| Name that child |
 ‘What’s in a name?’ Shakespeare asked. Well, quite a lot – and anyone struggling to find a name for a new baby knows how hard it can be. Writer Martin Manser has uncovered the Bible origins of many familiar names. Here are some drawn from the top 10 boys’ and girls’ names in 2010 so far: Boys: Jack – a version of John, a Hebrew name meaning ‘the Lord is gracious’. Thomas – from Aramaic, a kind of Hebrew, this word means ‘twin’. There’s a ‘Doubting Thomas’ in the Bible, but he was a great saint who probably founded Christianity in India. Daniel – from Hebrew again, this name means ‘God is my judge’. God kept him alive when king Nebuchadnezzar had him thrown into a lions’ den. Joshua – a Hebrew name meaning ‘the Lord saves’. He led the Israelites to victory at Jericho. Girls: Olivia – from the Latin oliva, the olive; the symbol of peace, as the dove brought back an olive twig to Noah after the flood. Grace – from the Latin word for ‘favour’ – God’s freely-given kindness. Chloe – from the Greek meaning ‘green shoot’. A Chloe is mentioned in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Isabella – from the same root as Elizabeth, a Hebrew name meaning ‘God is my oath’. She was the mother of John the Baptist. Christian Christian Names by Martin Manser is published by HarperCollins, price £5.99 |
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