Introduction Content. Names are a fundamental aspect of human identity, serving as a bridge between the individual and society. The origin and evolution of names reflect the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which they are used. Names can be masks, shields, and containers of values and traditions, as Ralph Ellison once noted. They reveal and conceal aspects of our identities, suggesting the degree of freedom and agency we have in society. The ability to choose or change one's name represents a level of freedom and agency that has been denied to many oppressed peoples throughout history. For instance, during the Reconstruction Era following the US Civil War, freed slaves had to adopt surnames for the first time, symbolizing their newfound freedom and dignity. The importance of names lies in their ability to bestow dignity and respect on individuals, while also being used to deprive them of these qualities. Understanding the historical and cross-cultural development of names helps us appreciate the complexities of identity and the power dynamics involved in naming.
