Christianity and the new testament influenced the given names of people in the first world so much so that given name = “Christian” name. How were names in these areas prior to Christianity’s adoption? Are there any studies? Thank you!
In: Other
I’m a little confused by the question. Could you provide an example of what you’re referring to?
They used to be exactly the same as they were after: People were known by some name, maybe a middle name, and sometimes also a clan name, profession, location, patronym, or other “surname”. Depending on the culture epithet may also have been used.
As pointed out “Christian name” doesn’t mean “all given names”, it’s the name given to a person as they became a Christian.
The Term “Christian Name” Derives from the practice of someone taking on a new name, or being given a name when they are Baptized. This practice fell out of use in most Christian societies either due to the practice of infant christening, or just choosing to not take on new names when being baptized as an older child or adult. Thus the given name not changing, or the child not even getting a given name till they are christened.
It does not have anything to do with some names being considered “Christian names” as you seem to think.
Latest Answers