"And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26) "Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?" (James 2:6-7)

Until the year 1100, most people in Europe had only one name. However, with an increase in the population, surnames were added so people could be more easily identified. These came from four primary sources: an occupation, such as "Cook" or "Miller"; a location, such as "Overhill" or "Brook"; an ancestor, such as John's son ("Johnson"); and a personal characteristic, such as "Small," "Short," or "Longfellow."

God placed special significance on names. For example, He changed Abram's name to "Abraham," Sarai's name to "Sarah," and Jacob's name to "Israel." (Gen. 17:5,15; 32:24-28) Let us wear only the name "Christian." It is the honorable name by which the people of God are called.