My Name - Self Portrait Prompt
In English my name means hope. In Spanish it means too many letters. It means sadness, it means waiting. It is like the number nine. A muddy color. It is the Mexican records my father plays on Sunday mornings when he is shaving, songs like sobbing.
It was my great-grandmother's name and now it is mine. She was a horse woman too, born like me in the Chinese year of the horse--which is supposed to be bad luck if you're born female-but I think this is a Chinese lie because the Chinese, like the Mexicans, don't like their women strong. My great-grandmother. I would've liked to have known her, a wild, horse of a woman, so wild she wouldn't marry. Until my great-grandfather threw a sack over her head and carried her off. Just like that, as if she were a fancy chandelier. That's the way he did it.
And the story goes she never forgave him. She looked out the window her whole life, the way so many women sit their sadness on an elbow. I wonder if she made the best with what she got or was she sorry because she couldn't be all the things she wanted to be. Esperanza. I have inherited her name, but I don't want to inherit her place by the window.
At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth. But in Spanish my name is made out of a softer something, like silver, not quite as thick as my sister's name Magdalena--which is uglier than mine. Magdalena who at least- -can come home and become Nenny. But I am always Esperanza. I would like to baptize myself under a new name, a name more like the real me, the one nobody sees. Esperanza as Lisandra or Maritza or Zeze the X. Yes. Something like Zeze the X will do.
Kristen
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kristen, my friends call me krismften, it is humorous and outgoing as am I. I grew up around a tight-knit family; with this, I enjoy meeting new people and talking with them. Communicating with new people is something I take pride in. I love being able to put a smile on someone's face every day. It makes me feel like I am doing my part in this society. When I hear my friends call me by my name or talk about me when I am not around, makes me love the energy my name gives off. It is never used in a degrading way but in a way that makes you go, “have you seen her today? I wish she was here to make my day better. Or can we come over and just talk to you?”
My name is Luke. I like my name. I was named Luke after a combination of Luke from the Bible and Luke from Star Wars. I've never met a Luke that wasn't cool in their own way. Urban dictionary has a fond and fitting definition for Luke. My last name is Vickery. It comes from Great Britain which is appropriate for me because I like Scotland's geography and England's sporting history like soccer. Some time in our history we went from MacVickers to Vickery which was probably during the widespread racism towards Irish during the big boom of Irish and German immigrants.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Morgan. My mother had no hesitation when it came to naming me, in fact, she had my name picked out from conception. With this came a kind of assurance of who I would be. Morgan Leigh, her “rainbow baby”. I wasn’t my mothers first child, but her second. It’s only that the one before me suffered a more terrible fate, strangulation by the umbilical cord in the womb, stillborn. She describes this loss of hers as the most terrible thing she has gone through. She knew once losing this child that she must have another, so a year later I came along. And she knew right off the bat what I would be called and who I would be. Is this why I allowed others to have so much emphasis on who I was throughout childhood? Is this why I strived so hard to be everything my mother wanted me to be? Was it a preconceived notion that I would become a people pleaser?
ReplyDeleteI did have another name though. My childhood nickname is one I miss and wish others I am close with still call me. Mo.
DeleteMy name is Wilbur Louis Hackett IV, also known as Trent. The name Wilbur has ben passed down for generations. It has a very important meaning to not only me but my family because people under this name have done some very excellent things. It is not just a name it’s a legacy for all the achievements that were accomplished in my family. My dad wanted to name me Wilbur not because he wanted to give it to his first born child but because he saw something in me and he knew my spark was different. I always was kind of ashamed of the name just because people used to talk about my name. But, I soon realized I shouldn’t be embarrassed because my name was meant for greatness. As I’ve grown up I’ve really learned how to embrace my name and love it to its fullest potential. With that being said, when it is time for me to have my offspring, he will also get the name Wilbur Louis Hackett because he should be proud to be a Hackett
It takes about three to four different conversations to get my name right. Back when I was living in Venezuela I would easily find two more girls in the playground of Mcdonald's with the same name , something about having long names is very exciting for latinos nowadays. Yulianny Alexandra Rodriguez Garcia, that's what i had to hear in every class of my first day in high school. I used to hate having to correct and suggest my teachers to just call me Yuli. I figured that would be my “american name” just so i could make it easier for a lot of people. I got to the United States right when I turned fourteen and my main goal was to just be part of the community and avoid all the attention that my name could bring to the table. Ending up realizing that I am not American and that I have the most beautiful name that can easily represent my culture and where I come from. I don't want or have to make it easier for anybody who doesn't know how to pronounce my name. It's Yulianny and you can call me Yuli if you want just make sure you spell it y,u,l,i because it is not the traditional ‘‘Julie’’ it's the spanish Yuli.
