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Name taboo

A name taboo is the custom of avoiding the name, or characters used in the name, of a revered person such as a ruler or ancestor. It strongly influenced historical writing and naming practices in East Asia.
In Buddhism, Avalokitesvara (觀世音) was shortened to Guanyin (觀音) due to Tang dynasty Emperor Taizong (李世民). Under Chinas name taboo custom, the character 世 from the emperors name could not be used publicly. This practice also renamed government offices, influencing Korea.
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The English word "bear" was originally a euphemism meaning "the brown one." Ancient people feared or revered the bear so much that they avoided its true name, and the substitute became permanent. The Russian медведь similarly derives from a euphemism meaning "honey eater."
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Name taboo
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