Episode 31 - Western Names

Coming to you from the heart of Vietnam, This is Mr. Richard's ESL in Ho Chi Minh City. Welcome one and welcome all, I am your host, Mr Richard. Thanks for tuning in, this is the 31st epidsode of ESL in Ho Chi Minh City: Western Names. We will review vocabulary and go over some of the finer points of names. If you'd like a transcript of this episode, you can find it at ESLHCMC.podomatic.com. If you are looking for more information, exercises and intermediate or advanced lessons; please contact either myself or Theresa Truong at [email protected] We have many extra lessons for privileged members, and ask about our online lessons through Skype or in person lessons if you are in HCMCity.

Okay, now onto our vocabulary lesson. So what exactly is a name? Let's find out, your vocabulary lesson starts now-

Name = a word or set of words in which a person, place or thing is referred to
full name = a person's complete name, such as Barack Hussein Obama Jr
legal name = a person or company's complete name, such as The Coca-Cola Company
proper name = a person, place or thing's complete name using capital letters, such as District of Columbia
surname = the inherited name shared by family members, such as Jackson or Nguyen
family name = another term for surname
last name = Western term for surname, usually the last name of a full name; such as Beckham
given name = personal name given at birth, such as Michael or David
first name = Western term for given name, usually the first name of a full name; such as James
Christian name = another Western term for given name; especially if the name can be found in the Bible or is influenced by a Saint; such as Theresa or Adam
christened name = another term for a Christian name, especially if given at the time of Baptism
middle name = the name between the given name and the surname; such as Hussein for Barack Hussein Obama
nickname = a shortened, friendly or funny form of a name, such as Mike for Michael or Davey for David.
Also, a descriptive or unique name given to a person, place or thing used with or instead of its name; such as Honest Abe for Abraham Lincoln or Sin City for Las Vegas.
pet name = a familiar name, such as Jimmy for James or a private name such as “honey” for a significant other
moniker = another term for nickname
namesake = one who shares a same name and connection with another, such as a Jr or Sr sharing a name as well as Ford Motor Company and its founder, Henry Ford.
Anonymous = not named, not known or not identified
pseudonym = fake or fictitious name, especially used by an author; such as Mark Twain for Samuel Clemens
pen name = pseudonym used by an author
aka = abbreviation for also known as
alias = pseudonym or nickname that a person is known as
stage name = pseudonym used by an actor; such as Marilyn Monroe for Norma Jeane Baker
nom de guerre = pseudonym used by a participant in an activity, especially violent activities; such as Desert Fox for Erwin Rommel
brand name = a name given to or in addition to a product, and is usually trademarked; such as Jacuzzi or Nike sneakers
misnomer = a wrong or inaccurate name, such as jellyfish (not a fish); or replacement of a general term with a brand name, such as Xerox for photocopy or Jacuzzi for hot tub
Screen name = alias used online; or a pseudonym used by movie actors

So, how are names chosen? There are many answers to that question, and most of the answers can be found in the distant past. Many names are based on ancient words and meanings. Most given names are based on words or phrases of ancient languages. Surnames were often used to describe social class or occupation, hometowns or areas of the home country and even physical features or color. For example, Barack is based on the word for “blessed” in Hebrew. Hussein can be translated as “handsome one” in Arabic. Obama is a common African name, possibly based on the word for tall or crooked.
Many common surnam(continued)