ReplyDeleteMy parents named me Jenna, although growing up they always referenced me through nicknames. My mom called me "precious" after a nickname in the Lord of the Rings movies. My dad called me "kid" and "peanut". I'm not sure where he got these from, but he's continued to call me "kid" for almost 21 years now. My parents settled with the name Jenna because it was new at the time. They wanted something simple but somewhat unique. I've always thought it was cool when people had longer names and went by a nickname for short, but my parents thought that was stupid. To this day, I am hardly referred to as Jenna. My friends call me J, Jenn, and Jenner. I like nicknames better than real names; I think they signify close relationships and are more unique to each person.
ReplyDeleteMackenzee is the name I was given at birth. Not very many people call me by my full name because of all of the nicknames that come with my full name. Tanner is my middle name and that is what my mom calls me. When she was growing up, one of her best friend's name was Tanner. My mother and Tanner had a relationship unlike many with lots of conflicts caused by their parents beliefs on different political issues at the time. Their parents separated them any chance they could, but nonetheless, my mother and Tanner found their ways back to each other. When my mom was choosing my name, Mackenzee was the name she had dreamed of. My parents troubled over a middle name and my mother insisted on Tanner. There was strength and perseverance and a different kind of friendliness that came with my middle name. She loved it so much that it stuck as her first way of calling my name.
ReplyDeleteTo my friends, it's Kenny G. An informal (and much more so) naming of who I am when I am around them. Completely unrelated to the saxophonist, they found a spunky, easy to say name that I responded to. This stuck with my entire friend group and only grew from there. Teachers, employers and coaches now refer to me as Kenny G.
Mackenzee, Tanner, and Kenny G; all names that I will respond to but all with different meanings to me.
My name is Vivian Rose O'Hara, spelled the same as Vivian Lee from gone with the wind. Younger I was given enough nicknames to rename the Brady bunch. Vivi was my moms favorite, the way is flowed off of the tongue, the softness of the word. Only the women I was closest to called me that. As I got older I received another nickname, V...this was more of what the men in my life called me such as my brothers, my step dad, my very close friends ( the ones that are family but not by blood). Once in my teens, I started to give people a nickname for me, as much as I love my name, I hate to hear it. Viv was my new name...not for my family though. Viv is now what I hear whenever someone calls me. My teammates, my friends, my boyfriend, and the list goes on. Although my mom refuses to call me Viv, she says it is a harsh nickname the way the Vs sound rolling off your tongue, it does not sound delicate. Viv is easier to remember, easier to spell, it is just what I am called by people who know me. Someone watching from the outside can tell how well someone knows a person by what they call them. The comforting sounds of the different names from the different people in your life are what make your nicknames meaningful.
