Superman's Kryptonian Name Predicted His Origin & Powers
All names have meaning, and Superman has at least three. In fact, the nature of his relationship to other characters can sometimes be determined by which one they use to address him. Ultimately, the one with the most weight is his native Kryptonian name: Kal-El. His birth parents revealed long ago that they were very intentional about what their son would be called, and it essentially forecast not only his abilities but his impact on the world.
Elliot Maggin, Neal Adams, Dick Dillin, and Dick Giordano's 'The Fabulous World of Krpyton: The Greatest Green Lantern of All' - from 1972's Superman #257 - reveals the naming of young Kal-El. The story sees Green Lantern Tomar-Re brought before the Guardians of the Universe on the verge of his retirement from the Corps. They acknowledge that they foresaw Krypton’s destruction but, due to the strictures of Kryptonian culture, could not evacuate the planet. However they admit they did have their eyes on Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, anticipating that they would produce remarkable progeny. In the midst of this retelling, fans see Lara holding her newborn and naming him, after which Jor-El declares that despite being born on a doomed planet, his son “shall have his future.”
Before Superman is sent to Earth, his mother names him Kal-El, saying, "the surname El, in ancient Kryptonese, meant child... and Kal meant star!" Neither of Superman's parents could have imagined just how important he’d become on Earth, but the significance of this name selection is twofold. For one thing, it was prophetic of his relationship to Jonathan and Martha Kent, as well as the planet Earth - when he crash-landed on their farm, he was literally a child from the stars. At the same time, Kal’s cells are supercharged by yellow sunlight, giving Earth's star incredible significance in his life.
In the real world, Superman’s birth name has additional significance as a derivative of the Hebrew words El, meaning "God," and Kol, meaning "voice." Bearing in mind the ways in which his origins mirror the story of Moses, the idea of Superman being God’s voice or an implement of his presence on Earth is a similarly rich interpretation of the character. While Superman's continuing choice to do good is a major aspect of the character, the ways in which his name seemingly preordains his purpose help to emphasize the mythic scale of his life and accomplishments.
Now that Superman has revealed his identity to the public, his names have become more interchangeable, but "Kal-El" is still most commonly used by his closest allies and worst enemies. The connection it creates to Krypton instills Kal-El with the perspective to give his all in serving his adopted home, speaking to his history and the long road (and many tragedies) that gave the galaxy its greatest protector. As both the interventionist voice of God and the cosmic star child, Kal-El may be best known as Superman, but all his names contribute to who he's become.