mod, Modig (still preserved in the German ' Muth ') signifies courage, or a brave spirit, and as such the noblest of the land were proud to bear names of which it formed a part : Modred was one who counselled bravely, Thormod was one of supernatural courage. But the old spirit clings about some old names ; it would seem, from the armo- rial 'hearings of the family, that Moodys were modig still, however their name might be read. An achievement of honour shows two hands grasping the Rose of England, for a King's life was saved at the risk of Edmond Moody's own ; and the motto they bear is, 'Risk to save.' Reversing the usual order of things, in another Northern name we find the probable origin of a word, which from such origin derives additional significance. The wife of Lok, the evil genius, or devil, of Scandinavian mythology, was named Signa, or Sinna — ' Sin, . . . the snaky sorceress that sits Fast by Hell-gate, and keeps the fatal key. 11 Hildegonde and Modgudor. — In the warlike race of the Teu- tons we not only find amongst the names of men wolves and bears, the spear, the staff, and the helmet of war, but many of their wo- men's names are strangely warlike too. For the progenitors of a race which should make little England first amongst the nations of the earth, it needed that every element of success should 272 WHAT IS YOUR NAME.' combine ; the Celtic blood was intrepid to dare, the Teuton nerve resolute to do, and valiant men were matched with women high- couraged beyond the wont of the sex. Significant of this, we find that the three terminations most common in Teutonic feminine names are all significant of courage. Hilda, from Hildr, the war- goddess of the North ; Gunda, or Gonda, from gunnr, war (both of these were indeed names of themselves) ; and wiga, from the masculine wig, or vich, sig. a hero. Freyga, the beautiful, was represented with a drawn sword in her right hand, and in her left a bow, signifying thereby that in time of need women as well as men should be ready to fight. 12 Etlielreda, noble counsellor. — How inappropriate to such a source seems the word of vulgar meaning, tawdry ! At St. Ethel- reda's or St. Awdrey's fair cheap laces were sold, and gay but worthless gewgaws, to attract the simple country wenches and their swains, who came prepared to buy, however limited may be their choice ; and so, from Ethelreda's fair, showy things of little value came to be called tawdry. 13 Couronne. — Names expressive of royalty are commonly borne by private individuals in all countries, except our own. In Italy, Regina is often heard, and still more frequently in France the name of Heine. Amongst the peasant women of Alsace, Couronne was at one time a very favourite name. 14 Louis. — To this name has been attached the signification of ' an illustrious hero.' I have ventured to change it to ' hero of the people,' Lud or Leod wig. The C in Clovis makes it a royal de- signation. 15 Evremond, Ebermund. — Mund signified both peace and pro- tection. In connection with this last it had amongst the Scandi- navians the additional meaning of a hand. The wild-boar protector would be the designation of a man high in power and of great cou- rage. The wild boar was held in especial honour, as the means whereby mankind was supposed to have been taught the use of the plough. It was said by the Teutons that the first plough was made on the model of its snout, with tusks of iron on either side to tear up the ground. 10 Irmentrude.—Ja this name of the mother of the Guelphs was combined two of the favourite ideas of the Teutons. Irminsula was a chief idol of the nation. Eormen, sig. great, vast, entered into the^ composition of many names, Hermanric, Hermione, &c. Trudr sig. fortitude, firmness— -was considered a peculiarly femi- nine designation. Many names composed from it have passed jnutic.es to class ii. 273 away, some of them, such as Mimidrud, would sound harshly in our ears ; but Gertrude, once Gerdrud, remains, sig. one strong- hearted and true. Lina, as a termination or as a name by itself, has a lovely signification: a 'support on which to lean.' Hllina was a tutelary goddess of the North, to whom men looked for help in their hour of need. For true woman, could any name be more significant ? 17 Conan. — The Celtic word for a prince comes near to the Teu- tonic Cuning or Cyning, which illustrates the words 'knowledge is power,' kunnan being the Gothic word to know. Cuning is also said to signify valiant : well might the crown be worn by know- ledge and valour combined. The initial C, as significative of royalty, is seen in Chilperic, Childebert, &c. Childe signified a youth of noble or knightly birth ; we often meet with it in old ballads, and in that later noble poem, ' Childe Harold.' Amongst the Sclavonians V (or W) as an initial was a royal letter, a contraction of Vasileus, from the Greek Basileus, a king. Vassilis, Vassilissi, is the modern Greek for King and Queen. 18 Mir. — This word is of Eastern origin, Emir, a prince. Under the title of Ameer al Omra, prince of the princes,,a, family of humble origin exercised in Persia a power nearly regal during- a century and a half. One of them, Prince Azed ud Dowlah (sig. the pro- sperity of the state'), having constructed a dyke across the river Keer, near the ruins of Persepolis, it was named Bund Ameer, the prince's dyke. Travellers ignorant of the meaning of the words have given this name to the river itself, and poets, misled, have sung of ' a bower of roses by Bendameer's stream.' The word Mir, from its double meaning in Sclavonic, is sug- gestive, signifying a prince and a wall. A strong wall, for support and defence, should a prince ever be to his people. 19 Ferdusi. — The Persian poet so named was originally called Isaac. His ' Shah-nameh/ Book of Kings, a history of Persia, is said to contain 60,000 rhymed couplets. Feridoon is a name to this day significant to the Persians of their ideal of a perfect monarch. Four lines quoted by Sir J. Mal- colm from the Gulistan of Saadi are thus literally^ rendered in words and measure : — The blest Feridoon an angel was not, Of musk or of amber he formed was not, By justice and mercy good ends gained he; Be just and merciful, thou'lt a Feridoon be.* * Secret Societies of the Middle Ages : History of the Assassins. T 274 WHAT IS YOUR NAME f CHAPTEE XIII. Classified List— Class ITT. Personal characteristics. Three divisions and notices — including names principally from the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Teutonic, Arabic, Celtic, North American Indian, &c. &c. CLASS III. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. Division 1. Names signifying Beauty and Youth, and Flowers as typical of them. Hebrew. MEN. Abinoam — Father of beauty, or father of Noam (the handsome). Japhet, Adoram, Naaman, 1 Naa- mah (?«.) — Beautiful. Adin, Ada (w.) — Ornament, adorned. Dishon — Antelope. Zibiah — Deer. WOMEN. Naomi, Sephora, Tirzah, Thyrza^ Theresa (s.) — Beautiful. Ruth — A vision (of beauty?) Tamar — Palm-tree, fig. upright graceful figure. Tabitha — Gazelle-eyed. Jael, Jaaleh — Gazelle. Orpah — A fawn. Greek. MEN. Calixtus, Calista (?«.), Narcissus, Hyperides — Of great beauty. WOMEN. Theophanie — Divine appear- ance. Kalonice — Beauty's victory. Callidora — Beauty's gift. C alligenia — Daughter of Beauty. Abra — Beautiful. Charitoblepharos — Beautiful eyebrows. Hebe— Youth. Parthenope — Young face. Thais — Lovely. CLASS III. — PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 275 Glaphyra — Elegant, graceful. Dorcas — Gazelle-eyed. Europa — Large-eyed. Chloe — Blooming. Cleanthe — A glorious flower. Anthemia, Polyanthe — ^Bloom- ing as many flowers. Ampelis, Ampelisea — A vine. Philyrea — A willow, fig. grace. Pyrallis — A brilliant bird. Latin. MEN. Etruscan, Horace, Horatio, Ho- ratia («.) — Worthy to be be- held. Formosus,Formosa(w.); French, Bevis — Handsome. Floras, Florian, Florence (w.), Flora (?».), Florinda (w.) — Flower, fig. beauty. Junius, Junia (««.) — Young. WOMEN. Pulcherie — Most beautiful. Arabella — Fair altar. Hortense — A garden. Poppea — A doll, fig. beauty without mind. Italian, Gelsomina — Jasmine. "Vcenn, Vanessa (s.)