The Origin and Significance of Personal Names in Human Society (06/17/'24) -Viewpoint

The Origin and Significance of Personal Names in Human Society Humans began using personal names in prehistoric times, long before written records were kept. The practice of naming individuals likely developed out of necessity for distinguishing between members of early human communities. Some of the earliest known recorded names come from ancient Mesopotamia, around 3200 BCE, when writing systems such as cuneiform began to be used. These early names often had meanings related to nature, deities, professions, or personal attributes. For example, in the ancient Sumerian civilization, names were often linked to the gods or nature, reflecting the importance of religion and the environment in daily life. Names like "Gilgamesh" and "Enheduanna" from ancient texts show the use of personal names that have been preserved over millennia. Overall, the use of personal names is a fundamental aspect of human social organization and communication, emerging as soon as it became practical for humans to differentiate individuals within their communities. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 17, 2024)