'Twas Ever Thus...

I love reading the 'Letters to the Editor' section in old newspapers. In this particular letter, S.C.G. enlightens readers of The Morning Post on his thoughts on the meanings of names. 

 

SIGNIFICATION OF NAMES     MR EDITOR -- When I was a child, I often thought upon the variety of men's names, and upon the singularity of their having, originally, but one name; and in recent times, having (what is called) a sur-name, as well as a christian name. When I had been at school a few years, I was able to discover the meaning and the propriety of several names; which I now subjoin, for the amusement of those of your Readers who have had little leisure for such discoveries. I am, Sir, yours, &c July 13, 1826                                              S.C.G           Adam,    signifying Likeness.           Eve ....................  Life giving; two syllables.            David .................. Dear.            Solomon .............. Peace, Perfection.           Cyrus .................. The Sun.           Silvester .............. A Forest.            Cain .................... Gain.           Noah ................... Rest.           Samuel ................ Asked of God.           Jacob .................. The Heel.           Isaac ................... Laughter.           Ruth .................... Sorrowful.           Naomi .................. Comely.           Daniel .................. Judgment of God.           Nod ..................... Fugitive.           Genesis ............... Beginning, &c.           Exodus ................ Departure.            Deborah ............... A Bee.           Laura ................... A Laurel.           Agnes .................. A Lamb.             Melissa (Gr.) ......... A Bee.           Margaret ............... A Pearl.           Cecil .................... Hart Wort.           George ................. A Husbandman.           Cynthia ................. The Moon.           Jesse ................... A Graft.           Dorcas ................. A Roe.           Susannah ............. A Lilly.           Rachel .................. A Sheep.            Phillis ................... A Leaf.           Vincent ................. A Willow.           Aurelia ................. Cotton Weed.           Chloe ................... A Green Herb.           Rupert .................. A Rock.           Fairfax .................. Fair Hair.            Gertrude ............... All Truth.           Gerard .................. All Heat.           Godfrey ................ Good Peace. The Morning Post (London) Wednesday, July 19, 1826

 

I wonder if any prospective parents saw this list and were inspired to use Chloe, Exodus, Genesis, Nod or Fairfax for their little ones.