- Holdlie — Lovely. Teutonic. womj x. Linda — Lovely maid. -Beautiful. Theodelinde (s.), Yolande • Fairest in the land. Celtic. MEN. Pryd-ain — Father of beauty. Prudwen (w.) — Lady of beauty. WOMEN. Essylt, Yseult, Isolt — A spect- acle, a vision (of beauty). Gwen wyn wyn — Thrice fair. Flur — Flower. Gwend dydd — Fair lady of day. Gwen frid — Fair face. Gwenever; Old English, Ganore; Italian, Ginevra, Genoffeffa; French, Genevieve — Fair wife. Dervoigil — Daughter pure and fair. Arabic. MEN. Hassan — Handsome. Persian, Behras — Beautiful as the day. WOMEN. Bustan — Garden. Zahr el Bustan— The flower of the garden. Zahr el Naring — Orange-blos- som. Yasimeen — Jasmine. Zarifa, Zareefah, Ghazaleh — Graceful. Shehrazad (Scherazade)— Open, ingenuous countenance. t 2 276 WHAT IS YOUR NAME I Gullanar; Persian, Gulnare — Pomegranate-blossom. Sasafeh — Willow. Marjaneh — Coral, fig. coral lips. Kadeeb elBan — Willow-branch, fig. of exquisite grace. Alif (letter A Arabic)— Tall and slender. Persian, Geiran — Antelope. Assyrian, Susan — A lily, or an iris, fig. radiantly bright. Egyptian, Lalahzer — A garden of tulips. North American Indian. MEN. Kokah — Antelope. Shinga wossa — The handsome bird. WOMEN. Tahmiroo — Startled fawn, fig. soft dark eyes. Olitipa — Prairie-bird. Owaissa — Blue bird. Mong shong shaw, Wee onka — Bending willow. Mahnahbezee — The swan. Division 2. Complexion, Hair, Height, &c. Hebrew. MEN. Edom — Red. Greek. MEN. Seleucos — Brilliantly fair. Leucosie (to.) — Fair. Melander, Melanie (w.) — Dark. Melanthus, Melanthusa (tv.) — Dark flower. Hyacinth (m. to.), Giacinta, Ja- cinthe — Dark flower and gem. Glaucus, Glaucopis (to.) — Blue- eyed. Miltiades, Milto (to.) —Vermil- ion, brilliant complexion. Pyrrhus, Pyrrha (to.) — Red- haired. Diochates — Splendid hair. Plato — Broad-chested, or wide forehead. WOMEN. Liriope — Face of a lily. Bhodope — Face of a rose. Kalyca — Rosebud. Rhoda, Rhodocella — Rose. Galatea — Milk-white. Chione — Like new-fallen snow. Oymo — Waves, fig. white as sea-foam. Cyanea — Fig. eyes blue as the sea. Chloris — Pale. Phryne 2 — Toad, fig. very pale. Argyrea, Argentine — Of silvery whiteness, lone, Ianthe, Ioessa — Dark as a violet. CLASS III. — PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 277 Aurora— Beauty of morning, fig. fair. Lyooris — Beauty of twilight, fig. dark. Chryseis, Chrysilla — Golden- haired. Electra — Amber-haired. Xanthe — Yellow-haired. Leucophyra — White eyebrows. Minutia — Small, delicately made. MEN. Alban, Albinia (w.), Albyn, Aubyn — Fair. Candidus — Brilliantly fair. Ebumus — White as ivory. Maurice, Maury — A Moor, fig. dark-complexioned. (Greek, amauros.) Longinus — Tall. Gracchus — Slender. Paul, Paula 3 (w.), Pauline (_iv.) —Little. Caecilius, Cecilia (w.), Cecile — Grey-eyed. Aurelius, Aurelia (w.) — Golden- haired. Bosius, Rosianus, Bose (id-), Bosa(?c), Bosina (?».) — Bose, fig. rosy complexion. Teutonic. men. Bosalind- Alberic, Aubrey — Fair-haired chief. Sweyn — Young man. Latin. Csesar, Ceesonia (w.) — Having much hair. Julius, Julian, Julia (w.), Giu- letta (w.) — Soft-haired. Cincinnatus 4 — Curly-haired. Nigel — Black-haired. Bufus, 5 Bufina (w.), Sulla — Bed-haired. Butilius, Butilia (w.) — Fiery red. Flavins, Flavia (w.) — Yellow- haired. ' WOMEN. Bosalie — Bose and lily. Bosalba — White rose. Bianca, Blanche, Lily, Lilian, Lilias, Lilla — All significant of fairness. WOMEN. Teutonic fy Latin, Bosamund — Bose of the world. Celtic. Maiden like a rose. Golde — Golden-haired. Brunehilde — Dark-eyed maiden. Griselda — Grey-eyed maiden. Heaburge — High tower, fig. tall. Bugega — Nimble as a hind. MEN. Dugald (s.) — Black-haired. Gael — A strong man. Vhir dhu Mohr — The great black-haired man. WOMEN. Gwyneth — The fair one. Bowena — The white-necked (?). Foinnghuala— ' Fair-shouldered 278 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Brenna, Brenda (s.) —Dark- l Faith fail ge — ' Honeysuckle of haired (bran, raven). \ ringlets.' MEN. Abu sb Shamat - moles. WOMEN. El Ward fi '1 Akmann — A rose- bud. Arabia. Soosan — A lily. -Father of Zuleika, (s.) Zeleekah — Bril- liantly fair. Leyla, Leila 6 (*.) — Night, fig. a dark beauty. Rahab — White cloud, fig. fair- ness, also of fickleness. Division 3. Personal Defects. Hebrew. MEN. Necho — Lame. Persian. MEN. Barasmones — Who squints. MEN. Macer, Ischas (w.) — Thin, rnea' gre. Greek. Gyrtius — Bent. Lambda (w.) (letter L, A) Crooked legs. Latin. MEN. Claudius, Claude (m. w.), Clau- dine (w.) — Lame. Plautus, Plautilla (w.) — Flat- footed. Lavinius, Lavinia (id.), Scsevola — Left-handed. Psetus — Slight squint. Strabo — Crooked eyes. Ravilius — Red-eyed. Clocles — One-eyed. Balbus, Balbina (w.) — A stam- merer. Naso — Large nose. Grypus — Hook- nosed. Camus — Monkey-nosed. Calvus — Bald. Crassus — Fat. Flaccus — Hanging ears. Gibbus — Hump-backed. Curvus — Bent. Turpilianus, Turpilia (w.)- sightly, ugly. WOMEN. Raucula — Hoarse voice. -Un- NOTICES TO CLASS III. 279 NOTICES TO CLASS III.— PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 1 Naaman. — Does not the meaning of this name heighten our interest in the Bible story of Naaman the Leper ? It was not only the successful general, the captain of the host of the King of Syria, upon whose arm his sovereign leant when he went to ' the house of Rimmon,' but a man distinguished also for his personal beauty, upon whom this terrible disease had fallen. The name borne by a Syrian would seem to have been a long-established Hebrew name, for we find it amongst the sons of Benjamin. 3 Phryne. — This too celebrated woman owed the unpleasant name by which she was known to the extreme paleness of her com- plexion ; but her exquisite beauty rendered her independent of colouring, and she disdained to paint like other women of her class. In the eyes of all good and wise men Corinth was disgraced, not embellished, by Phryne's statue of gold; but the disgrace went farther back, even to Corinth's acceptance of gifts from so infamous a source. By the extreme liberality of her disposition we are, however, touchingly reminded of Phryne's original name — Mnesa- reta, memory of virtue. 3 Paula and Pauline have been here repeated under their usual Latin derivations, lest my readers should not agree with my refer- ring them to the Greek word navXa, rest. 4 Cincinnatus. — Ancient astrologers asserted that children born during the rising of the Pleiades had curly hair. 5 Sufus. — The numerous Latin names (amongst which may be numbered Byrrhus, Byrrhia \_w.~], Burra [w.], apparently derived from the Greek purrhos) signifying red hair, which was much esteemed amongst the Romans, are in curious contrast to their lack of names significant of dark beauty, of which the Greeks had so many. 6 Leyla, Leila. — Amongst the many characteristic Arabic names for which the writer has been indebted to Lane's ' Notes to the Arabian Nights,' to her regret she found untranslated this lovely name of world-wide celebrity, as the darling of all Eastern poets. Unable to rest its signification on better authority, the writer ven- tures to suggest that, as Leilat and Leylat sig. nights, it is more 280 WHAT IS YOUR NAME? than probable that Leila sig. night. For one of the lustrous-eyed, dark-haired daughters of the East few names could be more appropriate : — She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies. The Greeks had a name nearly synonymous, Lycoris, beauty of twi- light. In Ayesha, another celebrated Eastern name, it will be seen that another suggested signification is given in default of an authorised one. The writer supposes it to be derived from the Persian word aische, happy. CLASS IV MISCELLANEOUS. 281 CHAPTEE XIV. Classified List — Class IV. Miscellaneous — Animals, plants, places, letters, numbers, &c. — Notices — including names principally from the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Teutonic, Celtic, Arabic, North American Indian, &c. &c. CLASS IV. MISCELLANEOUS, INCLUDING NAMES SIGNIFYING ANIMALS, PLANTS, PLACES, LETTERS, NUMBERS, ETC. Hebrew. MEN. James, Jacob; Italian, Gia- como, Jacopo ; Spanish, Iago, Diego, Jacqueline (w.), Ja- quetta (ic.) — Beguiling. Moses; Arabic, Moussa, Musa, Muza — Drawn from the wa- ter. Adam— Red earth. Bartholomew — Son that sus- pends the waters. Abijam — Father of the sea. Eglaim — Drops of the sea. Japhet— Hunter. Nimrod — Leopard. Arad — wild ass, fig. hunter of them. Jubal — A trumpet. Job — One who mourns. WOMEN. Mary, 1 Maria, Miriam, Mari- amne, Marion, Minnie, Mar- tha/ — Bitterness. MEN. Philip, Philippa (w.), Philip- pina (w.), Dorippa (w.) — Lover of horses. Greek. George, Georgina (w.) — A culti- vator. Pelagio ; Spanish, Pelayo — The ocean, fig. a mariner. 282 "WHAT IS YOUR NAME '{ Antiochus — For or against. Didymus, Didyma (w.) — A twin. Blaise; Spanish, Bias— insen- sate. Iopsius — Good cheer. WOMEN. Penelope — A worker in cloth, or a silent worker. MEN. Urban— Living in the town. Peregrine — a stranger. Sylvester, Sylvanus, Sylvia (w.) — From a forest, homely. Pontius — The sea. Pilate — a dart. Lalage — A talker. Thetis, Thalassis— The sea. Scione— One who lives in the shade. Tryphena, Tryphosa — Luxu- rious, a lover of pleasure. Meconium— Poppy-juice. Caracalla— A garment. Fabricius — A smith. WOMEN. Spanish, Dolores; Italian, Do- lara — Sorrow. Telega — Cloth, fig. a worker, industrious. MEN. Pidda — A horseman. MEN. Lear, Lyr — Sea-shore. WOMEN. Cordelia — Token of the Teutonic, I Sholto (s.) (ceol)— A ship, fig. a I mariner. Celtic. flowing. Morgiana — Lady of the sea. Teutonic' and Celtic. Nanthilda —Child of the torrent or dingle. Persian. MEN. Gustasp ; Spanish, Gaspar, Gasparine (w.), Caspar — A horseman. Gour — Wild ass (hunter of them). North American Indian. MEN. Wash ke mon ge — The fast dancer. | Kah beck a (w.)— A twin. Vitian, Figian Islands. MEN. Batinisavu — Edge of a waterfall. CLASS IV MISCELLANEOUS. 