THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF NAMES
Names have many layers of meaning. Like artifacts uncovered in an archaeological dig, each layer tells part of a larger story—one that spans language, family, culture, law, identity, and belonging. This exhibit invites you to gently excavate your own name, exploring how its meanings have been shaped over time by the world you were born into and the life you’ve lived. So grab your trowel, brush, and field journal, and let’s unearth the rich and revealing history that both universal and uniquely yours.
Topsoil Layer - Linguistics
When people talk about the meaning of a name, usually they're talking about the etymological meaning - the one passed down through a word's linguistic ancestors.
In this layer, Henry traces its roots centuries back to the old German name Heimirich, which combines the words for ruler and home, while Aaliyah reflects both the Arabic verb alah and the Hebrew name Aliyah, each describing ascendance or being exalted.
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To dig into the linguistic meaning of your name, click here.
Topsoil Layer - Linguistics
When people talk about the meaning of a name, usually they're talking about the etymological meaning - the one passed down through a word's linguistic ancestors.
In this layer, Henry traces its roots centuries back to the old German name Heimirich, which combines the words for ruler and home, while Aaliyah reflects both the Arabic verb alah and the Hebrew name Aliyah, each describing ascendance or being exalted.
​
To dig into the linguistic meaning of your name, click here.
Topsoil Layer - Linguistics
When people talk about the meaning of a name, usually they're talking about the etymological meaning - the one passed down through a word's linguistic ancestors.
In this layer, Henry traces its roots centuries back to the old German name Heimirich, which combines the words for ruler and home, while Aaliyah reflects both the Arabic verb alah and the Hebrew name Aliyah, each describing ascendance or being exalted.
​
To dig into the linguistic meaning of your name, click here.
Topsoil Layer - Linguistics
When people talk about the meaning of a name, usually they're talking about the etymological meaning - the one passed down through a word's linguistic ancestors.
In this layer, Henry traces its roots centuries back to the old German name Heimirich, which combines the words for ruler and home, while Aaliyah reflects both the Arabic verb alah and the Hebrew name Aliyah, each describing ascendance or being exalted.
​
To dig into the linguistic meaning of your name, click here.