interview with a nameologist

Q. I’ve never met a Nameologist. Is this a new profession?

A. Even though the concept of “name giver” seems new, almost every ancient culture established a rich, meaningful tradition around the art of naming. People of those times were close to nature and could readily sense vibrations and energies beyond the five senses. Language was recognized as a potent creative force and names were considered to be powerful personal mantras, not simply words of identification.

It should be no surprise then, that most ancient cultures trained “professionals” to assist in the naming process. Whether a priest, name giver, rabbi or educated elder, individuals skilled in the art of naming were called upon to bestow a name on new members of the community. So while you may never have met a nameologist, the profession is not new. It was simply forgotten.

Q. I find it hard to believe that there’s more to a name than the way it looks and sounds. Aren’t you reading too much into something so basic and everyday?

A. I used to think that the similarities I saw in people with the same names were just coincidence. But as I researched the influence of names on thousands of individuals, I realized that spelling patterns impact personality and human behavior in a way that is definitive and predictable. Just how this happens is not yet fully understood, but we certainly do experience the effect every minute of every day.

Q. So is one name better than another?

A. Think of a name as a musical instrument that plays silent yet powerful music. There are of course many kinds of musical instruments and each has its own set of characteristics. In order to realize the best possible music quality, it is important that the instrument be in tune… and that the instrument match the talent and preference of it’s musician. With these two elements in place, the result can indeed be magnificent.

In many ways, names are like musical instruments. They first need to be “in tune,” or balanced structurally… and then, they need to complement the natural traits, talents and purpose of the name bearer. So yes - a balanced and tuned name is better than a discordant one, and some names are better for some people than others. “Quality construction and good fit” applies to names as well as to so much else in life.

Q. But names aren’t silent. We say them, shout them, whisper them. Doesn’t that mean we should just concern ourselves with whether or not we like a name and how it looks or sounds?

A. Ah, that equates with saying that all sound frequencies register within the range of human hearing. That’s not the case. For instance, your gall bladder communicates in the key of G# while your heart communicates in the key of A#. But how often during the day do you hear the nuances of your internal symphony? If you did, you could readily “hear” the sour notes in advance of a health crisis. Instead, you must rely on the little messages or symptoms that warn the five senses that something is amiss. The same is true with names. There are times you can hear a name frequency when the name is spoken, just as there are times you can hear a heart beat. But most of what goes on energetically with name frequency is silent and not registered by the five senses. Yes, liking how a name looks and sounds is important, but there is so much more to the whole picture.

Q. Is what you do numerology?

A. I don’t “do” any one thing. The energetic science of names cannot be pigeon-holed into a particular regimented practice. Yet, for the astute student or observer, the clues and lessons are available by way of many different sources.

To really understand names, one must feel their vibration and observe how name frequency interacts with a variety of energy fields. I say variety of energy fields because not only humans, but everything that has a name responds to the frequency of that name. Numerological science can measure and describe some name aspects, but there is much that cannot yet be measured by mathematics, computers or machines. My work draws upon research, observation, and a very strong sense of intuition.

Q. How would parents benefit from engaging the services of a nameologist or “name giver”?

A. In working with a name professional, parents can go beyond simply choosing a name they like for their child. By looking into a particular name’s influence, it will become evident just how that influence can complement the child’s personality… and contribute to the family dynamic as a whole. If silent discordant factors are hidden in the name structure, a nameologist can work to “tune” those factors into balance and harmony with careful adjustments to spelling. Some examples…. Erica to Erika, Kevin to Kevan, Aidan to Aiden, Christopher to Christapher. The “name giver” can advise on ideal middle name options, which will insure that the full name is tuned to best advantage. Potentially harmful nicknames can also be discussed. By establishing a strong name at birth, a child can take best advantage of the energy of language.

Q. Do you ever meet with parents in person?

A. I reside in the Chicago area, and am available for in-person consultations for midwest parents. Most of my consultations however, are done by phone.

Q. When is it best to contact a nameologist?

A. Once a pregnancy is confirmed, a parent can begin thinking in earnest about a name. I find it most ideal to be available for plenty of input prior to the baby’s arrival. This allows time to assess a variety of choices. Believe it or not, the baby often gets into the act with some telling kicks and dream messages. Then, for the parent seeking to match the child’s name with the innate personality, the final decision can be delayed until the birthdate information is known. I’ve had many a mom call me from the hospital in order to put final details in place on the birth certificate. After the birth, every parent should order a Name Owner’s Manual, which provides guidance and helpful hints about the first name, middle name and full name that was chosen. The Name Owner’s Manual can stay with the child on into adulthood, for as long as he or she owns the name. Just as a birth doula works with a mother before, during and after the birth, a nameologist or “name giver” can be a tremendous resource before, during and after the birth of a name.

Q. Why can’t I just use baby naming books and their meanings to name my baby?

A. The meanings in baby naming books are fun and entertaining, but they essentially “mean” nothing. Names carefully constructed in other cultures during times past were indeed created with a purpose or meaning in mind. However, as these names were translated to different cultures and alphabet systems, the structure became altered and the original meaning was distorted or changed all together. You can use baby naming books as a way to have ready access to lists of names, but don’t consider them to be a true educational resource.

Q. Is nameology for everyone?

A. No, there are many people who don’t wish to look that deeply into name influence. Just as some folks prefer to eat junk food because it tastes good regardless of the effect on the body, many parents like the idea of picking a name simply on the basis of sight and sound. In fact, more and more parents are doing their own name creations based on nothing more than personal likes and dislikes. Nameology is only for those who have a deep appreciation for life’s subtleties and mysteries… and an interest in providing a strong, balanced energetic name to be worn like a garment that will forever complement and support a son or daughter in all areas of life.

Maryanna Korwitts has a degree in education and has taught on elementary, high school and university levels. She has done graduate work in psychology, researching a variety of personality tools and predictors prior to specializing in name study . Maryanna regularly appears on talk shows in the US, Canada and abroad. She is the author of Name Power 101. Her second book is due for release in 2004.