The First Baptist Church of Minnesota or The First Bank of New York. I could go on and on.
What does it mean when a place or business calls itself the first? Are they the first ones to take that title? Or are they first in importance? Or like Heinz’s 57 varieties does it essentially mean nothing? Just a random way to refer to one’s self?
As in my examples, you do have to admit it is often used to refer to banks and churches, I have noticed. Though if I am wrong, please correct me, with an example, please.
I couldn’t be the first (no pun intended) to wonder this . I’m serious.
In the case of banks, “First National” means that the bank (or its predecessor) was the first bank in the city or region in which they originally operated to get a federal charter as a “national bank.”
You see it so often in banks because, until relatively recently, U.S. bank laws prohibited banks from operating in multiple states, and so, the banking industry was fairly decentralized – banks traditionally competed with each other at the local or (at most) state level. Being able to claim that “First” title in one’s area was traditionally seen as prestigious.
I just learned that First Hawaiian Bank in Hawaii started out as Bishop & Co. in 1858 and didn’t change its name until 1969. And yes, it’s the first bank established in the territory of Hawaii.
But if we remember the improper fraction bank in this thread we should point out that its naming is etymologically distinct from “First” meaning “literal first”.
Just want to mention that in my city there is a Second Baptist Church. I wonder what’s up with that. If it matters,its attendees are almost exclusively Black.
. I’m serious.