(no subject)

[jakapi.livejournal.com]

Hey, I'm Jana. I had a few questions about names that I need some opinions on.

I really like the name Cassandra but from what I've seen it means "doom." I can't name any future kids Cassandra after finding out the meaning. I love the sound of Elias but I am not religious at all and the meaning is very much so. Are meanings of names important to you when you choose a name for your child? If not, do you just not research the name or do you find out what it means and then disregard it?

Also, I have a few names I am in love with (Blythe, Mitra, Caleb, etc.) but who remind me of people in my past. I don't necessarily want those people to think I'm naming my future kids after them (especially since they are pretty uncommon), but I also don't want to shy away from them just because someone I know has that name. Would naming them the same thing as friends, coworkers, or past acquaintances be a bad idea? If you do go about naming your kid one of those names, how would you explain it the person with the same name?

Thanks!

Comments

[xanya.livejournal.com]

Like others have said, the name Cassandra doesn't really mean doom, that's basically just a connotation that not many people know anymore (goodness, what's happening to classical education in schools these days?), so I wouldn't worry too much about that if you really like it.

For me, meanings are quite important. I mean, most names started off meaning something for a reason, didn't they? So why should that be totally disregarded? Especially names that originally came from words.

As for Elias, well... I always associate the name with Elias Howe who, in 1846, invented the sewing machine. Or claimed he did, anyway. I don't think it's a super religious name. It's not like Job or anything. Go for it if you think it's the one for you!