283 Plants. Hebrew. MEN. Zimri — A branch. | Serug — A shoot, a Greek. MEN. Smilax — A yew. WOMEN. Daphne — Laurel. Ipsea — Ivy. Phillis — A reed. Cottina — Crown of wild olive. Latin. MEN. Appius — A parsley-crown, prize of victory. Fabian, Fabius, Fabiola (id.) — A bean. Cicero — A vetch (or wart). Papyrius — Papyrus. Quercus — Red oak. Sirp eius — Willow. Vitia — A vine. Lentulus — Lentile. Urtia, Urticula (w.) — A nettle. Pisius — A pea. North American Indian. MEN. Wukmiair — Corn. Pah ta choochee ■ cedar. Shooting WOMEN. Shako — Mint. Shedea — Wild sage. Layloo ah pe ai she kaw (!) — The grass, bush, and blossom. Animals. Hebrew. MEN. Gamaliel— The camel (or the recompense) of God. Becher — Young camel. Hamor — An ass. Zippor, Zipporah (w.) — A bird. Oreb — A raven. Hagabah, Agabus — A grass- hopper. 284 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? MEN. Hippias — A horse. Pantliera — A panther. Moschus — A calf. Alectryon — A cock. Corax — A raven. Myllia — A mullet. Batrachus — A frog. Greek. Saurus — A lizard. Cochlis — A snail. Cornelius— Book, bird of good omen. WOMEN. Ega, Eriphrea — A kid. Chelidonis — A swallow. Telligida — A little grashopper. Latin. MEN. Oatulus — Little dog. Camelius — C amel. Vitellius— Calf. Asellus, Asinius, Asella (to.) — Ass. Murena — Lamprey. Mugillanus— Mullet. Vespasian, Vespellian — Wasp. Hircius, Caper — A goat. Vossius — A fox. Vulturgius — Vulture. Passer — Sparrow. Corvus, Corvinus — Crow. Mergus — A sea-mew. WOMEN. Felicula — A kitten. Musca — A fly. Places. MEN. Tiberius, Britannicus, Germani- cus, Gallus, Gaetano (Caje- tano) — modern Khelat, &c. Lydia, Lesbia, Elida, Melita, WOMEN. Nydia, Nessida, Sabina — modern Indiana, Vimeira, Alma. 3 Letters. Greek. Beta, Delta, Epsilon, Theta — Name given to iEsop, significant of acuteness, &c. Una— 1. Secundus, Secundilla (to.) — 2. Tertius, Tertullus, Tertullian, Tertia (to.)— 3. Quartus, Quartia (w.) — 4. Quintus, Quintin, Quintillian, Quintilla (w.) — 5. "Numbers. Latin. Sextus, Sextina(w).) Sextilia (w) —6. Septimus, Septilia (w.)— 7. Octavius, Octavia (w.) — 8. Nonius, Nonia (to.) — 9. Decimus, Decima (to.) — 10. NOTICES TO CLASS IV. 285 NOTICES TO CLASS IV.— MISCELLANEOUS. 1 Mary.— From tie sea, that vast expanse of bitter waters, the Roman Catholics have derived some of the titles they bestow on the Virgin Mary, ' Star of the sea,' ' Lady of the sea.' From the bitterness of the sea— that ever-present type to the Hebrew mind, whether for gladness or grief, the name of Miriam, as significant of the bitterness of bondage, may have been derived. In connection with this name, it is curious to notice that at the Feast of the Passover, when the overthrow of this bondage is commemorated, a cup of salt water (in remembrance of the Red Sea, it is supposed) is placed by the Jews beside the bitter herbs which are dipped into it by those who partake of the feast. 2 Alma. — Names of places have never formed a very large or favorite class of names ; a very few, therefore, have been given only as specimens. In our day, and amongst ourselves, such names are seldom met with out of one class of persons. Soldiers and sailors, wanderers over the face of the globe, not unfrequently give to their children names derived from the place of their birth. Vic- tories, too, are commemorated in this way. It will be in the recollection of all how many a fatherless babe but a few years back was baptized in tears by the name of Alma. Almah, amongst the ancient Jews, was a word which signified a maiden. In a churchyard where tombstones, as is their wont, were covered with records of departed worth, a little child looked up and asked, ' But where are all the wicked people buried ? ' Such a question might seem not irrelevant here. A glorious array of noble and excellent qualities, epithets of dazzling beauty and exquisite grace ! What, then, were the wicked and the ugly people called ? A few specimens of names of this last unfortunate class have been given, but individual names were for the most part given in hope, uttered with blessings by loving lips, so that by far the greater number of significations are pleasing. Some evil-sounding names there are, which, where evil livers were there too, must have been names of evil import. The Roman name Locusta was but too terribly significant of one whose pre- sence was a curse ; a devourer of life, death and desolation follow- 286 WHAT IS YOUR NAME ? ing her steps. Locusta was a professed poisoner. The Greeks, too, had a Panther, and a Lycomedes, mind of a wolf, and Tigris was a woman's name ! It must he confessed that we also had nearer home names of very unpleasant signification. Amongst the gentle Creiwys and Gwenwynwyns, the ' thrice fair ' of the ancient Britons, moved a terrible creature Gwrvorwyn, the * man- maid ' or virago ! Nohle Machtildas and kindly Elgivas were no doubt often jostled aside by a Selethrytha, a good threatener. But my labour of love has been to seek out for names of good not evil import. Would that in those old times these good names had always been lived up to ; but the story of the Persian visitor to Athens is well known. The Oriental, gifted himself with a re- splendent name, looked admiringly on men distinguished by such superb names as Polycletes, the very celebrated, Clitomachus, the illustrious warrior, till a better-informed friend disenchanted him by the news that his obeisances had been wasted on men whose lives were the exact opposite of their names — bestowed on them in infancy by fond and hopeful parents. But need such recollec- tions discourage us in the ennobling task we may or ought to set before ourselves ? Oh, let us not forget we ansxoer to Christian names. Should we not strive truly so to do ? First, in the full and wide and glorious significance of the words Christian Names ; and next, in the individual graces which our respective individual names may signify. Is the task hard ? Are our Christian names so glorious that we despair of living up to them ? Despair ! with Heaven before us and a Saviour at our side ? ' Faint yet pursuing,' Wearied still the race renewing ; Hold on thy way, brave heart. In spirit strong, though limbs are failing ; Resolute, though life is paling, Soldier of Christ thou art ! Now may sweet Heaven send thee Good angels to befriend thee, To be thy spirit's stay ; Thy faltering steps grow stronger, Oh, yet a little longer Brave heart, hold on thy way. NOTICES TO CLASS IV. 287 Briar and thorn o'erleaping, Which treacherously are creeping' To bar the appointed road ; Through the hot noontide speeding, The chill night-dews unheeding, Press forward— to thy God ! Powers of hell defeating — In thy bright armour meeting Unharmed their every shock ; Thy Captain's banner o'er thee, His blessed Cross before thee ; Thy refuge and thy rock. In the straight path abiding, Where Faith's pure star is guiding, Bear up, thou gallant one. Still increasing light shall cheer thee, When thy destined goal more near thee Tells that thy race is run ! See where a wreath of glory, More bright than human story, Hath given to mightiest deed, With starry light undying, On Heaven's pure altar lying, Awaits the conqueror's meed ! By Him Whose mercy's never-ending, The Saviour in Whose strength thou'rt wending Shall then sweet rest be given. 'Faint yet pursuing,' Wearied— still the race pursuing, Speed on, brave heart, to Heaven ! ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES "WITH THEIR CLASSES AND DIVISIONS. Notes. — A few more diminutives and varieties of form in Names are here added, which would have over-crowded the Classified List. French terminations have occasionally been given, especially to women's names where the sound is more pleasing, as in Celestine, Hortense, Valerie, &c. Amongst Hebrew and Greek names some will be found which were common to men and women; as with us there are a few so used by both — such as Florence, Cecil, &c. Where the writer has been unable to decide between two significations, she has submitted both suggestions to her readers, as in Pamela, &c. Occasionally the same name may be found in different languages, having distinct origins and significations, as the Greek and the Teutonic Ida. In some cases the meanings of such names somewhat assimilate, as the Hebrew Almah significant of a maiden, and the Latin Alma -signifying holy, pure, and fair. Alma has, however, been placed in Class 4 amongst ' Names derived from Places,' as it is absolutely from the Russian river and its mingled memories of pride and grief that the name has become with us * a household word.' ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES ■WITH THEIR CLASSES AND DIVISIONS. 