To perpetuate the memory of close relatives, cherished friends, revered personalities by conferring their names upon children, has become an almost universally accepted custom among Jewish people. Ashkenazic Jews name childrin for the departed; Sephardic Jews name them for living grandparents or parents. Traditional American Jews follow Aslikenazic custom. A small percentage of liberal Jews name children for living persons following non~Jewish custom in America.

Many American Jews confer upon their children both a Hebrew and an English name. Those identified with Hebraic culture use the direct equivalent of the Hebrew name. Yehudah is called Judah; Yirmiyahu is Jeremiah or Jeremy. Some translate the Hebrew name into an English name equivalent in meaning. Shalom, meaning peace, is tendered Frederick, a name of Teutonic origin, meaning peace. Most commonly, however, the two names correspond in assonance only or share but the sound of the initials.

Early Jewish custom identified a person by the first name and the first name of the father: Yizhak ben Avrohom—Isaac son of Abraham. Descendants of priestly or Levitic families were further identified by "Ha'Cohen" (the priest) or "Ha'Levi" (the Levite) following the name of the father. To the name of the ordained rabbi and acknowledged scholar "Ha'Rav" (the rabbi) or "Ha'Gaon" (Excellency) was added. The name of a man of distinction was preceded by the title "Reb,"

Hasidic Jews identified with the mother's name except when called up to the Torah. The Baa) Shem Toy, founder of Hasaidism, was known as Yisroel ben Soroh, Israel Son of Sarah.

The custom of identification by the first name and the first name of the father (or mother in case of Hasidic Jews) is still followed by traditional Jews in naming a child; when called up to the Torah; on marriage certificates; and on memorials. This custom is followed also in naming the departed during memorial prayers.

European Jews began acquiring surnames in the nineteenth century although Arabic and Spanish Jews adopted surnames much earlier.

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