Does how a name originated make it more or less of a name?

[thistleflower]

I've been reading with interest people's thoughts on what constitutes a 'proper' name. I've noticed that some think certain names shouldn't be used on their own due to how they began e.g. Millie because its a nn or Darcy because it's a surname.

But does it really matter, after all, all names have to start somewhere? Once a name is given, doesn't it then become a 'proper' name, albeit an non-traditional one.

I guess what I'm asking is: do the origins of names affect how you think about them?

It doesn't really become a name just because one person uses it as a name, IMO, at that point its just someone with a word for a name.
If it becomes more widespread, more recognisable as a name, thats different.

I think its sort of word association, e.g when people use a name that is another word such as Autumn, this to me will always be the season until I have known someone with that name.

I hate all this crap about using the full name for the birth certificate and using the original even though the nickname is a name in its own right. I think its utter rubbish.

I think nicknames are risky because some day, Millie is going to have to write a CV, and she won't have recourse to a longer, more adult name. Surnames, however, don't pose that problem.

EVERY single name is made up and names evolve.

We sometimes forget what a name is - it is used to identify a person, place of thing.

yes but this current fad for taking random words as names or even just adding some syllables together then mispronouncing them is trying to cut out the evolution and just make up tonnes of "names" all at once.
I think we should be like other countries and ban stupid made up not names.

Ok my DD1s name is not a name as such it is a word, butttt once I met someone with it as a name it became a name to me and I love it. I have actually met a few now.

I know mn would do a painfully high about it.

You mean word names like Grace, Daisy, Meadow, Willow, Rose, Summer, Rosemary, Summer, Sky, etc? As long as a name is pronouncable (and not a silly, rude word), who cares what a person is named?

you might read posts before commenting, poppy, see above:
"If it becomes more widespread, more recognisable as a name, thats different."

There are people who come on here (and worse in other places) who want to call their children things like Magical and Maestro and Doodle-Bop. Won't anyone think of the children....?

Magical?! That is joke right? Penis

My area is a hotspot for what I would call... unique names but not in mn way.
In more of a Deshaunus, Cymphonique, Naomielle kind of way.

My DD1s name is a word name but not a common word name, I used it because the coolest most chic person I have ever met was called it and I thought yep I'll have some of that thank you. Have met/seen a few others but mainly in the states and mainly on boys. Its on my profile but I'm not going to put it on the thread as I don't want too much kerfuffle about it.

So wait Penis, what kind of names do you think are proper names then?

I think people should use whatever name they love and feels right. The argument for 'adult' names and having longer names on a cv I think is anachronistic. There are so many Alfie, poppy, Charlie etc type names around these days that by the time they're writing cvs they people won't think twice. Personally I don't understand why someone would name their child a 'proper' name then only ever call them by a nn.

One view is that any collection of letters can be a name. Gnepzeqoxg.... is that a name? Why shouldn't it be?

However, I'm on the side of finding the origins and history of a name relevant and interesting. Most words in the languages of the world have originated or evolved in clear historical patterns and many of the older names seem to have the same sense behind them.

Tricky one. Personally, I'm swayed by meaning first, and then sound/pronounciation, rather than anything else. It's fascinating the way that names evolve, become loved (or otherwise) and then fall out of use.

If you're interested in the creation of names though, have a look at some of the Restoration playwrights' inventions- Blowzelinda anyone?

Moonlight See I'm not into meanings at all, I don't know what any of DCs names mean, but am intrigued by your post.

Does that mean you pick a meaning and seek out a name that matches it or you think of names you like and then do pick from the list based on the meaning. Also do you use meanings as in the actual original definition or what the name means to you as in you knew a lovely person with that name?

DDs second name is my nn. I wish that it was on my birth certificate too.
I never use it except on very formal things like passports and CRB forms, it is not me.

I wouldn't turn round if some one called it out.

Ruby it's a mix of searching a name for a particular meaning or hearing something I like the sound of and then finding out what it means. If the balance between the two isn't right, then I lose interest in it.

I use the actual definitions rather than a personal connection though.

Mind you, I'm fascinated by etymology in general, so that might explain it.