3j z re > " Page I C £ !E o Page n» o 2 9 Heb. 5 4 p' 5 Heb. Aaron 258 Adam 21,281 Ar. Abd Allah 1 2 54, 239 Grk. Adamastus 2 7 253 Abd el Ahad 1 2 239 Tea. Adelaide 2 9 9,50,5 Abd el Kader 1 2 239 >» Adele 2 9 261 n Abd el Kudoor ] 2 239 u Adelicia 2 9 261 Abd el Melik 1 2 216, 239 j) Adeline, Aline 2 9 261 Abd el Meshid 1 2 2S9 jj Adelfz, Adeliza 2 9 261 Abd er Rahman 1 2 54, 216 ») Adza (dim. of 2 9 261 Abd es Selam 1 2 216,239 Adeliza) Chal. Abd u Sliems 1 2 238, 239 ,, Adeleve 2 3 246 Ar. Abd el Wadood 1 2 239 Heb. Adin 3 1 274 Heb. Abdiel 1 2 236 )» Adlai 2 3 245 Ass. Abed Nego 1 2 92, 238 Teu. Adolphus, 2 6 252 Ar. Abd ul Leyl, 4 Adolphine servantof Heb. Adonibezek o 9 258 night )J Adonizedek o 9 258 Heb. Abel 4 24 7» Adoram 3 1 274 Heb. Abiel 1 2 236 11 Adrammeleck 2 9 258 Abigail 2 3 23,245 Grk. Adrian 2 7 253 " Abijam 4 281 17 Aedonium 2 11 264 Abinoam 3 1 222, 274 JJ Aelianus 2 4 247 Abitub 2 2 243 TJ Aemilianus 2 11 264 " Abner 2 3,4 223, 245 Celt. Aeron 2 4 248 >j 247 Teu. Afra 2 10 263 Grk Abra 3 1 274 Heb. Agabus 4 283 Heb. Abraham 2 9 91,2j8/ Grk. Agapetus 2 3 245 Absalom o 3 245 H Agatha, Aga- 2 2 243 Ar! El Abtan 2 8 258 thoina Abu '1 Fazl 2 2 244 » Agathenor 2 2 243 Abu Noor 2 4 249 )> Agathon 1 2 243 " Aba Saadat 2 12 266 n Agarista 2 2 243 )» Abu 'sh Sha- ( mat I 2 3 12 2 } 84, 278 n Lat. Aglaia Agnes, Nancy, 2 2 4 10 248 263 Abu '1 Wefa 2 5 250 (Welsh) Nest 5' Grk. Actis 2 4 248 Heb. Aholibamah 2 9 259 Heb. Ada, Adah 3 1 48, 126, 274 N A.] Ah kay ee pix en 2 7 256 Teu. Adalbert 12 4 248 Ar. Ahmed, Hamed 2 ' 9 54, 261 TJ 2 292 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF JNAMJfiS. '£■ 2 « :l§ Page • c r.g 3 !? § Page QS O" Teu. 5 Q'E Lat. 1 Alphonse, Al- 2 6 252 Old f Aignan 2 10 "263 phonsine Fr. J JJ Alfonzo, Ilde- 2 6 252 N.A.I Akwiah, War 2 7 fonzo Eagle JJ Alured 2 8 258 Ar. Ala ed Deen 1 2 239 J.I Alwyn 2 3 246 (Aladdin) Lat. Amadeus,Ama- 1 2 77, 237 Grk. Alan, Aland 2 4 247 dis (from Aelianus) « Amabel, Amy 2 3 245 Ten. Lat. Alaric Alban, Albinia, 2 3 9 2 260 226, 277 Sans. Teu. {■ Amalia 2 2 244 Aubyn » Amalario 2 2,9 231, 244, Tea. Alberie, Aubrey 3 2 277 260 JJ Albert, Alberta, Albertine 2 4 2,30,205, 248 jj Amalaberga 2 2,9 231, 244, 260 Grk. Alcander 2 7 253 Lat. Amand, 2 3 245 JJ Alcestes 2 7 253 Amanda Teu. Aldegonde, 2 9 261 u Araata 2 3 245 Olga Grk. Ambrose 2 1 242 JJ Aldred 2 9 260 Ar. El Amjad 2 9 261 Grk. Alexander, 2 6 2, 30. 102, Grk. Amaranth 2 1 242 Alexandra, 200, 251 tJ Amaryllis 2 10 263 Alexandrina Lat. Amias. See JJ Alaster, Allis- 2 6 251 Amand ter, Alick, Heb. Ammon,Amana 2 5 250 Saunders Teu. Ammie 2 6 252 JJ Al rides 2 6 251 Grk. Amelia (s.) 2 11 264 JJ Alethe, Alethea 2 5 189,250 Ar. Am in, Ami- i neh, Aminai 1 2 230,241, Teu. Alicia, Alice 2 9 261 2 5 250 )» Allix (dim. of 2 9 261 It Aminedeen 1 2 239 Adelaide) Egy. Amosis 1 2 22, 238 Grk. Alexis, Alexia 2 6 102,251 Grk. Amenai'de 2 12 238, 265 Heb. Almah 2 4 247 » Amyntas 2 6 251 Lat. Alma 4 284,285 JJ Am pel is, Am- 3 1 275 Teu. Alodie 2 9 261 pelisca Teu. Old Fr. Grk. ) Aloys (from f Louisa) Alectryon 2 4 9 260 284 JJ JJ Anastasius, Anastasia Anatole, Ana- tolia 2 2 1 4 242 247 JJ Alcibiades 2 7 253 Heb. Anah 2 11 264 Ar. Alif 3 2 276 Grk. Anaxis, Anaxo 2 9 259 Teu. Algar 2 7 254 JJ Andrew 2 7 102, 200, j> Algernon (s.) 2 7 254 224, 253 j> Alfred 2 10 121,263 JJ Andronicus 2 7 253 » Alfric 2 10 263 Celt. Angus, Ango 2 2 49, 244 j» Almeric, Ayl- mer (s.) 2 9 260 Heb. Anna, Anne, Annie 2 2,6 2,31,77, 243, 251 Ar. Almir 2 9 261 H.Sp. Anita, Anina 2 2,6 243 » Alp 2 7 256 H.Fr. Annette, Anai's, 2 2,6 251 Pers. Alp Arslan 2 7 256 Nanette, Na- Teu. Sp. ]■ Alvarez (s.) 2 9 J 260 I non, Nannie, Nauina ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 293 ii 12 .; e a x. s Page T.I 03 ■ -. 8 >§ Page n? 5 « a> 'J Q-3 Grk. - \ngela, Ange- 1 2 121, 151, Grk. Artemisia 1 2 235 lina, Angelica 237 Celt. Arthur 2 7 200, 255 Hin. - Ani Mutoo 2 3 247 Ar. Asad 2 12 266 Lat. Annunziata 1 2 237 Lat. Asellus, Asella 4 284 Teu. Anselm 1 2 238, 241 Fr. Asile 2 6 191 Lat. Anthony, Anto- 2 7 254 Lat. Asinius 2 6 284 nia, Antoninus, Pers. Asian 2 7 256 Antonina, An- Ar. Assad 2 7 256 toinette Phce. Asdrubal 1 2 238 Grk. Antiochus 4 282 Grk. Aspasia 2 11 46, 264 Antenor 2 7 253 Pers. As path a 1 2 238 ' Anthemia 3 1 275 Grk. Aspi&ia., a shield 2 6 Pers. Annshirwan 2 2 244 Ital. Assunta 1 2 Grk. Apelles 2 4 247 Grk. Asteria 2 4 247 Lat. Aper 2 7 159,254 It Asyncritus 2 2 243 Appins 4 283 Teu. Athalric 2 9 260 n Aquila 2 7 254 » Athelstan 2 9 260 Arabella 3 1 45, 275 Grk. Athenais 2 8 257 Heb. Arad 4 281 » Athanasius, A- 2 2 129, 242 brk. Archeleonis 2 7 254 tbanasia Archelaus 2 9 72, 259 Teu. Attala 2 9 260 Archebulus 2 9 259 » Aubrey (from 3 2 277 Archestrates 2 9 259 Alberic) » Arcbippus Archimedes 2 9 2 8 259 257 Lat. Aubyn (from Alban) 3 2 277 Tea. Archibald 2 7 254 Teu. Audrey (from 2 8 258 Celt, Ardgal 2 7 255 Ethelreda) Grk. Aretas, Areta 2 2 225, 243 Lat. Augustus, Au- 2 9 76, 260 Aretaphila 2 2 243 gusta Heb. Areli 2 7 253 n Augustine, 2 9 260 Grk. Argentine 3 2 276 Austin Argyrea 3 2 276 Teu. Audovere 2 12 246 " Ariadne 2 11 264 i' Aulaff 2 10 51 Heb. Ari, Arieh 2 7 253 Grk. Aura 2 11 264 Pers. Arisai 2 7 256 Lat. Aurelius, Aure- 3 2 277 Heb. Ariel 2 2 236 lian, Aurelia Pers. Ariana, Arria 2 9 261 Grk. Aurora | 2 3 4 1 [247,277 Aristides 2 2 243 " Aristocles 2 2 83, 243 Lat. Ausilius 2 6 251 >i Aristotle 2 2 243 Heb. Ave 2 12 182,265 " Aristarchus 2 9 259 Teu. Avice (Hawisa) 2 6 252 n Aristocrates 2 2,9 185, 259 Pers. Ayesha (s.) 2 12 266, 280 !> Aristobulus 2 6,8 251,257 Teu. Aylmer,Almerie 2 9 260 Teu. Arnulph Armand 2 7 2 9 255 260 Teu. Ay 1 ward, Athelward 2 9 260 1> Pers. Arnold Arslan 2 7 2 7 255 256 Heb. Ar. [Ayub(Job) 4 281 Arslantash 2 7 255 Heb. Azariah 1 2 92, 236 » Arslowpe Arsinoe 2 7 255 M Azrael 1 2 119 Grk. 2 8 46, 257 Grk. Azelie 2 10 263 Artemas, Arte- 1 2 235 Ar. Azimuth 2 6 203 a mis » Azim 2 6 252 294 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. J. fl •4, ► g Page C o 1 > 5 Page of 2 2 °2 Lat. 5 2 12 Ar. Aziz, Azeezab 244, 246 Benvenuto 245 Heb. Azur 2 6 251 it Benevolus 2 6 251 Heb. Benjamin 2 3 245 Teu. Beornhelm 2 6 252 Grk. Bacco, Bac- 1 2 235 It Beornoth 2 5 250 chis Heb. f Beppo (from 1 Giuseppe) 1 2 236 Ar. Bahr el Ku- 2 3 246 Ital. nooz Teu. Berenger, Be- 2 7 254 Pers. Baharam 2 7 255 rengaria Can. Bajazet 1 2 238 Grk. Berenice 2 7 253 Lat. Balbus, Bal- 3 3 278 Teu. Bernard, Ber- 2 7 9,255 bine narda, Bernar- Ass. Balthazar 1 2 238 dine Lat. Baptist, Bap- 1 2 237 n Bertha 2 4 50, 248 tista it Berthold 2 4 246, 248 Heb. Barak o 4 247 i) Berthelm 2 4 248 Phce. Barca 2 4 247 »? Bertrand 2 4 248 Pers. Barasmanes 3 3 278 ji Bertram 2 7 254 Heb. Barjonah 10 262 Grk. Beta 4 284 JJ Barnabas 2 8 257 Heb. Betbiah 1 2 236 Jl Bartholomew 4 281 Teu. Betstan 2 2 244 »J Bartuneus 2 9 259 Heb. Bettina (Eliza- 1 2 236 Jt Baruch 2 12 265 beth) Grk. Basil, Basileus. 2 9 150 Lat. Bevis 3 1 275 » Basilis, Basi 2 9 259 » Bianca. Blanche 3 2 8,277 line, Basilica Heb. Bithron 2 11 264 Celt. Bathanal 2 7 255 Grk. J Blaise, Bias Teu. Bathilde 2 2 244 Spa. 4 282 Heb. Bathsheba 1 2 236 Lat. Blandine 2 11 264 Vitn. Batinasavu 4 282 Ar. Boabdil (s.), 2 3 246 Grk. Batracbus 4 111,284 Keeper of the leu. Beape, Beage- stan 3 246 gate of the heart Lat. Beata 1 2 237 Heb. Boaz 2 7 253 7* Beatrice 2 12 2, 9, 30, 46, Celt. Boadicea (s.) 2 7 229, 255 226, 266 Grk. Boetius 2 6 251 Ar. Bedr Basim 2 4 249 Celt. Boiorigh, Brian 2 7 255 M Bedr er Deen 1 2 239 (s.) )J til Bedr el Ke- 2 4 249 Lat. Bona 2 2 244 beer J* Bonaventura 2 12 266 Heb. Becher 3 283 >, Boniface 2 12 266 Pers. Behadar 2 7 255 Celt. Botolph 2 6 252 Ar Behadir 2 7 255 „ Brenda, Brenna 3 2 99.278 Hin. Bebadoor 2 7 255 n Brian (s.) 2 7 255 Pers. Behras 3 1 275 Teu. Bridget, Bride 2 6 252 Ass. Belshazzar 1 2 238 Lat. Britannicus 4 284 it Belteshazzar, Balthasar 1 2 238 Teu. Brunebaut, Brunehilde 3 2 277 Jl Belus 1 1 235 Celt. Budignat 2 7 255 Lat. Benedict, Be- 1 2 9, 237, 266 Ar. Budour 2 4 48. 249 nedicta, Be- Celt. BuEjega 3 2 277 noitj Benoite 1 1 ' Grk. Bulis 2 8 257 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 295 1 c •C.2 . "J4J 5 \ E o Page ll Page Q> U O" 5 2 Q « Celt. 3un 2 4 248 Lat. Cato 8 258 Ar. 3 listen 3 1 275 J» Catullus 4 284 Teu. Cedric (s.) 2 7 255 Ar. Celb, Celba 2 5 250 Grk. Cadmus 2 8 257 Lat. Celestinus, Ce- 2 2 243, 263 Celt. Cadwallader 2 7 255 lestine, Celeste Cadmar 2 7 255 Grk. Celia, Celine, 2 9 259 lit. Caacilius, Cecil, 3 2 277 Cenie Cecilia, Cecile Lat. Celsus 2 9 260 Lat. i Csesar, Casso- l nia 3 2 76,277 Celt. Ceolmund 2 6 252 San. 4 75 Grk. Cephas 2 7 253 Lat. Caius, Caia 2 9 260 >) Cbasremon, 2 12 265 Heb. Caleb 2 5 250 Charimene Grk. Calixtus, Ca- 3 1 274 N.A.I Chaheechopes 2 7 256 lista Chi. Chaonkin Lung 2 7 256 Callidora 3 1 274 Grk. Cbaaremachus 2 7 253 11 Calligenia 3 1 274 Teu. Charles (Karl), 2 7 126, 255 " Callistona 3 1 274 Charlie )' Callimachus 2 7 253 )> Charlotte, Car- 2 7 255 Callinoiis 2 8 257 line, Lolotte, Calliope 2 11 264 Lottie Callisthenia 2 7 254 » Caroline, Car- 2 7 9 Calyca, Kalyca 3 2 276 lotta Lat. Calvus Carnelius 3 3 4 278 . 284 Grk. Charis | 2 2 3,6 11 225, 245 251,264 " Camillus, Ca- 2 9 260 Charity 2 6 251 » milla Charixene 2 6 251 Camus 4 278 ,) Charilaus 2 12 265 " Candidus 3 2 277 ,) Charimene 2 12 265 Teu. Canute 2 7 254 jj Charmion, 2 12 265 Lat. Caper 4 284 Charmis Celt. Caradoc 2 7 255 » Charops 2 12 265 Lat. Caracalla 4 282 H Chasriphiles 2 12 265 Pers. C areas 2 7 255 » Charitoblepha- 3 1 173, 274 Lat. Carita, Charity 2 6 252 ros Tea. i Carlotta. See ) Charles N.A.I Chee me na na 2 9 262 Sp. Lat. quet Carmen (s.) Caroline. See 2 11 264 Grk. Chledonis, 4 284 Teu. Chledonium Charles (Cherubino, 1 2 Lat. Carus, Caroline (s.), dearly 2 3 Heb. Ital. 1 Angel excel- 1 ling inhnow- \ ledge loved Sola. Casimir 2 9 261 N.A.I Chesh oo hong 2 8 258 Grk. Pers. Lat. Grk. Spa. Ital. Cassiopeia Caspar, Gas pard Casta Catherine. Se Katharine Catalina Caterina 2 11 4 2 2 . 