What's in a name?

Just read an interesting bbc article about how Phillipino's name their children.

Naming a child is often a difficult decision. For many Filipinos, individuality is an important factor, with many choosing unconventional first names. One composite name that has become popular is Luzviminda, taken from the three main regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. One writer said it is like being called "Engscowani" for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

One journalist friend told me of an interview he had with a Hitler Manila. Mr Manila, who does not share the Nazi ideology, told him that he was always remembered for his name but it sometimes caused problems. One time, when he was shooting pool with some visiting Germans, the atmosphere became tense after he wrote his name on the blackboard to reserve the next game. Order was not restored until he pulled out his driving licence to prove his name really was Hitler. Still, that experience did not stop him from carrying on the family tradition. His sons are named Himmler and Hess.

This reminds me of how names are decided on in Bali. Basically the Balinese only have four first names. The first child is Wayan , the second child is Made , the third is Nyoman and the fourth is Ketut. The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth will be another Wayan, Made, Nyoman, Ketut and Wayan again. Guess it saves buying those "chose baby's name" books.

Doing more research into Balinese names, I found this, which suggests its not as straight forward. There are three "Classes" in Bali, each with their own naming rules, but at least they only have to put "I" in front of all male children's names, and "Ni" in front of girl's names.

So "I Made" is a boy, "Ni Made" is a girl.

I remember meeting "Ida Bagus I Wayan" in our hotel, who attempted to explain this to me at the time. However, I was Very, Very, Drunk....