What’s in a name? that which we call a rose/ By any other name would smell as sweet;

This post title brought to you by William Shakespeare and his play, Romeo and Juliet.

Quotations aside, one of the things I'm often asked about are the meaning of names or their origins, especially if a family historian is coming across older, less common names. It's important to turn to a reliable resource to research name meanings, or their "etymology." Once such resource is Behind the Name, where I've learned that my first name is not only English but also has German usage. It also provides links down the right side of the page so that you can find the popularity of a particular name (Ebba is a LOT more popular in Sweden currently than it is in the US) as well as any related names, namesakes and name days. The two drawbacks to the site? My middle name isn't included, and the current ad is of a certain president whom I can't wait to see leave office.