2 4 2 4 2 4 264 282 244 Heb. J* Lat. Teu. Grk. ha Chilion Chilmab. Chilo Chilperic Chione Chloe Chloris 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 8 3 6 2 1 2 243 257 226 252 276 275 276 296 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. ™ .2 rt s§ Page "2 p % J, * > o Page n'f 5 Q 3 nf u 2 Q-3 Grk. Christabel. See 1 2 Celt. Colgar 7 255 Christian Chrestilla 2 2 243 Celt. Lat. \ Columba, 2 10 263 Christian, 1 2 237 Columbus 2 10 117 Christine Celt. Con an 2 9 261,273 )) Christopher, 1 2 117,237 Teu. Conrad 2 8 195,258 Kitt, Kester Lat. Constantine, 2 2,5 226 )) Chrysander 2 2 243 Constantia, JJ Chryseis,Chry- 3 2 277 Constance silia Grk. Cora, Kora, Co- 2 4 248 JJ Chrysostom 2 8 45, 257 risca Lat. Cincinnatus 3 2 277,279 n Corinne,Coralie 2 4 248 JJ Cicero 4 283 J) Corax 4 284 )J Clair, Clare, 2 4 130, 248 Celt. Cordelia 4 231, 282 Clara, Cla- Lat. Cornelius, Cor- 4 87 rinda, Clarissa nelia, a horn JJ Claudius, Clau- dia 3 3 130 V Corvus, Corvi- nus 4 284 JJ Claude, Clau- 3 3 278 Grk. Cosmo 2 8 257 dine JJ Cottina 4 283 JJ Grk. Codes Clearista 3 2 3 9 278 259 Lat. Fr. [■ Couronne 2 9 260, 272 £■« Cleon, Cleine' 2 9 259 Grk. Croesus 2 9 259 » Oleander, • 2 9 259 Lat. Crassus 3 2 278 Clelie Grk. Creon 2 9 259 j» Clio 2 9 259 Lat. Crescentius, 2 9 260 )i Cleitus 2 9 259 Crescens )» Cleodora 2 9 259 Lat. Crispin 4 131 » Cleogenes 2 9 259 Teu. Cunegonde,Ku- 4 2 260 » Cleonice 2 9 259 nigund » Cleonimia 2 9 259 Celt. Cunobelin, I 2 217, 235 » Cleopatra 2 9 259 Cymbeline » Cleophila 2 9 259 Lat. Curvus 4 278 )» Cleodemus 2 9 259 Teu. Cuthbert 2 8 258 ?j Cleomenes, Cli- 2 8 257 JJ Cnthwin 2 8 258 mene Celt. Cwenburh 2 6 50, 229, ?' Cleostrates 2 9 259 252 jj Clinarete 2 2 243 Pers. Cyaxares 2 7 256 j* Clorinda 2 9 259 Grk. Cydias 2 9 259 » Cleobulus,Cleo- 2 8 257 JJ Cyanea 3 2 276 buline JJ Cymopolios 3 2 226, 276 i) Cleanthe 3 1 275 Cyprian 4 Lat. Clement, Cle- 2 10 263 Grk. ] Cyrus, Cyra, 2 4,9 259 mentinus, Cle- origi- 1 Cyril.Cyrilla, mens, Clemen- nally f Cyrenius,Cy- tina, Clemence Pers. ; rene Grk Clinarete 2 2 243 Tea. Clotilda 2 9 261 1J Cloyis (Louis) 2 9 260 Grk. Daedalus 2 8 257 Grk. Cochlis 4 284 Teu. Dagmar 2 4 99 248 Grk. [Colette (Ni- 1 cholas) 2 7 253 jj Dagobert 2 4 248 l'r. Grk. Damian 2 3 245 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 297 f t - « :>§ Page E o n .£ o Page i og ■ 5 B " Lat. J Q « Heb. Daniel 1 2 92, 236 Donatus 1 2 237 Grk. )aphne 4 283 Hin. Door Dowran 2 3 2+7 >b. 1 Darda 2 8 257 Grk. Dorippa 4 281 fe .. David 2 3 200, 245 }1 Dorothea, Doro- 1 2 2, 31, 237 Deborah 2 8 257, 259 thy, Dora Lat. Decimus, De- 4 284 Jt Dorymene 2 7 254 cima Scla. Droghimir 2 9 261 Grk. Deidamia 2 7 254 Grk. Drose'e 2 10 263 Delia 2 4 248 Teu. Dudda 2 9 260 Delphiue 2 3 245 i) Dunstan 2 9 260 J» Delta 4 Demetrius, Di- 1 2 284 235,238 Celt. Dugald (s.) | 2 7 3 2 230 255, 277 f " mitri Lat. Dulcibella, 2 10 263 Demosthenes 2 7,9 253, 259 Douce ! Ar! Denaneer 2 3 113, 246 Ten. Deorswyn, De- 2 3 246 j orswytha N.A.I Eachin chea 2 7 256 Celt. Dermot(s.),Di- 2 7 202, 255 1) Eahsapa 2 7 256 armid Lat. Eburnus 2 2 277 Dervoigil £ Desiderius, Di- 2 1 275 Teu. Eadwolph 2 7,12 Lat. 3 245 )1 Edgar 2 7,12 254 dier, Desiree »? Edith 2 12 2, 31, 50,' 1 Devote (Fr.) 1 2 237 266 " Diana j ( 1 235 Edmund 2 12 2, 31, 266 Grk. 4 248 JJ Edward 2 12 2, 30, 121, Didymns, Di- 4 I 282 266 " dyma ) Diego l \ (James) JJ Edwin 2 3,12 246,266 Heb. I 281 JJ Edwy 2 9,12 246, 266 Sp. » Edma 2 8 258 Lat, Digna, Digne i ! 9 260 Heb. Edom 3 2 276 Heb. Dinah i I 8 257 N.A.I Eehmskin 2 3 247 Grk. Diodatus, Dieu- donne" t 2 238 ii Ea shah koo me 2 7 256 Diodes, Diocle- I 1 159, 235 Grk. Eetion 2 7 253 » tian JJ Ega 4 284 Diochates 3 2 276 Teu. Egbert 2 4 248, 258 )) Diogenes 1 2 238 Grk. Egidius, Giles 2 6 251 Diogiton Dionysius, Denys, Denise Diomede 1 2 238 Gillian JJ 1 2 197,238 Heb. Grk. Eglaim Elais 4 2 10 281 263 1 2 238 Heb. Eldad 1 2 236 J1 Diphile Dishon 2 3 245 Teu. Eldred 2 9 260 II Heb. 3 1 274 Lat. Electa „ 1 2 237 Dorcas 3 1 275 Grk. Electra 3 2 277 Ar. Lat. Sp. Ital. )! Lat. Doel Mekan 2 4 249 Heb. Eli Eliab 1 2 1 2 236 236 1 Dolores, Do- 1 2 182, 237, JJ Elimelecb. 1 2 236 f lara, Lola 282 Grk. Elida 4 284 J Domenico, Do- menichina, Domingo Domitian 1 2 2 7 183, 237 253 Heb. Grk. Eliezer Elijah Eligins. Eloy Lo, Loo 1 2 1 2 236 188, 236 237 298 ALPHABETICAL LIST OP NAMES. "u ° Elpis 2 12 225,265 3 1 Lat. Elvira 2 7 254 Lat. Estelle, Stella 2 4 275 Ar. ElWardfi'lAk- 3 2 278 Heb. Esther, Hester 2 4 29,35,24 mann Teu. Ethel.Ethelinda 2 9 261 Grk. Emilias, Emi- lia, Emily (s.) 2 11 2,31,264 )> Ethelbert.Adal- bert, Albert 2 4 2, 9, 20t 248 Lat. Emerentia 2 2 244 jj Ethelred.Ethel- 2 8,9 227,258 Teu. Emma 2 6 252 reda, Audrey 272 Heb. Emmanuel, Ma- 1 2 77,236 »j Ethelwyn 2 3,9 246 nuel, Mauuela, ji Ethelswytha 2 9 261 Manuelita jj Ethelward, 2 9 260 Grk. Emmeline 2 11 264 Aylward 1 Ar. Enees el Jelees 2 11 265 jj Ethelwold 2 9 260 Teu. Engelbert 2 2,4 244,248 j> Ethelwulph 2 7,9 255 1J Engelram 2 2,7 254 jj Ethelwyne 2 3,9 246 Heb. Enoch 1 2 9,223,236 Grk. Ethra, Ethro- 2 11 263 Grk. Entimeus 2 9 259 syne it Epamiaondas 2 2 243 Teu. Eudes 2 12 266 JJ Epaphros(Aph- 1 1 235 Grk. Eucbaris 2 2,6 46, 251 rodite) ii Euclid 2 9 259 Heb. Ephraim 2 12 259 )> Eudfemon 2 2,12 265 Grk. Epicharis 2 11 264 n Eudius 2 2,10 262 J» Epicurus 2 6 251 jj Endocia 2 8 257 1! Epipbanius, I 2 183, 237, h Endora 2 2,3 245 Epiphanie, 259 i) Eudoxia 2 2,4 248 Tipbanie ?> Eugene, Euge- 2 9 259 Heb. Ephratah 2 12 265 nie Grk. Epsilon 4 284 1» Eulalos, Eulalii 2 2,11 9, 46, 2 Heb. Er 2 4 247 » Eumenes 2 9.11 264 Grk. Ital. Erasmus, \ Elmo 1 2 3 245 U Eunice 2 2,7 126,24 253 ALPHABETICAL LIST OP NAMES. 299 q i§ Page > B ■r o ® -a ,* o Page at o 2 G 3 P2 Lat. O 2 B'« Grk. Euphemia,Effie, 2,11 121,264 Fides, Fidelis, 5 250 . Eppie, Phemie Fidelia It Euphrastes 2 8 83 Lat. Felicula 4 284 ■"» Euphrasia, Eu- phrosyne 2 12 265 )! Felix, Felicia, Fe'licite', Felise 2 12 124, 266 » Euphron, Eu- phroma 2 2,8 257 Teu. Ferdinand (s.), (Sp.)Hernando 2 7 255 i !> Eurymenes 2 2,8 243. 257 Pers. Ferdusi, Feri- 2 12 266,273 » Eurydice 2 2,8 257 doon » Europa 3 1 275 j> Feroz (Ar.) 2 12 266 » Euryone 2 2,6 251 Ferook JJ Eupator 2 9 259 Grk. Feodor.Feodora. 2 4 248 JJ Eusebius, Euse- 2 2 243 See Phajdora bia Pers. Ferozeshah 2 9,12 266 H Eustace, Eusta- 2 2 25,95,243 Celt. Fergus 2 7 201,255 sia Lat. Fiamma (Ital.) 2 4 jj Euterpe 2 11 264 See Flaminius 248 Euthalia 2 12 265 Celt. Fineach 2 9 261 Jl Eutychus 12 156,265 )7 Fingal (s.) 2 9 255,261 Euthynoiis 2 2,8 243 Lat. Firmin, Firmi- 2 7 254 Evadne 2 11 264 lianus Evangelista, 1 2 183,236 lt Flaccus 4 278' Evangeline Celt. Flamddwyn 2 7 255 Evander 2 2 243,253 Lat. Flaminius, Fla- 2 4 248 )) Evaristus, Eva- 2 2 243 minia, Fiamma rista JJ Flavius, Flavia 3 2 87,277 j) Evages 2 5 250 )J Floras, Flora, 3 1 275 Evelpis 2 2,12 265 Florian, Ho- Evergetes 2 6 251 rinda ■' F Evodie 2 2 243 Celt Flur 3 1 275 I.He'b. Eva, Evelina, 2 1 22, 242 JJ Foinnghuala 3 2 277 Eveleen, Evelyn Grk. j Fosco 2 4 247 Wei. Evan (John) 1 2 236 Ital. Tea. Everard (Ebe- rard) 2 7 255 Teu. Frank, Francis, Frances, Fran- 2 7 9,254 Evremond 2 6,9 260, 272 cesca, Fanny, Lat. Expeditus 2 6 252 (Fr.) Fancbon Extricatus 2 6 252 Lat. Formosus, For- 3 1 275 He'b. Ezekiel 1 2 236 mosa » Ezra, a helper 2 6 i> Frederic, Frede- rica, Fritz 2 10 263 Lat. Fabian, Fabius, 4 283 jj Fulge ,s 2 4 248 Fabio, Fabiola jj Fulk 2 6 251 Fabricius 4 282 jj Fulvius, Fulvia. 3 2 Facundus 2 8 258 tawny-colour- Ar. Fadl ed Deen 1 2 239 ed hair Celt. Faithfailge 3 2 278 Pers. Fareksavar 2 7 255 Celt. Gael, strong 2 7 232 :-Xat. Faust us,Fausta, Faustinus, 2 12 266 Heb. Gabriel, Gabri- ela, Gabrielle 1 2 9,236 Faustina Lat. Gaetano (Caje- 4 284 Ar. El Feizad 2 6 252 tano) 300 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. ■ c in :e§ Page ■ c C.2 in :►§ Page o$ 5 3 Q w at 1 Q « Grk. Galatea 2 276 Heb. Ital. / Giuseppe, 2 236, 265 Lat. Gtallus 4 284 J Giuseppina Celt. Gallawyg 2 9 261 { (Joseph) Heb. jamaliel 1 2 283 Ar. Ghanim 2 7 256 Pers. Gaspar (Gus- 4 282 Chi. Ghiang Koo 2 3 247 tasp) Gasparine Ten. Ghiselle, Giselle 2 3 246 Teu. Sp. I Gaston 2 6 252 Celt. Gladys, Gla- dusa 2 4 248 Lat. Gaudentius 2 12 266 Grk. Glaphyra 3 1 275 Ar. Ghazaleh 3 1 275 I) Glaucopis 3 2 276 » Geiran 3 1 276 )J Glaucus 3 2 276 Grk. Gelasia 2 12 265 » Glycera 2 10 263 Lat. Gelsomina 3 1 275 Pers. Gour 4 282 Lat. i Gemma, a i jewel 2 . 