ReplyDeleteTurner Snyder Farris, the name given to me by my parents. Big T, the name given to me by my friends. Brother, the name given to me by my three siblings. All different titles and meanings of my name hold significance to myself. I love my real full name, its unique and has family origin. I have never met someone with my first name, and I pride myself on that. The day I finally meet someone named "Turner" I will have felt failed by my parents, I guess it taking at least twenty-one years was a great run. Snyder, my middle name and mothers maiden name. Her family comes from a well established name and I feel a sense of honor being the one chosen to carry the weight of "Snyder." Big T, in sense to my big stature and my big personality, not as unique but still fulfilling. My favorite title though is "brother." I feel a deep connection and love for my siblings and it brings me great joy to be their brother.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ariel. I still am not positive about why it was given to me. It never really has come up in conversation, but to me its become an integral part of who I am as a person. Growing up, it was something I was mildly ridiculed for as a kid due to it's matching spelling with the Disney character, and usually is pronounced wrong on the first attempt, but that's just how my name is. I've never been a nickname person, and I always jump out of habit when I hear it pronounced wrong. Even though their is a lack of reasoning for why it picked to be my name, or a grandiose story surrounding it's origin, it will always be my name.
ReplyDeleteAriel Gabay
The name that was given to me was given to me by my mother. She chose the name because it means Dark warrior. I was born 2 months premature and was already fighting for my life. As she held me in her arms for the first time, she knew Donovan was the name. As I grew and lived, I was given more names. the nickname Donny comes from my father when he was tired of putting up with my crazy antics after my mom left, he called me that more often. Friends and family alike started calling me Donny except for my mom she always called me Donovan she refused to call me Donny she felt that the name Donny took away from the meaning of my true name. --Donovan
ReplyDeleteMy name is Oliver, which is what people called me up until my teenage years. My mother hated nicknames, she just loved the name Oliver so much that she didn’t want people shortening it or giving me a different name. I have always identified with the name, but when I became a teenager, I got myself into a friend group, and they started calling me Ollie.
ReplyDeleteOllie is almost a different person. I got that name during a time in my life when I was growing and developing into the person I have become. I still like the name Oliver, but since no one called me Ollie until I became who I am today, Ollie feels more like me. It somehow has a childish, fun, inviting sound to it, but still feels grown and mature to me. To me, it represents finding myself, and a group of people I click very well with, while also giving off a friendly vibe to other people.
Although I love the name my Mom and Dad gave me, I love Ollie too.
Oliver King
Interestingly enough my name originates from a Celtic background and has been passed down through generations of Irish men. As time passed this name had been spread out all over the world leading to me, a young boy from San Diego, California. Although I was names after a professional surfer and small time musician, I still acknowledge the origin of this name. Over the years I have been given many different nicknames by friends trying to shorten my name, often called Donny or Don. However, even though I have no issue with the nicknames does not mean that I accept them as my real name. My name has meaning, with it holds my reputation for all the positive and negative things I have done in my life. The significance may not be apparent to others but for me the name Donovan gives me a little reminder of the places I have called home and the people I consider to be my family.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ashton Leigh Downey. My parents call me Ash or Ashy. My brother used to call me ashypoo poo but as he got older he started to call me Ash. My closest friends call me Ash. Whenever I would get in trouble I was strictly Ashton. I used to not like my name because no one ever had the same name as me. Every time I introduced myself to someone I always used to say “i’m Ashton, like Ashton Kutcher” because it was the only famous person who has the same name as me. I always wished I was a Caroline and Elizabeth because almost every group of people at least has one Caroline and Elizabeth. When I was younger all I wanted was to fit in but as I have gotten older, I began to not care about my name not fitting in. I think that unlike Esperanza, my name is the real me and as time has passed I have been able to become more open to accepting the real me.
ReplyDeleteI go by many names, to many different people. I can't even remember the last time my mom or my sister called me Robert. They started calling me Bobby, which devolved into Bubba, which again devolved into Bubby. To my father, or my former coaches, I am Goebel. Spoken with a commanding tone, always expected to obey whatever order or directions I am given. As a kid, and now young adult, so many people have tried to give me a nickname. Whether it was "Robby" or "Bob", I never felt comfortable with a nickname. The general consensus is that everyone wants a nickname, a reminder that they are unique, loved, and appreciated. However, I never wanted one. I didn't want to feel different from everyone else. I didn't understand why people would want to be someone that they aren't.
