Sources first
A meaning is published only with a source we can name: a dictionary entry, a personal-name reference or a cited editorial reading. When a reference offers one of several explanations, we attribute it. A popular meaning that no dictionary supports is not presented as fact; our guide to name meaning myths explains several cases.
How entries are written and checked
Each entry starts from the cited evidence. The editor compares the spelling with the source, writes the meaning in plain words, checks the written forms against records or a dictionary, and keeps the evidence with the entry. Entries without enough support stay as data pages and are excluded from search-engine indexing and the sitemaps. Dictionary text that we adapt keeps its attribution and licence.
Names and the people who bear them
- A name’s origin is the language of the word. We do not describe people by faith, caste or community, and we do not publish pages for caste or occupational designations.
- Collections follow a name to its source, such as a deity, an epic or a Guru, and say nothing about who uses it.
- Usage counts come from aggregate tables with small cells withheld. We never publish individual records.
- We do not publish astrology or numerology.
Corrections
If you find an error, send us the page link, what should change and a source. We check the source, and correct the entry when it holds. Use Report a correction.
Analytics
Read how analytics work on the privacy page.