3 Teu. Godard 2 2 244 Ital. ji Godfrey 1 2 2, 31, 23! Lat. Fr. I Gene"reuse 2 6 252 Godwin Golde 1 3 2 2 237 277 Celt. GeneVieve, Gi- nevra (Guene- 3 1 275 Sp. Gomez (Gome- sind) 2 2 192, 244 ver), Ganore Teu. Gonda 2 7 255 Teu. Geoffrey .Jeffrey 2 12 77,266 jj Gonsalvo, Gon- 2 7 254 Grk. George, Geor- gina 4 29,199,281 salez (Gun- staf),Gustavus Teu. Gerald, Geral- dine 2 7 254 N.A.I Go to kow pah a he 2 7 256 )> Gerard 2 7 150,254 Celt, Gniphon 2 7 255 »> Germain, Ger- 2 7 254 Lat. Gracchus 3 2 277 maine jj Grace (Grati- 2 6,11 226, 25 Lat. Germanicus 4 284 us), Gratia, 264, 2f Grk. (It.) Geronimo, (Fr.) Jerome (Hierouymus) 1 2 237 Gratianus, Gracienne, Gracieuse, » Ge'ronte, an old man 4 Graziella, Graziosa, En- Teu. Gertrude 2 5 49,189,250 gracia Grk. ] Giacinta, f Hyacinth 2 3 Grk. Gregory 2 8 195 Ital. 3 1 207, 276 Teu. Grimoald 2 7 254 Grk. Gervase,Gerasi- 2 9 i* Griselda 3 2 277 mus, honoured Celt. Gruron 2 4 250 Lat. Gibbus 3 3 278 J» Gryffyn, 2 255 Heb. Gideon 2 7 253 Griffith Teu. Gilbert (Willi- 2 4 248 Lat. Grypus 3 3 278 bert) Teu. Gudnle 1 2 237 Grk. Giles, Gillian (Egidius) 2 6 251 Pens. Gulnare, Gul- lanar 3 1 48, 276 f Giovanni, Teu. Gunther 2 7 254 Heb. J Nanni, Gio- M Gun th ram 2 7 254 Ital. 1 vanna. See i. John. >> Gustavus (Gunstaf) 2 7 192,254 Lat. /Giulio.Giulia 3 2 277 Sp. Guzman, Guth- 2 2 244 Ital. ■j Gi uletta, iFr. man *■ Julius 1 1 Guy, Guidon 2 7 2, 31, 7S ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 301 •Co 5 2 o 4 Page .1 G Q £ 3 is Q'S 4 Page Belt, (. Jwair 2 250 3rk. Helena (s.), 2 247 f» c iwanar 2 9 261 Helen, Elena >:•» < jwen. See „ Heloise, Eloise 2 4 247 Gwyneth Teu. Henry, Henri- 2 9 78, 260 Celt. ( jwendaline, f 2 Guenddolen 1 3 4 } 49,248 etta, Hetty, 1 He'ne'e, Etta, „ < / 2 iwenddyd j 3 4 1 } 275 Eric, Erica, Harry, Harri- „ < jwenfrid 3 1 275 et (Eoric) „ ' jwenhwyar 2 9 261 Heb. lephzibah 2 3 2-15 » awenwynwyn 2 1,2 230, 275 Teu. Herbert 2 4 24S „ Grwyneth, Gwen £ 2 230, 277 Grk. 3ercules (He- 1 2 238 Teu. Gyffard 2 6 252 raclius) Grk. Gyrtius 3 3 278 Teu. Herman, Her- 2 manric 9 260 Teu. Hermenegilde 5 9 261 Heb. Hadassah 3 1 36, 264 » Hermione, Er- £ ! 9 261 Pers. Ar. lHafiz,Hhafiz 2 6 252 Heb. minia Herod, Hero- 5 ! 7 253 Heb. Hagabah 4 i 283 dias S.A.I Halinee - 8 258 Ass. i Hester, Es- I r ther 2 4 249 Grk. Hai'dee' (s.) 5 ! 11 264 Heb. Ar. Hallouf '. ! 7 256 Grk. Hiera S ! 2 243 ; » Hamed : ! 9 261 )) Hippias < I 284 Heb. Hamor t . 283 Lat. Hilary '. 2 12 266 L Hamutal ' > 6 251 Teu. Hilda ! ! 4 99. 248 Phoe. Hamilcar I 2 238 jj Hildegarde ' I 6 252 Heb. Hannah,Aniia i 1 2 2 6 243 236 u Hildegonde 2 7 255, 271 Hanani, Ha- [ )j Hildebrand 2 7 254 naniali, &c. J '» Hildebert 2 4 248 Ar. Harma (John) 1 2 236 Grk. Hippolytus 1 158 S.A.I Ha na tak me 2 9 262 Heb. Hiram 2 7 253 mauk Lat. Hirpus 2 7 254 Teu. Hargrim 2 7, 9 254 ?> Hircius 4 284 )» Harold 2 3, 9 246 Heb. Hobab 2 3 245 Ar. Haroun el Ra- sheed 1 2 216, 239 Teu. Holdlie { 2 3 3 1 I 246,27. ; Hasna (s.) 3 1 N.A.I Hongskayde 2 9 262 (Hos'n), beau- Lat. Honorius, Ho- 2 2 226, 244 tiful noria, Honor, Hassan 3 1 275 Norah Hazut en Ufl- 2 3 246 Heb. Hophra 1 2 238 foos Pers Hormuz, Hor- 1 1 196, 235 Teu. Hawisa, Avice, Heldewig 2 9,12 252 misdas, Oros- mades (Hedwig) Heaburge Eng. Hope 2 12 266 )j 3 2 277 Grk. Horatio, Hora- 3 1 204 Grk. Hebe 3 1 274 tia, Horace Hedia, Hedyla 2 11 264 Lat. Hortense 3 1 275 Hector 2 7 10, 253 Teu. Hubert 2 4 248 Hegemon 2 6 259 » Hugh, Hugo, 2 7,9 195,254, n Heliodorus 2 4 238 1 Ugolino, 261 302 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. Celt. Tea. N.A.I Ar. Chi. Grk. Heb. Sp. Heb. Grk. Teu. Lat. Teu. Sp. Tur. Grk. H Pers. Lat. Grk. Lat. Sp. Teu. Lat. Grk, Grk. Tea Hugues (Hy Gadarn or Cadarn) Humbert Humphrey Hu Y ah. dee Hulweh Hwang Lung Hyale Hyacinth, Gia- cinta,Jacinthe Hypatia Hymnis Hyperides | Iago (James) (Gael.) Ian, (Rus.) Ivan, (Brit.) Ives (John) la, Ian the, lone Ianessa, Ianira Icasie Ida, Idaline Ida (Odo) Ignatius lldefonzo, Al- fonzo Ildherim Inachus Inclyta Indiana Immaculata Imogen e (s.) I Inez (Agnes) Ingeborge Innocent, Inno- centia Iphianassa Iphigenia I phis Iphicles Iphicrates Ipsea Irene, Irenasus Iris Irmentrude, Ir- ma it Page B- 7,9 217,261 4 243 10 263 2,4 49, 249 1] 265 7 256 4 248, 207 3,11 207 2 276 2 243 11 264 1 274 281 2 236 11 207, 264 2 226, 276 9,10 262 8 257 8 257 12 266 4 77, 247 6 7 255 7 253 4 248 284 2 237 3 245 10 9, 263 6 252 2 243 7,9 259 7 254 7 253 7,9 253 7,9 253 283 10 97, 262 9 261, 272 ■is | it Page BK 5 B « Heb. Isaac 2 12 265 ('Isabella, Isa- 1 2 9,236 Heb. Sp. bel, Isabeau, Zabillet,Bel- la, Tibbie, Isa (Elisa- - sabeth) Grk. [saura 2 11 264 „ [schas 3 3 278 Heb. [sbmael 1 2 215,236 Grk. Isidore, Isidora 1 2 238 JJ Ismena 2 8 257 Celt. Isolt, Ysseult (Essylt), Isola 2 3 4 1 } 248, 275 Heb. Ispah 2 3 245 1) Israel 1 5 236 Heb. Jacob, Jacopo, James, (Fr.) Jacques, Jacqueline, Jacquetta 4 281 1J Jane. See John 1 2 5 Lat. Januarius, \ Ital. Gennaro, Fr. Janvier, V Keeper of doors ) 4 143 Heb. Jael 3 1 274 !J Jairus 2 4 247 J Japbia 2 4 247 ') Japhet 3 1 274 Jaied o 9 258 Grk ■Jason 2 6 251 Heb. Jedidab 3 245 » Jedidiah 1 2 236 Ass. Jerall 1 1 235 Teu. Jeffrey, Geoffrey 2 12 266 Heb. Jemima (Ha- mami) 2 10 262 U Jeremiah 1 2 181, 236 Grk. Jerome (Hie- ronymus) 1 2 237 Heb. Jesse, Jessie, Jessica 2 9 258 »> Joab 1 2 236 )J Job 4 281 Lat. Jocunda 2 12 266 Heb. Jochebed 1 2 236 !» Joel 1 2 188, 236 Heb. Joachim, Joa- quina 1 2 9,240 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 303 1 % :es Page i ■ a z o rt is Page fli! u p « n j \u s Beb. J ohn, Jonathan 1 2 5, 9, 236 Grk. Katharine, Ca- 2 2,4 25, 135, J oaDna, Joan, therine, 248 J ane, Janet, (Sco.) Katrine, J anie,Jeannette, (Ir.) Kathleen. J anina (s.), (Eng.) Katie, ( liovanni, Gio- Cattie, Kate, \ anna, Juan, (Sp.) Catalina, : uana, Jua- (Russ.) Ka- iita,Ivan,Ives, tinka,(It.)Ca- : an, Owen, I terina i Brt.) Yves, Yvonne, (Ar.) Pers. lesel Arslan 2 7 256 >! ielig Asian 2 7 256 rlanna, (Ger.) N.A.I [Cenen 2 7 256 3ans, (Turk.) Heb. Keren happuch 2 3 245 Ohannes J) Keturah 2 11 264 Jonah. \ 10 35, 262 » Kezia, Cassia 2 11 264 „ Joseph t Josepha, - Josephine, S Zeffie, Jose, 2 . 12 9, 236,265 Ar. Hin. Khadija 1 Khelat 4 2 239 284 Pers. Khosrow, 1 66,235,249 Joscelyn, (It.) Kouresh Giuseppe, Giu- n Korshid S ! 4 65, 249 seppiua,Beppo, (Sp.) Pepe, Pepita, (Ar.) Yusef N.A.I >! Ar. Khurdad Kokah i Komanikin S Koot el Kuloob 5 2 i 1 ! 7 ! 3 238 276 262 246 "Heb. Joshua L 2 41, 236 Hin. Krishnur I 1 235 Grk. Jovian I 1 235 Ar. Kuleyb 2 5 250 Ar. Jowareh 2 3 246 )i Kurrat el Eyn 2 3 246 Heb Jubal 1 281 N.A.I Kwasind | 2 7 256 Judah, Judith, 1 2 188, 236 Grk. Kyrios, Kyria, 2 9 259 I' Giudita Cyrus, Cyra, at. Julius, Julia, Juliet, Julie, Giulio, Giu- letta, Julian, 3 2 76,277 Kyrillos,Cyril, Cyrilla Juliana Pers. Lab 2 4 249 Lat Junius, Junia 3 1 226, 275 Scla. Ladislas, Lan- '. Justus, Justi- 2 2 244 celot 2 9 261 » nian, Justine N.A.I Ladookea 2 7 256 Heb. Laish 2 7 253 Grk. Lalage 4 282 Ar. Kadeeb el Ban 3 1 276 Egy. Lalahzer 3 1 276 H.A. i Kah beck a Kan gah gee Kahraman 4 2 7 282 256 Grk. Lambda Lainpadius 3 3 2 4 278 247 Ar. 2 7 255 » Lasnpeto, Lam- 2 7 248 Grk. Kalonice 3 1 274 pisium Ar. Kalyca, Calyca Kamar es Ze- man,Camaral- 3 2 2 4 276 249 Teu. » Landric Laurence, Lau- rentius, Lo- renzo, Laura, 2 9 2 9 260 158,260 STTen zaman KarJ, Charles 2 7 255 Laure, Lau- ',4a. i Katequa 2 7 256 rette 304 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 1 p •Z.O * '> p Page a 'E 5 Page at 5 0- o i U p-S Lat. Lavinius, La- vinia 3 3 278 Teu. 1 Jouis(Ludwig), 2 Ludovic 9 260 N.A.I. jaylooahpeai she kaw 4 283 » : Louisa, Louis ', 2 Louison, 9 272 Heb. Lazarus, Aza- 1 2 236, 240 „ ;Rus.) Lodoiska 2 9 272 riah, Azrael Ar. jooloo, Luluab 2 3,4 146, 246 Grk. Leander 2 7,10 253, 262 Lat. Lucius, Luke, 2 4 130, 162 Celt. Lear, Lyr 4 282 Lucy, Lucie Heb. Lebbeus 2 7 253 » Lucullus, Lu- 2 4 248 At. Leila (s.) 3 2 278, 279 cille (Leyla) » ^ucian, Lu- 2 4 248 Lat. Lenius, Lena 2 10 263 cienne Lentulus 4 283 ?? Lucinda, Lucia 2 4 248 Teu. Leopold, Leo- 2 3,9 9, 246 Grk. Lucifer 2 4 23 poldine Leofric Lat. Luna 2 4 248 2 S 246 Chi. ! Lung So 2 7,9 72, 256 II Leofstan 2 3 246 Lat. Lupus, Loup 2 7 254 " Leofwyn 2 3 246 Teu. Lutgarde 2 6 252 " Leonard 2 7 255 ii Ludolf 5 6 252 II Leonric o 7,9 255 Grk. Lycidas, Lycos 5 7 130,253,2 Grk. Laena 2 7,9 253, 270 II Lycostrates £ 7 253 Leo, Leonidas, 2 7,9 253 )! Lychnos £ . 4 247 " Lionel, Leonce )l Lycoris I i 2 277 Leonora, Lenore, 2 7,9 253 »! Lycurgus i ! 4 247 Leonie I) Lydia L t 284 Leontine o 7,9 253 )) Lyra, Lyris 5 . 11 264 Heb. Leczinska (Russ.) See Elisabeth J! Lysias, Lysan- S der i 6 251 Lat. Letitia, Let- tice 2 12 5,266 Lat. Mabel, May, 2 3 Grk. Lesbia 4 284 beloved and Leucosie 3 2 276 beahtiful Leucophyra 3 2 277 Ar. Maaroot' 2 6 252 Ar.' Lezzet elDunya 2 3 246 Lat, Macer 3 3 278 Lat. Liberius, Li- 2 9 260 Grk. Machaera 2 7 253 beria Celt. Madoc 2 3,9 246 Grk. Ligia 2 11 264 Heb. Magdalen, Mad- 2 9 137 Teu. Lina(s.)(Hlina) 2 6 252 dalena Linda 3 1 275 » Madeleine, Ma- 2 9 259 Grk. Liriope 3 2 276 deline, Madge Lat. Lilius, Lily, 2 4 248 »i Mahala 2 11 264 Lilias Ar. Mahboobeh 2 3 246 Lilian, Lilla 3 2 277 N.A.] Mahsish, Ifar 2 7 256 Celt. Llewellyn 2 7 255 Eagle Lat. Locusta 4 285 I) Mabnahbezee 3 1 276 Grk. Lois 2 2 243 it Mahtohpa 3 1 256 Lat. Longinus 3 2 226, 277 Heb. Malachi 2 4 247 Lorenzo, Lau- 2 9 158, 260 11 Malchus.Milcah 2 9 258, 25 rence, Lauren- Celt. Malcolm (s.) 3 2 263 tia, Laura, Ar. Malek Shah 2 9 105,26 Lauretta Heb. Manaen 2| 6 251 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 305 > c rt is Page I C 'Z o ^ l'age ng U Q'S as N.A.I 5 2 6 Ten. IV [.rafted 2 10 263 Mee cheet a 252 Heb. & [anoah '2 10 262 neuch Lat. 1 lansuetus 2 10 263 Grk. Medea o 9 259 Heb. i [anuel, Emma- 1 2 236 » Medora(s.) 2 3 245 - nuel Ar. Mehdi 2 8 258 ,, * lanuela, Ma- 1 236 Heb. Mehetabel 1 2 236 nuelita Grk. Megaliter 2 6 251 Lat. 1 [arcus, Mark, 2 Mania 7 254 >i Melander, Me- lanie 3 2 276 „ J larcellus, Mar- 2 7 254 »? Uelanthus, Me- 3 1,2 276 cella lanthusa , 1 /larcellinus, 2 .7 254 „ Melesias 2 8 257 J! Marcelline ,, Melita 4 2S4 Lat 1 Vlartin, Martine 2 7 254 Pers.lMelchior o 9 261 Grk. 1 ilargaret, Mar- 2 garita 2,4 4,98,198 Heb. Melchizedek, king of right- 1 2 »i Marguerite, 2 Maggie, Meta 2,4 149 Ar. eousness Slelek el Man- o 7 256 i) Hargery, Mar- 2 jorie Maggie, Greta 2 2,4 245, 248 Grk. sour NMina (s,) 2 10 263 2,4 i „ iilelisander, Me- 2 10 262,263 , 2 Marjaneh j j 3 146 'lis-a. Melicerta, Ar. 1 276 ;Melita. Milli- : Ten. Marmaduke S 9 260 i jcent. Hilly ', Grk. Marmarium - 4 247 i Lat. 