I was thinking today about names, and I started trying to decide, in my opinion, what made one name better. I came to the conclusion that I tend to like more traditional (i.e. - Older) names better. For Example, for male names I like Alexander, Arthur, Russell, Frederick, and Thomas. For female names I like Evelyn, Eleanor, Elaine, Rose, Victoria, Virginia, and Catherine.
But not only did I notice that these names are more traditional, but they tend to be longer. Somehow, it seems, our society has develop a general association (I know there are exceptions, including some in my preferred list) of longer names with deep, interesting people of character and short names (i.e. Vicki, Jenn, Erin, Bob, Jim, John, Ed) with ditsy, shallow, uninteresting individuals. I know this is a false association, so why is it so?
(Continued in the extended entry because I don't wanna waste space for the real political commentary)
First, let me apologize if I have mentioned anyone's name in a less than flattering manner. I am not saying anyone's name is bad, and I do not personally believe that short names = stupid people. Hell, my name is Ian. Count 'em... 3 letters. Just wanna make that clear.)
But yeah, names are an interesting thing, and it's interesting to see how the trend of naming changes over time. Behind the Name.com lists the most popular names in a few countries (including the US) from around 1900 on in order of popularity up to the 1000th most popular. An interesting browse, if you've got some time.
While looking, I noticed that in 2002 Ian was the 67th most popular name in America. Pretty decent. What was even more interesting was that the 66th (not a lucky number, if you happen to believe in luck) most popular name was Jesus. It was, needless to say, the first time I had ever seen the words Ian and Jesus put right next to each other... and I am not even sure why I just told that story in a diary.
But yeah, names... interesting thing. I'd be really interested to hear some of your favorite names too, just because it is something that everyone has an opinion on but no one really talks about.
Once again, taking a political break and building some community out here... I love to hear about you guys and gals as people, not just as political junkies.