When did humans start naming themselves? What's the history behind names? Do non-human species use names?

When Did Humans Start Naming Themselves?

The origin of names among humans is not precisely dated, but it is believed that names emerged as human societies developed more complex structures. Early humans likely used descriptive labels or sounds to identify individuals, but these were not necessarily what we consider names today. The use of names as we understand them today began to take shape with the advent of writing, which allowed for the recording and preservation of names25.

One of the earliest recorded names is that of King Iry-Hor from pre-dynastic Upper Egypt, dating back to around 3200 B.C.1. However, it is unclear whether this was a personal name or a title. Another early example is the Sumerian name "Kushim," inscribed on a clay tablet around 5,000 years ago, which might have been a personal name, title, or institutional name2.

History Behind Names

The history of names is deeply intertwined with cultural and societal developments. In ancient civilizations, names often carried meanings or reflected the individual's characteristics, lineage, or occupation. For example, in ancient Greece, names like "Alexandros" (defender of mankind) and "Nikolaos" (people of victory) were common3. The Romans used a system of three names: praenomen (given name), nomen (clan name), and cognomen (nickname)3.

In Europe, surnames emerged around the 11th century as populations grew and the need to distinguish individuals increased. Surnames were often based on occupation, location, nicknames, or patronymic inheritance3.

Do Non-Human Species Use Names?

Non-human species do not use names in the same way humans do. However, some animals have been observed to use vocalizations or other forms of communication that could be interpreted as identifiers or labels. For example, dolphins have distinct whistles that serve as identifiers, similar to names. In domestic settings, humans often give names to pets, such as cats and dogs, which can be seen as an extension of human naming practices. The earliest recorded named pet is a cat named Nedjem from ancient Egypt, dating back to around 1479-1425 B.C.4.

References:

1 ProLingo Blog
2 Discover Magazine
3 Name Stories
4 Straight Dope Message Board
5 The Naked Scientists
Not explicitly mentioned in the search results, but known from general knowledge about animal communication.