Names by Numerology: Expression and Soul Numbers Explained

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Written by Monica Beyer

How do you find the expression number and soul number of a name -- and what do these numbers mean? For example, the girl name Willow has an Expression number of 4 and a Soul Urge number of 6, while the boy name Ryan has an Expression number of 22 and a Soul Urge number of 8. What do these numbers mean, and how can you take advantage of these concepts? Read on to find out!

baby hands and parent hands You might have noticed that when you search a baby name meaning or origin here at Baby Hold, part of the entry for each name includes an Expression number and a Soul Urge number.

Numerology

Both of these concepts are based in numerology, which is the relationship between numbers and physical objects or living things. Numbers reflect aptidudes and character tendencies and are a reflection of a grand cosmic plan that every human being partakes in.

By studying numerology in relation to names and birth dates, you should be able to determine a variety of different things, such as when is the best time to make major changes in your life, such as travel, moving house, getting married and investing, among other things. They also reflect a person's potential, purpose in life, motivations and what talents you may have. Think of it as an aptitude test and your life's path all rolled up in one.

Numerology was established by a Greek mathematician named Pythagoras who lived from 569-470 BC. In these times, numerology was considered part of mathematics but modern mathematicians consider numerology to be part of pseudomathematics, which are mathematics-like activities that fall outside of formal mathematical models. In other (simpler) words, it is generally considered to be similar to astrology and has many of the same characteristics.

Expression Numbers

Expression numbers are also called Destiny numbers. An Expression number is derived from all of the letters of an individual's name. It symbolizes a person's potential that they can achieve during their entire lifetime, from birth until death. It is called the Destiny number because it can be thought of as your destiny or even can go so far as to be thought of as your fate. Your child's life path, then, is decided by their Expression number and is set at birth by their name.

Find out how to determine a name's expression number here.

Soul Urge Numbers

Soul Urge numbers are those that reflect the inner drive of a person, their intense likes and dislikes and what they value most. This influence will describe the nature that drives them in their daily life. This number reflects a person's desires, passions and interests. It differs from Expression numbers because it is derived from the vowels in a person's name, instead of all of the letters in the name.

Find out how to determine a name's soul urge number here.

In addition to picking a name according to meaning or origin, you also have another way to pick out your son or daughter's name. Instead of looking to the stars, use the Expression number and Soul Urge number on each entry on our site, then go to the following pages to find out what those numbers mean!