Dr. Leon Kass and his wife Mrs. Amy Kass wrote an excellent article on names and naming. They make some beautiful observations about God's naming in the story of creation [in Part I], Adam's naming of himself (Ish) and his wife (Isha then Chava) [also in Part I], and Chava's naming of Kayin, Hevel and Shait (pride of parent vs. individuality of child; product of parents vs. God's gift) [In Part II]. I believe Part III is worth reflecting on in relation to the halachot of kibud av v'aim and kavod haRav. It is also worth reading this article in relation to the use of the word shem in the story of Migdal Bavel.
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