Names are often thought to hold some power or have some important meaning and it is clear that that applies to The Song of Solomon. Most of the important characters in the novel have a name that has some significance and represents their character in some way. For example, Macon Dead III's nickname, Milkman, has significance throughout the novel. It is inherently demeaning in some way and makes him seem less grown-up. Guitar even uses it that way on purpose and shortens it into Milk sometimes. But this nickname actually represents his attitude towards life. He was very childlike throughout the start of the novel and didn't really care about anything. This changes at the end and as he becomes passionate about finding his family he becomes more like an adult. Guitar even proves this by calling him "my main man" right at the end which is a lot more respectful that Milk. This makes it seem like names really do reflect something about the characters in the novel.
This applies to other characters in the novel as well. Pilate's whose name marks her as different. But there is also some sort of mystery around her character about her navel and whatever powers she might have that match her difference of her name. Macon Dead II, whose life is utterly void of anything that you are meant to enjoy in life, and therefore his life seems dead. And also Circe, whose name is the same as Circe from Homer's Odyssey. But this also seems to match. Circe in the book seems far too old to be alive and Milkman felt like it could have also been a dream. Circe, the witch, is also known for turning men into pigs, and there is something strange about the way the golden-eyed dogs are described. The importance of names is found throughout the novel and helps to describe the characters.
