The origin of the notion «eponym» and some related issues

Abstract

The paper considers the origin of the notion «eponym». The semantics or meaning of the term «eponym» has changed over a period of time and it has also seen changes in pronunciation. In the antique time the stress was on the second syllable and correspondently it had another meaning. Over the last two centuries the stress has changed and shifted to the first syllable. The semantics of the term «eponym» has been also affected. Furthermore, in ancient times the object of investigation was the subject or phenomenon due to which things were named. But presently the object of investigation moves to discoveries made by inventors. The author gives the overview of the works of researchers who studied eponyms and their origin. The article also highlights some problems of eponyms, in particular, the problem of naming things that contribute to the emergence of eponyms. In addition, some of the world-renowned eponyms (names of large companies) domi­nate in a particular industry, and they do not give the opportunity for the development of similar industries. This is due to the fact that people often tend to name similar things by a dominant eponym. It is a very significant problem today.