Most Mormons likely know of Helaman, the son of Alma the Younger. He fought with Captain Moroni and led the 2,000 stripling warriors.<\/p>\n
But how did he get his name?<\/p>\n
One may be tempted to say that his name was just a name his parents liked. But I have a theory. It’s completely speculative, but I thought I would share it anyhow.<\/p>\n
First, a bit of genealogy. Helaman was the son of Alma the Younger. Alma the Younger was the son of Alma, a priest of King Noah.<\/p>\n
Second, Alma the Elder’s contemporary in Zarahemla was King Mosiah. In fact, their sons spent a lot of time together. I do not think, however, that the five sons hung out together just because they were members of the same church or because they were good friends.<\/p>\n
Third, there are roughly 20?\u00a2\u201a\u00c7\u00a8\u201a\u00c4\u00fa28 years between when Alma arrived in Zarahemla and Alma the Younger was visited by the angel. In addition, Alma the Elder was likely single when he moved to Zarahemla.<\/p>\n
Fourth, King Mosiah’s two brothers were Heloram and Helaman.<\/p>\n
Fifth, people in the Book of Mormon are often named after ancestors: Nephi, Lehi, Helaman, Alma, Moroni, Laban, and so forth.<\/p>\n
So, here’s my theory.<\/p>\n
King Mosiah had at least one sister, whom Alma the Elder married. This made Mosiah and Helaman uncles to Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah his cousins. Alma the Younger, therefore, named his eldest son after his uncle.<\/p>\n
Thoughts?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"