The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-12-27
Por The AYkdnSaz0 Tydveier.
 CHRISTIAN NAMES,
BY D. W. CURTIS.

it one can often tell from what section of the iather-land his ancestors came, or what occupation they pursued; in some cases, ,peculiarities of dress, form or feature are thus portrayed and the importance of the study, which is equal to that of heraldry, has bee n verified by the writings of many books in different countries on the subject chief of which in interest for American readers, is that of Lower, pub lished in London, in I84o, in which he gives a general history of the origin of most names found in England.
 The labor of tracing the derivation of surnames will probably grow more and more difficult every decade owing to the increasing admixture of races and con- sequent corruption by translating such names, indeed, new list of American names alone will soon be required to keep pace with the universality of the Ioth century.
 A few years since published an arti SAC kltluk O kShClo oh hlSbOAJ OL SuAAdkICS in various countries as well as an amu- sing list ofnames divided into five classes, together with a number of odd ones. now propose to say few words on the given, or, as we generally say Whether truthfully or noD the christian names of our fellow mortals; designation by the way given them by being bestowed at baptism, as " Gloy.be-to-G God," or Hew Agag-in-pieces-before- the Lord,' and which is still adhered to in some places. Most of the Old Testament names were original, but the Jews were forced to re- peat them in time as their numbers in- creased.
 The fashion of changing the name still practiced in the east and among our In- diaDs on the occasion of any important event in ones life, was also practiced by the Jews. Abraham took that name by the command of the Almighty in place of the name of Abraham, Saul of Tarsus, became Paul, and the Indian youth who has suffered under the unpoetical title of "Big-foot," becomes, by some deed of valor White Eaglc," or, "The man who stole all the horses" He has "won himself name"
 The ancient Greeks bore only one name which was given them the tenth day after birth. This name the father could change if he pleased. They too, always meant something, and were com plimentary of course. As their religion declined, names indicative of the favor of their gods were used with more free dom and less reverence such names as "Gift from Apollo" being fashionable. The elder son generally bore that of his paternal grandfather until confusion arose from repititions, when the child's fathers, his occupation. place of birth, or a nickname," was added.
 The Romans from early times bore as many as two names, afterwards three The prse-nomen, like our christian name was personal and generally abbreviated to one or two letters as we do ]. or Jno. for John. At first, the name was bestowed at the age of puberty, afterwards on the ninth day after birth they were not as digni6ed as the Greek, being often rude nicknames given for personal defects or peculiarities, as "Crapus," (fat Naso, Cong nose), others were numerical, as Sextus, Septimus, which are still used by us.
 Many christian names used during the early days of European civilization, have, like surnames, lost their significance. Indeed. TO attention is now paid by civ ilized P >ple to their meaning, and it is doubtful that more than one person in hundred knows or cares for the meaning of his own name. Indeed, were all to be suddenly enlightened on this subject, many amusing scenes would result. Many changes by improper pronunciation or change of language have altered many names so that their significance is lost. Alfred and Elfre, (elfkAng4 4ssze allied, and Bertha," like the Saxon Alb. echt, is from the "goddess of Light" or the "sword's brightness"
 Christian names have, of course, their synonyms in different countries; the sound generally is similar, often with a very trifing difference. The Welsh Evan, the Russian Ivan, and the French Jean is our old friend John, and Aaron, meaning "lofy or inspired" ," is, in his native orient none other than that prince of caliphs, Haroun," who, with the title of "al rasched," added, delights our children in the "Arabian Nights"
 Few young ladies answering to the beautiful Teutonic name of Ethelind or Ethelinda, imagine that it means a nnhIA En sk