“What’s in a name?”

So Juliet ponders in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene II. Tis a question for the ages – and a very important one! Many cultures believe there is power in knowing one’s true name — can the meaning behind your name have some influence on your personality? Your life? Your destiny?

I invite everyone to join my Greek and Latin Roots of English class in adding your name to the map. Do a little research on the origin and history of your name — this is what we call etymology, the study of words, or more specifically, onomastics or onomatology (the study of names, from the Greek word ὄνομα (ónoma) meaning “name”).

What country does your name originate from? Take a moment to situate you name on our classroom map with a marker — everyone is welcome to participate! Please only reveal your first name and if you desire, add a brief summary of your name’s history and meaning in the description box.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions!

@irmorrisonmonc

Greek and Latin Roots of English, Hunter College

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