Go into any savage or semi-civilized tribe today and you will find that names are given because of some trait of character; some peculiar characteristic; some unusual appearance or accomplishment. About fifty per cent of the names you meet with are nouns, words with a meaning which suggests definite, concrete pictures, which can easily be associated with the faces of the persons just as we have done here with the name King. Note these examples:
| Mr. Gun | Mr. Starr | Mr. Wells |
| Mr. Stone | Mr. Ring | Mr. Bell |
| Mr. Cotton | Mr. Street | Mr. Penn |
There are thousands of names just as simple, including colors, animals, birds, fish, fruits, and almost every object. All these can be easily visually associated with the face.
Obtain a Meaning by Change
Many names do not come under the classification of a direct and simple meaning because of a little change which may have been made in the manner of spelling them. Others can be converted into some simple meaning which can be easily impressed upon the mind by making a slight change and spelling the names as they sound. In other words, by remembering them as they sound rather than as they are spelled.
The following examples are common:
Mr. Rhodes—roads
Mr. Coyle—coil
Mr. Knoble—noble
Mr. Reuter—rooter
Mr. Baran—baron
Mr. Asche—ash
Mr. Lyon—lion
Use the picture here as Mr. Perrett. The name as it sounds calls to your mind a bird. See the bright green parrot flying around his head and perching on his shoulder; see the vivid color of the bird. Close your eyes and review this picture association of the face and the name. Do this until you can see it with your eyes open.