This probably goes back to the medieval and later practice of house 
signs. They were useful in societies where most people were illiterate 
and especially in urban situations where not everyone knew each other. 
Such signs can still be seen on old houses in Prague and on British 
pubs. Street numbering is a 19th century innovation. Actually house 
names are still quite common in Britain though its now largely a quaint 
affectation. I have a name in tile on my c.1900 house but I would have 
to look to remember what it is but Honeysuckle cottages abound in 
commuter villages and those seaside towns people fill of retired people.


paul courtney
leicester
UK



Ron May wrote:

>This past week, I have been researching a house identified in the County  
>Recorder's records as "Sea Bluff." A few weeks ago, another house was identified  
>as "La Casa de las Siete Candelas" (house of seven candles). Has anyone out  
>there got ideas on why and when people named houses? Why dont we see this  
>anymore? Is there a cultural or historical root to this practice of naming  
>houses?
> 
>Ron May
>Legacy 106, Inc.
>
>  
>