The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-02-26
GREEK AMI LATIN NAMES,

The Greeks and Romans named children
somewhat indifferently, and commonly the
names were given soon after the birth of
the child, but in their names there is plenty
of evidence that early in their history the
same plan was followed and practiced as it
had been by the Hebrews. In fact, as ma
tons on their road to civilization pass the
same landmarks, we are often enabled to
trace their progress by comparing them with
peoples of our own time with whose history
and customs we are familiar. The Indian
nations of America, some of whom were
probably as highly civilized at the discovery
of America as were the Greeks in the DAYS
of Homer or the Hebrews at the time of the
Exodus, had the same custom of naming in
dividuals according to their deeds or char
acters, and frequently changing the names
to suit altered circumstances. Thus among
the Greeks and Romans we find this custom
obtained The first Theodore was probably
named at his birth as the Gift Of God.' but
the first Ulysses was undoubtedly agood
hater,' and the first Stephen was not so
called until after he had worn a "crown.u
The first Timothy undoubtedly feared God,
and the first Philip was. as his name indicat-
ed, lover of horses" while the first
Nicholas took his Dame after he had gained
"a victory of the people," which brought
him glory as well as name. Hercules was
of 'Lordly fame," and the original Napole-
on undoubtedly proved himself the 'Lion of
the Forest DELL" Martial, the first of the
name, probably distinguished himself as a
worthy son of Mars, and the first Leon
as "strong as lion." Victor, the "Con-
queror," and Laurence, the "Lsurel-
crowned" probably took their names for
themselves, while Felix, the "Happy One"
Boniface, the Benevolent One,'' and Chris
topher, the "Christ-bearer," most likely had
them conferred by others. Zenobia, ''Life
from Jupiter Flora, the "Flower,n and
Crispin, the "Curly-haired," were also
SO named at birth, but Amanda, the ''Love-
worthy-One," must have proved herself
Noteworthy before she obtained her name
Maurice, the "Dark-colored, was named at
birth; SO also, most likely were Susannah,
the Lilly" Aurora, the Morning." Dorcas,
the "Gazelle," and Jemima, the Dove"
But Elizabeth must have been "Worship-
per OF God" and Penelope, "Weaver,"
and ''Sophronia, "Sound Mind,' and the
first Theresa certainly distinguished herself
as ''Corn-carrier." Marguerite, the
ola, the ''Violet," are the natural names
given by fond mothers; but Agatha, the
sKind One,'' Mellicent, the ''Sweet Sin
GER" and Angelicas the "Angelic One,"
probably gained their names by their merits,
while Barbara, the foreigner" certainly
had another name before she was so
known.
LUCKY AND UNLUCKY NAMES.
The superstition with which human ma
ture is unfortunately so largely endowed. is
manifest in names as clearly as in habits.
The ancients were very much more strongly
inclined to this branch of superstition than
ourselves, and among them it arose even to
the dignity OF science. Casting up the
numerals in name was common means
representation, and the fortune ellers
set great store by it. When there was call
for troops among the Romans, it was partic-
ularly desired that the first volunteer shoald
have lucky name, such as Felix, Fortuna