A name is something which identifies an individual and distinguishes it from another individual. Name is thus an identity that helps differentiate an individual from others, their traits and personality. Does it affect an individual’s personality? Well, let us muse on it.

At the time of birth, individuals are very similar; they look alike in their physique, appearance and of course behaviour. It becomes complicated to recognize the individual just after their birth. This can lead to a confused situation if it is left unattended. A system of nomenclature was, thus, adopted to sort it out; individuals thus started getting their names.

Sometimes, or often, the names are repeated. It is quite normal as there are myriads of people who are born along with those who kick the bucket. To sort out this, the names of their parent were customarily appended with the name of the individual. This later came to be known as their “Family Name”. Society adopted a system of nomenclature to recognize everything be it animate or inanimate. Scientists have evolved a process of a Binomial system of nomenclature to avoid confusion of individuals and their names.

Naming an individual is important for identification purposes and it does not show the personality or individuality of the person. The reason is not difficult to understand. The naming is done by others who do it as per their perception and affection. The personality of an individual comes up according to the surroundings, environment and the learning the person gets during the later part of life. Parallel to it, due to the attached characteristics of the individual a sketch flashes to mind the moment the name is taken. Taking the name of Lotus, for example, instantly reflects an image of a beautiful, fragrant flower. On the same line, the name gives an idea of the object as well, for example, the radioactive element Polonium was named by Madam Curie to give respect and recognition to her country Poland.

Thus, a name helps recognize an individual and it does not necessarily corroborate the quality or personality of the object or the individual. In certain societiesAn irascible can have a juxtaposing name. Individual traits of human beings are the result of persistent work which then gets imbibed in the psyche of an individual and shapes up the personality. The congruency of personality and the name is coincidental.