Each name’s meaning derives from its root language. Patricia, for example, means noble (which is the origin of the word patrician). Try looking in a baby’s name book for more information along these lines.
Names can have symbols built into them.
For example, someone in your dream named Mr. or Ms. Heart can symbolize your own emotions, or a person you know who is very loving.
Receiving a new name in a dream indicates drastic change and personal transformations to the point of a figurative rebirth. In European and Judaic folk traditions, healers often gave people new names to fool the spirit of sickness into leaving the body. Similarly, in many cultures a child is given a new name after undergoing a rite of passage into adulthood. This name marks the child’s new role in that society.
A sense of individuality. Each person’s name engenders images and feelings to those who hear it. People often chose nicknames that are more appropriate representations of their true natures.
The development of, or initiation into, an esoteric or metaphysical path. Many people practicing such faiths adopt a new name that reflects their spiritual vision and other positive qualities.
Control over aspects of the self or a specific situation. Many ancient peoples in Europe believed that if you knew a person’s or entity’s true name (like that of a fahy), you would have power over it. By naming something in a dream, you may be trying to exert or develop increased command, and make that item or characteristic more concrete.