'Meliora 2 2 2+4 Ar. Marfain - 7 256 Ar. Mellaky 2 9 261 Heb. Mary, Marie, 4 ■ 9,138,212, Grk. ;Meme (s.) 2 3 24.5 Maria, Mara, 281, 285 i ., iMenelaus 2 251 Miriam . ., j Mentor 2 ! 7 253 (Ar.) Maryam, Lat. Mergus 41 284 (Gael.) Morag, Marianne, Ma- 1 - Mercedes 2 3, 6 1 192, 237. 246,252, rian, Marion, 1 l ! 266, 267 Minnie, Mari- " Mercurius -\ * etta,^.) Ma- Celt. Merideth ! 2 7 255 riquita " Mervyn (Mor-, 2 J 7' 231, 255 Martha, Patty 4 281 vran) | j H.A.1 Mash kee wet 2 8 258 Ar. Mes'ood Mes'- | 2 12 266 Grk. Manriee,Maura, 3 2 277 oodah ] Maury, Moritz a Mesroor, happy ! 2 12 Teu. Matilda, Maude 2 7, 9 228, 255 iGrk, Metiochus ' 2 8 257 Heb Matthew, Mat- 1 2 236 " Metrocles ■ ' . 3,9 1 245, 259 thias Ar. Meymoon, Hey- - >. 12 1 266 Lat. Mathurin, Ma- 2 2 244 j mooneh 1 j 244 254, 260 thurine Hin MherulNica 2 2 Max, Maxima, 2 9 260 Teu. Meyrick Q <>2. 236 Maximin Heb. Michael, Micha-| 1 ± \ "• ■ Lat. f Maximilian, . 1 Maximilienne 2 9,1 1 231 ela, Michel; Grk | Michellrae j ^ j o | 243 Ten Grk . May (s.) (Mai), a inaiden . Meconium It ! 41 1 282 T« ll.Gr Michal a. Mildred k.lMiltiades, M lto 2 1 si 3 50,190,2bd i \ 276 X 306 I c '".2 a s§ Page ■ c C o OS rt is Page $ 3 2 Q 3 Heb. 3 2 2,6 Grk. Minervina 8 257 Nanette (Anne 251 Ten. Minna, Minnie 2 3 246 &c.) N.A.I Minne ha ha 2 11 49,265 Lat. Nathalie 1 2 183, 236 »i Minne wa wa 2 11 49, 265 Heb. Nathaniel, Na- 1 2 236 Lat. Minutia 3 2 277 than, Neil Grk. N.A.I Mitio Mishe mokwa, 2 2 10 7 262 Celt. Teu. | Nanthilde 4 231, 282 the great bear Hii). Narmada 2 12 266 Pers. Mithra 1 1 235 Lat. Naso 3 3 226,278 )! Mithridates, 1 2 66,238 Ar. Neamet Allah 1 2 239 Mithridad Heb. Necho 3 3 278 II Mithrabarzanes 1 2 238 Ar. Nehar es Sena 2 4 249 Grk. Mnechus 2 2 243 J7 NejmetesSabak 2 4 249 77 Mnesarete 2 2 243, 279 N.A.I Nekime" 2 7 256 Teu. Modgndor 2 7 255,271 Teu. Nellie (Ellen) 2 12 266 « Modred 2 7 255,271 Heb. Neri 2 4 247 Ar. Mohammed, 1 2 54, 239, )» Neriah 1 2 236 Mahmoud 2 9 261 Sab. Nero 2 7 254, 270 N.A.I Mong shong 3 1 49,276 N.A.I Nenemoosha 2 3 247 shaw Grk. Nessida 4 284 Tea. Mona 2 4 248 i) Nestor 2 8 257 Grk. Monica, alone 4 N.A.I Netis 2 3 247 » Monimia 2 9 259 Lat. Nettuno 1 1 235 Hin. Mootie 2 3,4 247 Grk. Nicias, Nican- 2 7,9 253 Celt. Morgiana, Mor- wen 4 114,282 der, Nicanor, Nico, Nicilla, J) Morhold 2 7 255 Nicium, Nicea Heb. Moses, (Ar.) Moussa, Musa, Muza 4 281 )! Nicodemus, Ni- cholas, Cola, Claus, Clans- 2 7,9 253, 268 Grk. Moschus 4 284 sen, Nicola, Lat. Mugillianus 4 284 Nicoline.Nico- Celt. Mango 2 3 246 lette, Colette N.A.I Manne puska 2 7 94,256 Grk. Nieephorus 2 7 253 Celt. Murdoch, Mur- 2 9 261 ji Nicomedes 2 8 257 tagh Lat. Nigel, Niger 3 2 277 Lat. Mursena 4 284 Heb. Nimrod 4 281 Grk. Muriel 2 11 264 Sp. Nina, Ninita 2 3 192, 246, Pers. Murwari 2 3 246 267 Lat. Musca 4 284 Ass. Ninua 3 1 35 Ar. Mustafa 1 1 2 2 [ 3) 239, 246 Pers. Nisca, a rose 3 2 N.A.I Nixwarroo 2 7 256 Grk. Myllia 4 284 Heb. Noah 2 10 262 JI Myrrha, Myro, 2 11 264 Ar. Noam 2 12 266 Myra, Myrtale, Lat. Noel, Nathalie 1 2 183, 236 Myrrhena Heb. Lat. Nogah Nonius, Nonia 2 4 4 247 284 Ar. Noor ed Deen, 1 2 95, 239 Heb. Naaman, Naa- 2 11 264,274 Noureddin mah, Naomi 3 1 279 ,, Noor et Huda 2 4 249 Vit. Naiogabui 2 11 265 >) Noor Jehan 2 4 249 Ass. Nana 1 1 2.35, 239 )j Noor Mahal 2 4 1 249 AijrjiAj5j!iij.v^iuu ijiisi ur NAMES, •AS 0? o 2 8 Page .J. c C o OS 0« 5 O' 3 Page N.A.I Not a way 258 Lat. Palmetius, Pal- 2 9 260 Grk. Lat. Nivma Numerianus 2 4 8 257 284 ma, Palmyre (Fr.) Ar. Nuzhet el Fuad 2 3 246 Grk. Pamela (s.), all 2 11 ii Nuzhet el Ze- mon 2 3 246 sweetnessfiY al- together dark, 3 2 Lat. Nydia 4 284 a brunette Grk. Pammenes 2 7 253 t) Pamphilius 2 3 245 Heb. Obadiah 1 2 181,236 I) Panacea 2 6 251 Lat. Ocella 3 3 226 )) Panagie 2 2 243, 267 » Octavius, Octa- 4 284 )1 Panarista 2 2 243 vian, Octavia Pancrates 2 9 259 Teu. Odo, Otho, 1 2 ] 235,266 Pandora 2 12 265 Odalric 2 9,12 )) Pantaclea 2 9 259 j» ■ Odile, Odette, 2 9,12 261 » Panthea 2 9 259 Othilde, Ot- 1> Panthous 2 7 253 tilie 1) Panthera 4 284 j) Offa 2 10 263 JJ Papyrins 4 283 » Olaf, Aulaff 2 10 51 )J Parmenion 2 10 262 )> Olga. See Al- 1 2 261 tJ Parthenia 2 4 248 degonde H Parthenope 3 1 274 N.AJ Olitipa 3 1 49,276 )) Pasiphila 2 3 245 Lat. Oliver, Olivia, Olive 2 10 263 Heb. Pasquale, Pas- cha 1 2 236 )» Omobuono 2 2 244 Lat. Passer 4 284 Grk. Onesiphorus 2 6 251 Lat. } Patrick, Pa- 2 9 125, 199, N.A.I Oojeena he ha 2 7 256 from 1 trie 13 260 Grk. Olympia, 2 4 248 Grk. Olympe Grk. Patrocles 2 3,9 10, 245, 259 Ar. Omar 2 2 244 JJ Paula, Pauline 2 10 263 Grk. Ophelia 2 6 251 Lat. Paul, Paula, 3 2 9,277,279' Lat. Opportune 2 12 266 Pauline Grk Orca 2 10 263 Grk. Pausanias, one 2 6 Heb. Oreb 4 283 who allays Celt. Orkedorigh 2 9 261 sorrow Heb. Orpah 3 1 274 Tah. Pauma, Po- 2 1 257 Egy. Osiris 1 235 mare (s.) Teu. Osbert 2 238 N.A.I Pehta 2 7 256 ,, Osmond 2 238 Grk. Peitho 2 11 264 ji Oswald 2 238 JJ Pelagio, Pela- 4 281 ii Oswin 2 238 gie, Pelayo N.AI Owaissa 3 1 276 »I Penelope 4 282 Celt. Owen | 2 10 ■1234,236, 5 263 Heb. Penninah 2 3 245 1 2 Grk. Pericles 2 9 225, 259 p Peri alia 2 2 243 n Periphas 2 4 247 Lat. Psetus i 3 3 278 Lat. Peregrine 4 282 N.A.I Pah me cow e tah 2 8 258 j) Perpetua, un- changing, con- 2 5 )7 Pah too cara 2 7 256 stant !> Pah ta chooche 4 283 Hin. Perrya Amma 2 9 262 x2 308 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. < a s £ Page 1 c rk * 5 Page pj o P'» Grk. U 2 0'= 2 Grk. Perrine (Fr.). Polycarp 243 See Peter JJ Polydor 2 12 265 Petala { 2 4 248 )? Polytiineus 2 2,3 245 n 3 1 226 JJ Polyxene 2 6 251 j: Peter (Petros), 2 J 41,253 Lat. Ponce 2 6 252 Pietro, Perez, »> Pontius 4 282 Petrea,Pierette, >i Poppea 3 1 275 Petronilla, Per- Grk. Porphyry 2 9 105, 259 rine Lat. Portia 2 6 252 N.A.I Pezhekee 2 7 256 Egy- Potiphera 1 2 238 E gy- Pharaoh 1 1 64, 235 Lat. Preziosa 2 3 245 Grk. Pbaadra 1 1 248 •) Probus 2 2 244 ■1 Phffidora, Feo- 2 4 248 Grk. Procopius 2 12 265 dor, Feodora Lat. Prosper, Pro- 2 12 266 Phoebe { 1 1 197, 235 perzia (Ital.) n 2 4 247 >i Prudence 2 8 258 j) Phsenarete 2 2,4 243 Celt. Prudwen, Pry- 3 1 275 »j Phaon, Phano 2 4 247 dain jj Phantasia 2 8 257 N.A.I Pshanshaw ■2 11 265 >i Phenice 2 9 259 Grk. Psyche 2 4 248 jj Phila, Phillinu 2 3 24S J) Ptolemy 2 7 64 jj Philander, Phi- lemon, Phi- 2 3 245 Lat. Publius, Pub- licola 2 3 87, 245 letas JJ Pudens, Pu- 2 2,10 263 i) Philalethe 2 5 250 dentia u Philareta 2 2 243 JJ Pulcherie 3 1 275 ji Philomela 2 11 264 Hin. Pun Amma 2 9 262 j> Philadelphus, 2 3 245 Grk. Pyrallis 3 1 275 Philadelphia )J Pyrgo 2 6 251 ti Philopater, Pbilometer 2 3 245, 267 JJ Pyrrhus, Pyrrlia 3 2 276 j, Philumena, Fi- 2 3 121, 245 1) Psyllus 4 218 lomena JJ Pythagoras 2 8 10, 257 57 Philip,P~hilippa, Philippine 4 281 J) Pythias 2 8 257 J» Phyllis 4 283 1) Philyrea 3 1 275 Lat. Quercens 4 283 ») Phintias 2 3 245 JJ Quartus, 4 284 JJ Phryne 4 276, 279 Quartia Lat. Pilate 4 282 JJ Quintus, Quin- 4 284 Heb. Pinon, Penin- nah 9 3 245 tillian, Quin- tilla Grk. Pisander 2 11 264 JJ Quietus 2 10 263 Lat. Pisius 4 283 Grk. Piston, Pistus o 5 225, 250 Lat. Pius, Pia 2 2 243 Ar. Es Eaad el o 7 256 jj Placidus, Pla- 2 10 95, 263 Khasif cilla Heb. Rachel 2 10 121, 262 Grk. Plato 3 2 83, 276 Teu. Radegunde 2 8 258 Lat. Plautus, Plau- 3 3 278 Ar. Rahab .'! 2 278 tilla >J Rahmeh o 3 246 urk. Plutarch 2 12 265 flill. Rama 1 1 235 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 309 . c t o 8 sg Page i c 8 »§ Page AS 5 1 2 H-t ^ 3 3 1,2 Sgy. Rameses 22 Lat. Rosa, Rose, 277 to. Randolph, Ralph, Raoul 2 6 252 Rosina, Rosa- mond, Rosabel, !