names in the 12th century, there were 1% of people named John. And according to the statistics of personal names in 13th century, there were 25% of people named John. The feminine sages’ names also are popular first names such as, Mary (Jesus Christ’s mother), Ann (Mary’s mother), and Catherine (Peter’s wife). People also often like to select the sages’ names in the Old Testament such as Noah (the man who made the Noah and took each kind of animal into it), Abraham (the founder of Judaism), Sarah (Abraham’s wife), etc. By the 17th century, all names appear in Holy Bible were used, and now, they are still very common. English name reflects the strong religious culture; it reflects people's values and ethics.
Names paying tribute to God:
Western people believe Christianity sincerely, and they believe God sincerely. The Holy Bible said that God created all things in the world; therefore they choose certain names to pay a tribute to God. Such as Timothy, Elizabeth (sacrifice which give to God), Dominic (belong to God), Tobis (God is benevolent).
Names reflecting the believer's worship and Christian rules and regulations they followed:
In the times of Puritan (the 17th and the 18th century), the environment was bad and the life was difficult. Specially, those Puritans who arrived in America had to unite as one, work hard, manage a household with diligence and thrift to survive. At that time, the names people selected reflected the believer's worship and rules and regulations they followed, such as Give-thanks, Prudence, Humanity, Faint-Not, etc. In addition, there also were some names reflected the Christian virtues, which Christianity initiates to publicize, such as Honour, Grace, Charity, etc. All of these names were best choices of Puritans.
The Times once announced that, in 1966-1967, the ten male’s names which were most frequently used were: James, John, Charles, David, William, Andrew, Richard, Edward, Robert, and Mark; and female’s names were: Jane, Mary, Louise, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Emma, Lucy, Clara, and Catherine. Most of these names have close relationship with Christianity, as we have mentioned before.
3.1.2 Literature and English name
Many people in English-speaking countries have been influenced by literature when they choose names for themselves or their children.
Generally, the main task of literature is describing one or several figures to show the social condition to the readers. Many names from literature have specific meanings, and they are called “meaningful name”. Take Sharp and Amelia as examples. The two names came from Vanity Fair, which was written by William Makepeace Thackeray. Sharp is a treacherous and selfish woman, and Sharp means “acerbic”. Amelia is a hard-working and kind girl, and Amelia means “hard-working”.
Today, such names coming from literature as Juliet from Romeo and Juliet, Carrie from Sister Carrie, Hester from Scarlet Latter, etc. These names are very popular.
3.1.3 English history and English name
Besides religious and literary influence, historical events also play an important role in the naming habit in English-speaking countries. To some extent, English name is the product of English history. In this part, we are going to take a look at a certain aspect of English history---foreign invasions and its influence on English names.
England is an island country. It has experienced invasion by other countries many times. As early as in 1000 B.C., Celts from Europe continent invaded
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