Naming Eighty-Eight Methods

Author: Chen Zhen gui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Everyone wants to have a good name, so what are the criteria for a good name? The ancient scholar Xunzi said, "A good name is one that is good, easy to understand, and not easily misunderstood, which can be called a good name." In my opinion, a good name must meet four criteria:
1. It sounds pleasant and has no undesirable homophones.
2. It is easy to write and looks good, with harmonious stroke counts.
3. It has rich connotations and is free of ambiguity.
4. It is novel and unique, standing out from the rest.
The study of names covers a wide range of topics and is closely linked to certain historical, ethnic, cultural, regional, and customary factors. It reflects specific cultures and psychological states, making it worth studying. In recent years, the study of names has become a specialized field, commonly referred to as "Onomastics." It examines the relationship between names and society and the times, revealing the origins, types, structures, historical development, and current status of names. It explores the social relationships, economic conditions, social knowledge and psychological states, interethnic and international interactions, migration and mobility, marriage forms, and fertility concepts reflected in names, and summarizes ands effective naming methods from past generations.
Studying "Onomastics" is helpful for researching cultural studies, history, sociology, ethnology, and linguistics. It also holds value in interpersonal communication, administrative management, and even in detective work and legal proceedings. It is particularly inspiring and instructive for guiding people on how to name their children and for adults who wish to change their names.
In summary, "Onomastics" is a new discipline with significant theoretical meaning and practical value. This book is a highly theoretical and practical guide to onomastics. It systematically and popularly introduces the origins, development, and evolution of names, the criteria for a good name, surnames and given names, the relationship between names and culture, the concepts, principles, methods, and taboos of naming. It elucidates the importance and functions of names from both theoretical and practical perspectives, with a focus on specific methods for choosing a good name.
Additionally, at the request of many readers, the author has specially written the chapter "Name Reference." This chapter allows name-seekers to appreciate famous names from ancient and modern times, analyze examples of good male and female names, and consult commonly used characters for naming, providing practical references when brainstorming names, selecting sounds, and choosing meaningful words.