Everyone has a name - why?

Most places (cities, towns, rivers, islands, etc) have a name - why?

How did they get their name?

Significant things (like people, places and some pets) have proper (their own) names. In English this is called a "proper noun". Insignificant things have names too, but usually not a proper noun (name). An example is "pencil". That is the name of a thing, but not a proper name. In English, proper nouns start with a capital letter. Proper names are NOT preceded by a definite article such as "a" or "the" while common nouns may be. We don't say "the Sally" or "a Sally" but we do say "the pencil" or "a pencil". (please bear with me, these rules are going to be critically important, soon).

Proper names SPECIFICALLY define a person, place or thing and separate it from all others. If there happen to be more than one with the same name or there is a chance of confusion, a description is added, to properly differentiate and specify (ie "John the Baptist" vs "John the Revelator" or "John the Beloved")

"Name" in Hebrew is shem:
(from Strong's Hebrew) 8034 shem shame a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:--+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. see HEBREW for 07760 see HEBREW for 08064

There are many words used to mean "name". "Reputation" is an example. A person will fight to protect their "name" (their reputation). Names also define "character" which is related to reputation.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches... Proverbs 22:1

A good name is better than precious ointment... Ecclesiastes 7:1

Scriptural names are frequently prophetic or descriptive (what a person will be or do - prophetic). For example, Yahweh named all the sons of Hosea (Hosea 1:1-10) as a prophecy.

The name conveys the authority of the person even when absent. To speak or act in another’s name is to participate in that person’s authority (1 Sam. 17:45; 25:9; Acts 4:7). The principle is that of prophecy and revelation (Exod. 3:13–14; Deut. 18:19; John 5:43). God's name reveals his character and salvation in which people may take refuge (Ps. 20:1 [MT 2]; cf. Isa. 25:1; 56:6); to treat God's name as empty is to despise his person (Exod. 20:7). Myers, Allen C., ed. The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary. Rev. Ed. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1975. p. 747.

Names are important to our Almighty Father. He created and named the angels. We've been told about Lucifer, Michael and Gabriel, but all the others have names, too.

He created and named Adam, Adam named Eve and all the animals.

Wouldn't you feel a little lost without a name?