NAMING NAMES

       What were the top two girls’ names in America in the noughties (2000 – 2009)? Emily (Nice and traditional that) and Madison! Try these out – Brianna, Destiny, Kaylee and Mackenzie – where did these spring from?

      Checking out the boys, we find under “C” Carter, Carson, Cole, Cody, Cameron and Chase in the top 100.

      Americans have a tendency to use surnames as forenames, it seems. They also like unusual names for their leaders – Ulysses, Grover, Dwight, Millard and Woodrow among them. Old Testament names are more common than in Britain – Jacob, Isaiah and Noah make the top 100 list. What about Adam? – Surely he should come first!
What’s cool now? Wayne, Lee, Brad and Scott perhaps – all last names originally. The traditional Stan, Alf and Fred are making a comeback too in Britain. Did you notice they’re all monosyllabic? And for girls – choose your continent – Asia and India are on the rise, but Europe is struggling hard to keep up.

IN YOUR CLASS:

What is the significance of names in your culture?
How are they decided upon?
Do people ever change their names?

Do you know someone called "Judas"? Why or why not?
Do women take their husband’s last name when they marry?
Do you prefer a shortened form of your name? (Andy rather than Andrew)
Does your name have an English equivalent? (Raphael – Ralf)
If you could change your name, what would it be? (I’d like to be David myself, for example)

                                             ( ELT TEACHER'S CORNER)