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flects human culture. This paper starts with the basic structure and origins of the English name. It expounds that English name, the product of human historical development, originates from specific social background and carries certain cultural connotation. 2. The characteristics and origins of English name An English full name consists of a person’s first name and last name. First name is also called Christian name, given name or baptismal name. Last name is also called family name or surname. Sometimes, there is a middle name between the first name and the last name, middle name is also called second name. 2.1 The characteristics and origins of first name The first name is a personal name given by his or her parents at some point after the birth of the child. It is also called a person’s forename or personal name. The first name is informal, which is usually used among family members or close friends and colleagues. If we say, “we are all on first-name terms with John”, it means we call him by his first name, which is a sign of a friendly informal relationship. Some common English given names are John, Robert, Thomas, William, Alice, and so on. English first name has many origins. But one of the most influential sources should be Christianity, because most English-speaking countries are Christian countries. In Christian countries, the Christian name is often used for the first name. Soon after a child is born, it is christened. That is, the child is given a Christian name at a Christian religious ceremony like baptism. In this Christian religious ceremony, someone is touched or covered with water to welcome them into the Christian faith and sometimes to officially name them. Traditionally, a child is given a Christian name by its godfather and godmother at baptism. So in Britain, a person’s first name is also called a baptismal name. We may say the child was baptized or christened by the name of John or Mary. Parents often give their children names after the people in the Bible. Such biblical names as Adam, Abraham, Daniel, David Paul and Peter are most commonly used first name. Mythology and literature have also contributed many first names. Mythology is the fantastic story that is originated from certain famous people, historical events, historical sites and social custom. It comes down by oral form. And mythology is a way used to explain the nature. [5] It is also a miniature of national culture. In several thousands years, the whole western world was under the influence of Greek-Roman mythology. Classical Greek mythology provided names like Daphne, Phoebe, Cynthia, Hector, and Jason. Literature also did great contribution to English name. Take Shakespeare as an example, Shakespeare was a great master of the English language, and he was one of the greatest writers in the world. There are 37 of his plays have come down to us. Because of the great influence of Shakespeare in west, many people like to choose names from his works. He provided Miranda, Jessica and Cordelia, etc. In several millenniums years of human civilization, people’s lives have close relation with the natural environment. So, there are also many first names originated from animals and plants. Such as Bird, Fox, Wolf, Bee, Fish, Goose, Bull, Eagle, and, Bush, Rice, Wood, Cotton, Kole, Stock, Lotus, Reed, Rose, and so on. Some first names originated from personal characteristics, such as Happy (originated the happy man), Smart (originated from the smart man)