Reply To: When & why did we start giving children more than one name?

yytz – I opened up a Tur and the author is listed as Rabbenu Yaakov, likewise in his hakdamah, he brings remez to Yaakov. No mention of Meir anywhere!

Chulent – your question comparing multiple first names to bais yaakov (which both are fairly “modern”) is missing a few beans to make a good cholent.

The BY type of system for girls education was accepted by all gedolim. In contrast, the use of multiple first names was expressed as a disappointment by a number of gedolim (Chasam Sofer, Noda B’yehuda Chazon Ish etc.).

HaLeiVi, there is an inyan to re institute old minhagim that were eroded over time for various reasons. Consider the lighting of chanuka licht al pesach baiso (as many now do in EY), the lighting of shabbos candles by unmarried girls (an old minhag of the Solivetchik household and others) etc. However, you are right, this must be done with caution since there might be a valid reason why the tradition changed!

I note that the Baal Shem Tov only had one name, yet among the Lubavitch Rebbes they all have multiple first names except the 4th Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel.