What sources did you use to create your names database?

The original database was compiled by a professional company for our use on this web site.  We have begun the process of modifying the database to add nicknames and spelling variations.  This project is ongoing, therefore not all names have been modified in this manner.  We use a number of naming sources on the internet and a collection of over 20 naming books to aid us in our research.

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I can't find my name anywhere.  Can you tell me what my name means?

Due to time constraints we are unable to provide this service.  We are constantly in the process of updating our site.  If you have a name which you would like to see added to our site you may use the form below.  We will try to add it as soon as possible.  Also be sure to check our name links page.  There are additional naming sources listed there for you.

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You have a name listed as only male or female, but I know someone of the opposite gender with this name.

Please enter the name in question and we will gladly make those changes in our next update.

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There are two different entries for my name.  Why?

Tracing the origin of a name can be tricky sometimes.  There are some names with uncertain origins, therefore it may have two different entries in our database. 

As you can see...the meanings are very similar, but the actual origin of the name is in question.

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My name is spelled differently than the name in your database.  
Is the meaning still the same?

Nearly always the answer is: Yes!  We recently recieved an email from someone named "Kym" who wanted to know the meaning of his name.  Our research seemed to indicate that Kym is a varient spelling of Kim...which is a nickname of Kimberley.  Therefore, "Kym", due to the fact that there is no other name from which it can be derived, must originate from Kimberley.  Creative spellings do not change the origin and meaning of the name.

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I disagree with the meaning of a name listed in your database.

Please fill out the form below and we will determine whether the meaning needs to be modified and make additions or changes to the database during our next update.

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My name is a combination of both of my parents' names.  
I can't find this name anywhere...how do I find its meaning?

This is a question to which I still haven't found a definitive answer.  Invented names are not created with a meaning magically attached to them. It is possible that the invented name may inherit the meanings of both the names from which it was derived.  The example of Jolise - a mix of Joseph and Lisa - may have the combined meanings of Joseph and Lisa.  We would have to contact an etemologist to determine whether this is how it works.

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How are meanings given to names?

In the simplest terms, names are words.  Just as we trace the origin of everyday words, (example: hippopotamus is from the Greek words hippos [horse] and potomos [river]), we also trace the meaning and origin of name.  Space does not permit us to fully explain the many ways the origin of a name can be traces, but you can visit this site: Behind the Name for some more information about this topic.  

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