Not everybody grows up knowing what their name means. More than this, even if you have been told what your name means by your parents, other family members or friends, there may be further meanings or variations that you're not aware of. A name is an important part of us, as it often carries social and cultural meaning and it can also have very personal values with which you identify and carry forth in the world. The study of names is known as onomastics. Here are some ideas for finding out more about your name.

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[edit] Steps

Research your name in the library. While the Internet is a good place, books remain the best and most solid source of information on finding out more about your name. Your local library should have quite a few books on names. Check both the reference section and baby name books. There may also be relevant books in the history section. Ask a librarian for assistance if you aren't sure.
Search for name meaning sites on the Internet. Find a site and type in your name. Some examples are in the external links but you could find many by trying such terms as:
- Names
- Meaning of names
- Baby names
- What to call your baby
Ask your parents. Don't be nervous just because they have never told you but you want to know what your name means. There will likely be some special reason that motivated them to call you the name that you carry and possibly they just didn't think it worth discussing with you. Even if the answer is not quite as romantic or interesting as you had hoped, it is a starting point and you can build on it with the other meanings that you find out through your research.
Seek out different cultural meanings. Your name may have translations in other languages and carry a whole associated history of meanings within those cultures. This can be an enormous resource of building on your knowledge about your name.
Check out the meaning of your last name. Don't stop at your given names (first, second etc). Also look into the meaning of your surname. There are surname dictionaries in libraries and on the Internet as well.

[edit] Tips

Accept your name because it doesn't matter what it means. It is a part of you and if you like the sound, the look and the way it feels, that's what really matters the most.
If you are not very happy with your first name, go to your second name or choose a nickname. Maybe your first name will grow on you over time. If not, the other names are fine substitutes.
Understanding the meaning behind your name can be revelatory; you may feel that you identify with the characteristics it is said to mean. Sometimes this may be due to the fact that historically a name was given to a person for a certain reason, such as having a certain hair colour or a certain skill. Nevertheless, even if it doesn't "gel" with your personality, you may find that the meanings behind your name give you a sense of values worth living up to, so that you can be the best that you can be.
There are a lot of games surrounding names; games ranging from the sound of a name, the numbers of letters in a name, whether your first and last names are even or odd etc. Explore the different unscientific theories for fun but don't be too taken in by them. You are the person you are because of the sum of everything you have done, felt and thought; not because someone named you something.

[edit] Warnings

Don't go around telling the same people what your name means. Sooner or later it will be old news and will get annoying.
Don't brag if your name means something great, you can tell people, but don't be snobby when you tell them.