> Ranwulph 2 7 255 Rosalba, Rosa- Heb. : Egy. ]• Raphia 2 6 251 Celt. lie, Rosanne Rowena 3 2 277 fleb. Raphael, Ra- phaela 1 2 9, 236 Pers. Roxalane (Rou- shen) 2 4 249 ta. Raucula 3 3 278 Lat. Rufus, Rufa 3 2 277, 279 )) Ravilius 3 3 278 ii Rutilius, Ru- 3 2 277 Teu. Raymond 2 10 263 tilia leb. Rebekah, Re- becca 11 264 Heb. Ruth 3 1 247, 274 |ut Redento, Re- 1 o 237 denta Ar. Sa'ad, Saa'deh 2 12 266 Regulus, Regal- 2 9 7, 260 J) Sa'ed 2 3 105, 246 lianus, Eegilla, Celt. Saidi, Sad 2 2 244 Regina, Eeine Grk. Sabinus, Sabina 4 284 Teu. Reginald, Reg- 2 9 260 Teu. Ssebald 2 7 255 nier ;» Saafreth 2 9 260 Reinfred 2 10 263 )t &ewulph 2 7 255 Lat. Respectus Renatus, Rene 2 1 9 2 260,271 129, 237 Ar. Salah ed Been, Saladin 1 2 71,239 Reseda 3 1 264 o Page Qg 2 Q~ Og o p'S N.A.I Seet-se-bea 4 249 Lat. Simeon 2 2 243 Grk. Seleucus 3 2 276 it Sirpicus 4 283 Ar. Selim, Selimeb 2 12 266 Ass. Sitareh, Esther, 2 4 6,249 Es Semendal 2 4 249 Hester Grk. Selina, Selene 2 4 235, 247 Grk. Smilax 4 283 Ass. Semiramis 2 10 35,127,263 N.A.I Soangetaha 2 7 256 Heb. Sephora 3 1 274 Grk. Socrates 2 2 225, 243 Lat. Septimus, Sep- 4 284 Ar. Soem 2 3 247 tilia )> Safiyeh, Sofian 2 3 69,239,24 »» Serena 2 10 263 Tur. Sofiyeh 2 3 69,239,24 Heb. Seraphine, Se- 1 2 236 Pers. Sofi ed Deen 1 2 71, 239 rafina Grk. Sophia, Sophy, 2 8 9, 68, 13' » Serug 4 283 Sophonie, So- 209, 257 Lat. Sextus,Sextilia, Sexticia 4 284 fia, Sophie, Sophiele Ar. Seyf ed Deen f 1 o 2 7 } 239 Grk. Sophocles Sophronius, So- 2 2 8,9 2,8 257 257 » Seyf ud Dow- 2 7,9 261 phroniscus, lab Sophronia, So- 2 2,8 243, 257 )j Seyf el Mulook 2 7,9 261 phrosyne, So- N.A.I Shako 4 283 phronium Ass. Sbalmaneser 1 1 235 Heb. Solomon, Sa- 2 10 24, 262 Heb. Sballum 2 2 243 lome Ar. Shamikh 2 9 262 Grk. Sosandra 2 6 251 Heb. Sbarai 2 9 258 ,, Sosthenes 2 2 243 Ar. Sharaf el Beuat 2 9 262 j, Soter, Sosia 2 6 251 N.A.I Shawondazee 2 11 265 Ass. Sosana 2 4 209 »> Shedea 4 283 Heb. Susan, Su- 3 2 191, 24S Ar. Shehr a zad, 3 1 275 sanna 276 Scherezade Ar. Soosan 3 2 278 I) Shejeret el Durr 2 3 48, 246 Grk. Spiridion, Spiro 1 2 238, 241 Heb. Shelemiah 2 2 236 Sola. Stanislaus 2 9 261 Ar. Shems ed Deen 1 2 239 Pers. Statira 2 3 113, 246 J) Sbems ed Doha 2 3 249,261 Grk. Stephen, Ste- 2 9 4,259 >} Shems el Mu- look 2 9 261 phanie, (Sp.) Esteban, (Fr.) J) Shems en Nehar 2 3 249 Etienne Pers. Shereen 2 11 98,265 Lat. Stella, Estelle 2 4 248 N.A.I Shingawossa 3 1 94, 276 )) Strabo 3 3 278 Pers. Sber 2 7 256 J) Sulpicius 2 6 251 Ar. Sherkok Shoh 2 2 7 3 256 246 Grk. Sybil, Sibyl, Si- bella 1 2 2 i 8i 134, 257 Celt. Sholto (s.) 4 282 j? Syntyche 2 12 265 N.A.I Shomecosse 2 7 256 N.A.I Stee cha co me- 2 9 262 Phoe. Sidonia 2 11 264 co Teu. Sigbert 2 7 254 Lat. Sylvester, Syl- 4 282 J) Sigeard, Sigurd 2 7 254 vanus, Sylvia » Sigeric 2 7,9 260 Teu. Sweyn 3 2 277 )) Sigbelm 2 7 254 )I Sigismund 2 7 254 J) Sigwulph 2 7 254 Heb. Tabitha 3 1 274 227, 263 Heb. Simon 2 2 45,77,243 Lat. Tacitus, Tace 2 10 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 311 I c (3 - '> ~ Page .1 c u O « *g Page Q£ u 5 » og 3 n» S.A.I Tai bau se gai, 2 7 214 Grk. Thetis 4 , 282 bursts of 1J Theta 4 284 thunder at a Teu. Thora, Thyra 2 238 distance » Thordisa 2 238, 255 Ar. Taj el Mulook o 9 261 ii Thorgerda 2 238, 255 Celt. Taliessin 2 4 24S )! Thorgeir 2 2.38 Heb. Tamar 3 1 274 )> Thorkell 2 238 H.A.I Tahmiroo 3 1 49, 276 n Thormod 2 238, 271 ,fir. Tanagra 2 9 260 j» Thorwald 2 238, 241 ii Tancred (s.), Tan gr aid 2 9 260 Pboe. Thomas (s.), Tom, Thoma- 1 235, 240 Si Tanaquil 2 7 254, 270 sina, (Heb.) Celt. Tegid 2 10 263 Thammuz .Grk. Telamon 2 7 253 Grk. Thrasymene, 2 7 » Telega 4 282 brave spirit )) Telesia 2 2 243 JJ Thrasybulus, 2 7 It Telligida 4 284 brave counsel- Ar. Ten'om 2 10 263 lor Beb. Terah 2 12 265 Lat. Tiberius 4 284 Sab. Terence, Teren- 2 10 263 Grk. Timandra 2 7 254 tia, soft, gentle Jl Timarete 2 2 243 lit. Tertius, Ter- tia, Tertullus, 4 284 JJ Timothy, who honours God 1 2 237 Tertullian JJ Titus, Titian, 2 9 Irk. Thai's 3 1 274 Tita,venerable Thalassis 4 282 Ar. Tohfeh 2 3 246 Thales, Thalia, 2 12 265 Grk. Topsius 4 282 Thallusa Lat. Toussaint 1 2 » Theano Thekla, one o 2 8 2 257 (French ), alto- gether holy who gives glo- Grk. Triptolemus 2 7 253 ¥■ ry to God )' Trismegistus 2 9 259 11 Themistocles 2 2 243 JJ Tryphena 4 282 ' J) Theodore, The- 1 2 237 11 Tryphosa 4 282 odora Celt. Tryst an 2 9 261 )l Theodosius, Theodosia 1 2 237 Lat. Tristam, soi- rowful 4 11 Theophilus, 1 2 237 Chi. Tsing Liing 2 7 256 Theophila Celt. Tuileach 2 7 255 II Theophanie, Tiphaine 1 2 183,237,274 Lat. Tullius, Tullia, Tulliola o 2 45, 244 11 Theophrastes 2 8 83 ii Turpilianus, 3 3 278 lea. Theodoric, Thi- 2 9 72, 260 Turpilia erry N.A.I Tunt aht oh ge 2 7 256 ii Theodelinde, Yolande 3 1 275 Grk. Tychicus 2 12 265 Beb. Theresa (s.), TheYese, The'- 3 1 9, 274 reson, Zon, Teu. Udolph 2 6 252 Zeno, Teresa, j» Ulf 2 7 195, 255 Thirza (Tir- i» Ulric, Ulrica 2 12 266 zah) (Odalric) 312 ALPHABETICAL LIST OJb' jnajvl&b. « a a, £ a ■« a *■ c Page 1 C r: 's s Page a$ O 4 fi-S OS 5 2 0» Lat. Una 244, 284 Lat. Vivian, Vivia, 1 jj Ursinus, Ursi- 2 7 254 life , nius >s Vitia 4 283 Ursula, XJrsina 2 7 254 Scla. Vladimir 2 9 261,273 Ar. Umr Sood 2 12 266 Lat. Volumnia 2 3 245 Grk. Lat. Urania (Sans. Varouna) Urban 2 4 8 257 282 ji Vulturgius 4 284 Heb. Uriel, Uriah 1 2 236 N.A.I Wahongaskee 2 8 258 Lat. Urtica, Urticula 4 283 jj Wa saw me saw 2 8 256 Sp. UiTaca 4 8 n Washkemonge 4 282 Teu. Waldemar 2 9 260 u Waltheof, Wal- ter VVeemeonka, 2 9 260 Sans Vajezatha 1 1 235 N.A.I 3 1 Teu. Vala 2 3 246 btnding willmu J) Vaen, Vanessa 3 1 275 Teu. Wilfred 2 10 263 1) Valborge 2 3 50, 246 j) William, Wil- 2 6 29,252 • Lat. Valentine, Va- 2 7 254 helm, Willie, lentin ian Wilhelmina JJ Valerius, Va- 2 7 155, 254 jj Wimund 2 2 244 lerie ?i Winfred, Wini- 2 10 29, 263 Vit. Valugaiaki 2 4 217 fred, Winnie Grk. Eus. | Vasileia 2 9 259 N.A.I Teu. Wingemund VVistan 2 2 3 8 247 258 Teu. Velleda 2 7 255 )) Wolfgang, gait 2 7 Lat. Verena I 2 237 of a wolf ?> Vero, Vera, Ve- 2 5 189, 250 it Wolfheah 2 7 255 rax, Veranius, JJ Wolfrio 2 7 255 Vernia N.A.I Wukmisir 4 283 Lat. Grk. | Veronica 1 2 151, 237 Teu. Wyn 2 3 246 Celt. Verkendorigh 2 9 261 Lat. Virtue 2 2 Grk. Xerxes, (Pers.) 2 7 256 'i Vespasian, Ves- 4 155, 284 Cyaxares pellian jj Xanthe 3 2 277 Celt. Vhir dhu Mohr 3 2 277 Teu. Vibert 2 4 244 Lat, Victor, Victoria 2 7 77, 226 Brit. Yves, Yvonne. 1 2 236 JJ Victorine, Vic- o 7 254 See John, Jane toriola Ar. Yasimeen 3 1 48,275 J» Vincent, Vin- centia 2 7 157, 226, 254 Teu. Yolande (Theo- delinde) 3 1 275 Lat. Vigilius, Vigi- 2 8 258 Celt. Ysolt,Isolt(Es- 4 } 248, 275 lantius sylt) 3 1 Sp. Vimeira 4 284 Lat Vinnulia 2 n 264 « Viola, Violet, o 11 264 Heb. Zadoc 2 2 243 Violetta, Vio- JJ Zaccheus 2 4 247 lante Ar. Zai'dee 2 12 207,266 ji Virginias, Vir- 2 4 248 )) Zai're(s.) (Zahr) 3 I ginia, Virginie a flower ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES. 313 ■a SI VI TO o 0« Page .J. c Heb. J2 u 2 is « Page Ar. Zahr el Bustan 3 1 275 Zillah 6,11 48,223,251 H Zahr el Naring 3 1 275 |t Zimri 4 283 II Zara 2 4 207, 249 )) Zibiah 3 1 274 )) Zarifa 2 11 207,275 JJ Zippor, Zippo- 4 283 Heb. Zechariab, re- 1, 2 rah membrance of Ar. Zita 2 9 262 Gad Grk. Zoe 2 1 207, 242 IJ Zeeb 7 253 JJ Zopyra 2 1 242 Grk. Zelie 2 7 207, 253 Zozimia 2 1 242 JJ Zenai'de 2 2 207, 243 JJ Zora 2 4 248 IJ Zeno, Zenobia | 1 2 2 1 203, 224 242 Ar. Zuleika(s.), Ze- leekah 3 2 278 Heb. Zephaniah 1 2 69, 236 IJ Zulma, Zuley- 2 12 207 Grk. Zephyrino, Ze- 1 1 196,235, ma, Suleyma phyrine 2 1 242 JI Zumurrud 2\ 3 48, 246 The Latin names Aper and Domitian, Class 2, Division 7, have been placed, through an oversight of the writer, amongst the Greek names of the same class and division. A similar oversight will be observed in Minutia, Class 3, Division 2, and in Macer, Class 3, Division 3, both of these names being of Latin derivation. Ignatius, rightly translated p. 77, is wrongly classed p. 247. Other oversights, doubtless, there are in upwards of 2,000 names, but, the writer trusts, not so many as may appear to a casual observer. Many names of Latin sound and appearance may be traced, it is conscientiously supposed, to a Greek origin. Argentine, born in Rome of Latin Argentum, does she not rightly claim sisterhood with Greek Argyrea, and a common descent from ' Arguros,' silver? Or rather let us trace back to ' Argos,' shining, glistering. How suggestive, then, is the doubly significant musical name of the Grecian nymph — 'shining' and * swift* as a glancing ray of light! Beyond the power of the writer's pen is it even to touch upon the.wonders of scientific research regarding the undulation of light: but in the simple thought of a woman's name, Argyrea, as figurative of one whose feet were silvery and swift, there is hope for her who would fain be the bearer of even the tiniest ray of light, telling of the Light of Life — the one true Light for time andfor eternity. LONDON PBI2JTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND 00. WEW-STBEET SQUAEE Errata. Page 9, line 8, for Francisca read Francisca de Assiz (e de) „ 9, „ 10, 11, omit (de Assise e de) „ 48, „ 14, the reference to note should come after 'Susan,' line 12 „ 242, „ 14, for Athenais read Athanasia ,, 281, „ 12, for Japhet — Hunter read Japhet — Beautiful BENTLEY'S POPULAE WORKS. One Shilling and Sixpence. Tales from Bentley, Vols. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Two Shillings and Sixpence. What to do with the Cold Mutton. Everybody's Pudding Book ; or, Puddings, Tarts, &c, for all the Year round. The Lady's Dessert Book. By the Author of ' Everybody's Pudding Book.' Nelly Armstrong. A Story of Edinburgh Life. Eita : an Autobiography. The Semi-Detached House. Edited by Lady Theresa Lewis. The Semi-Attached Couple. By the same Author. The Ladies of Bever Hollow. By the Author of ' Mary Powell.' Tillage Belles. By the same Author. Easton. By Hon. Lena Eden. The Season Ticket. Notes on Noses. By Eden Warwick. Salad for the Social. Books, Medicine, Lawyers, the Pulpit, &c. Say and Seal. 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