Have you ever mused on what our names mean to us? One could spend quite a bit of time thinking about it. Our whole identity is often wrapped up in our names.I've particularly been intrigued by first names. It seems that in the Bible that everyone had names that described their characters or experiences. That has led me to wonder: do we become our names? Or was it that Bible characters didn't get their names for stories until it became clear what their character or life-theme was?
My first name, Ginger, is not the name I was born with. I was born with red hair, and so despite naming me after my two Dutch grandmothers, my dad nicknamed me "Ginger" for my hair color. From that moment on, I was called something other than the name on all my legal documents. I happen to believe that something about that name that I was called by everyone--Ginger--shaped my personality and character. There's plenty of energy and color, and sometimes a bit of bite, to me.
When I got married and legally changed my name, I got rid of those two grandmothers' names, "Rena" and "Maria," that defined me legally for thirty-nine years. They weren't me. Neither of my grandmothers was around anymore, so no one should get their feelings hurt by the name change. As of seven and a half years ago, Ginger is legally my name. It's about time.At the time I was changing my legal name I struggled with what to do with my family name, a Dutch word that means "chain" or "necklace." It's a name I have been proud of. It's a name that lots and lots of people know because of the various places I've lived and the various things I've done. It's a name that has gone through some rough times and some good times, and it's me. I didn't want to give it up, so I kept it. It's there, solidly legalized as my middle name now, replacing the name of my grandmother Maria, who I never met.
Over years of single life, I fully expected to keep my last name when I got married. But then when I met husband and bonded so surprisingly well with him, I found that I wanted his name. Funny the things love does to you! So there it is now, firmly in my legal "family name" slot. I wouldn't be without it. And for work purposes I hyphenate my new middle and last names so as to meld my older and newer identities. It seems both symbolic and right.So what do you think? Do you think we are shaped by our names? Does your given name fit you?
I used to not think so, but as I've grown, it has definitely molded me in ways. I actually took all of that into consideration when naming our boys. We looked at the personalities of people we knew with names we considered. Not sure if there's any science behind it, but I've noticed that people with the same names often have things in common.
ReplyDeleteNicole, I agree with you that people with the same name often have things in common. I noticed when I was teaching elementary school that all the Brians had a way of getting into trouble! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of this because we are coming up with a name for our unborn daughter, due in a few months. We have come up with Lily Anastasia, because she will be baptized during Easter week. Lily, obvious (and I think lovely) and Anastasia for Anastasis, Greek for Resurrection. I have tried to give all my children meaningful names, and so far they have stuck!
ReplyDeleteThis was a FASCINATING post. I had not heard this bit of your history, and I enjoyed learning about you.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question, I don't think we are shaped by our names unless we allow ourselves to be. I don't believe that simply by naming someone something (i.e. Becky - or Rebecca) they will have a certain personality or particular character traits.
And yet, in spite of my disbelief, I find myself amazed when I read what names mean and consider people I know with those names...and how similar they are to much of what their name means.
Perhaps my disbelief is unfounded...