ReplyDeleteJackson, Jack, Boo Boo, Powell: I believe my name Jack takes on a lot different meanings I believe. I believe the one constant about everyone named Jack has a certain thing they have about them that’s perceived as either “off” or “crazy.” And I do believe most people named Jack are pretty outgoing and or pretty active. I believe every Jack has their own separate and unique trait about them that separates them from others whether that be for better or for worse. I can’t really explain the origin for the name other than my parents just told me right when I came out, I was a Jack. So I believe you certainly know a Jack when you see one. I’m the first and only Jack so far in my family. Even though the name Jack isn’t very original, I feel like every Jack has something very unique and crazy about each and every one them. - Jack Powell
ReplyDeleteLillian. Lily. Lilster. Lillers. The name Lillian came from my grandmother, someone I remind my father of a lot, but never had to chance to meet. I think she's where I got my love for the color pink. While it's a beautiful name and stems from a wonderful woman, it makes me cringe when I hear someone call me by it. Lily like the flower is what my parents always liked to say when telling someone how to spell my name. It's my name; it feels a lot more like my name than Lillian ever has. Lilster was the name my favorite cousins always called me growing up, partially because I was the youngest cousin. It since has faded out as I've gotten older, but it still makes my heart sing when they say it every once in a while. Then there is Lillers. Lillers might be my favorite. It came from my best friends mom and the excitement that comes with it every time she screams it(she never says it at a normal level, it's always screaming with excitement) brings me so much joy. Lily is my name but all these names have such meaning to me.
ReplyDeleteMy legal American name is Zoe. I was adopted from China but my parents decided to keep my Chinese name, Jinxi. I use that as a second middle name but I never mention that because I feel very white and disconnected from my heritage. And everyone assumes that I’m not adopted and my family is Asian as well. My family is so white and not going to lie I hate it sometimes. They tried their best to keep me involved with my culture but it didn’t stick with me. I don’t speak Mandarin, I tried learning but it was so difficult. I just speak English and Spanish now. They named me Zoe and people asked my parents why they named me after a Sesame Street character. Not only that they mispronounce my name because I don’t spell it with a y at the end.
ReplyDeleteZoe Brewer
Kai Lancaster:
ReplyDeleteThe Origin of my name comes from the great American islands of Hawaii. This tends to lead people to believe I am from there or I have some sort of family ties to Hawaii. But this is not the case. The meaning of my name means Ocean in the native tongue of Hawaii. My Grandmother loved the Ocean and sadly passed just before my birth. When my parents were deciding what to name me they couldn't decide between a generational name to carry through the family or a new name to introduce to the family tree. After weeks of discussion my parents finally decided on the name Kai. This was due to their most recent trip with my grandmother to Hawaii, they remembered how much she loved the location and its surrounding environments. Shortly after this trip she passed away from ovarian cancer. While this may sound unrelated the ovarian cancer ribbon is the color teal and it reminded my parents of the clear teal like water in Hawaii. which lead my parents to the name Kai (Ocean). I have not met many other people with my name but when I do they know exactly what it means.
The name Keili was given to me September 4th, 2003. It is a name everyone knows me by. Since my name only contains 5 letters there is not really a shorter version of my name that people call me. The spelling of my name comes from my father who’s name is Keith. My parents all thought of naming me Mercedes but they wanted it to be more unique. Around the age six or seven I picked up the nickname “ big head.” I am not completely sure how this name came about but that is my name to this day according to my brothers. My mother also chose this name because if you see my name on a piece of paper, you can not attach me to a race without speaking or seeing me. For example, if I were to apply for a job, it would be less likely that they turn me down solely because of my “ black name.” Keili is oftentimes mispronounced. You maybe thinking that it is pronounced like kel-lee. But the correct way is kee-lee. But sometimes I will respond to the mispronounced version to keep everything smooth and then correct you later.
ReplyDeleteMaria Alejandra Kommer. Legally, on paper, that is who I am. To all my friends I am just Maria. Plain and simple I have always been Maria, partially because my middle name gets a little too long and uncommon apparently since I moved to the United States, but also because I like the name Maria all on its own. I do not have a nickname or an abbreviation to my name and even when I lived in Mexico I went by only Maria with my friends. My family, on the other hand, always calls me Maria Alejandra, even my American family. My parents introduced me as Maria Alejandra as a baby and so it stuck. And lastly I have one final name that only two people have or ever will call me; Schmu. My parents started calling me Schmu when I was a baby because I reminded my mom of Cindy Loo Who from the Grinch. Somehow she modified Cindy Loo Who into Schmu. Every last one of my birthday, Christmas, or graduation cards is addressed to Schmu and that is one thing that I think will always remain the same.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ava Leilani Culligan. My mother named me, I’m not sure why she chose Ava. However, my middle name is due to my birthplace, Hawaii. I’ve gone by many nicknames, my grandma called me Avaflava. My coaches always called me Culligan because there was always another Ava on my team. In middle school, they called me Water bottle because of Culligan water company. There was also "air conditioning" and a few others. At some point in my first year of high school, Fooligan originated. That one stuck with me the most. It faded after I moved for my senior year but it still reminds me of those who made me who I am today.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Sydney Paige Thom. My family calls me Syd-Vicious or vicious for short. Now, I did not receive this name because I am vicious in any kind of way. I was given this nickname from an instructor, who loved the Sex Pistols, in pre-school and it kind of just stuck. I may act like I hate the name, but I actually feel comfort with it. Whenever I call my dad after a long and hard day, he will always answer the phone with "vicious" in his monster voice no matter how old I am. It never fails to calm me down and help me cope with my anxiety.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my nickname is not subjected to just family members. When I played volleyball my parents would tell my teammates parents about the nickname. I would constantly hear "vicious' being shouted at me when I stepped on the court. In this scenario, it makes me feel confident and one of a kind.
I would never change my name. It has a special meaning to those close to me and around me. However, if I don't know you, please don't call me Syd-Vicious.
Jack is not my government name and not the name that my friends call me either, it is the nickname my family gave me for as long as I can remember. My family is big on your name representing not only you but those who have carried the name and will carry your name. Even though Jackson Tyler Klein is my whole name the abbreviated name Jack still holds all those names with it. I try to carry myself as my great grandpa, papaw, and my dad do with my shoulders back, chest out and head high but, I find myself getting caught in the loop of trying to live for our family name rather than my own name. Jack carries my success and my failures but it also carries the success and failures from those before me, so I will always try my best to have a better record of successes than failures to keep my name strong but also to keep myself strong. My uncle Jack and my Great Grandpa Jack are both very strong and determined men, as I strive to be, but I believe they were required to be stronger in different ways than myself. Jack is a little kid in the eyes of my family but to me Jack is a strong young man trying his best to represent himself and his family through his actions, words and thoughts. My nickname, my family name Jack represents me from a young boy all the way until I will become an old man.
ReplyDeleteJackson Klein
(his ipad isnt working)
My name is Leila. No one else in my family carries this name, it is mine alone. The name Leila was given to me as gift that I have to hold onto for the remainder of my life. Even at my death, my name will remain as the only part of me on Earth. "Leila" is my identity. The name Leila originates in regions within the Middle East.
ReplyDeleteOn my birth certificate my name is Sydnee Jo Bates, but that’s not my only name. To my mom and older brother my name is ‘Fussy’. To my best friend, my name is Jo. To all my other friends my name is Syd. On paper I may just have one name, but to the people around me I have an ever ending list of names that grows as time goes on. One thing about my name that I never liked as a kid was the spelling. No one was ever able to spell my name right. Who would’ve known the two “ee’s” at the end, and the non-existent “e” in my middle name would cause such confusion growing up. I would always ask my mom why she spelt my name differently, and her response was always “because its different”. When I was young I didn’t understand what she meant by that, but now that I’m older I wouldn’t want my name to be any different.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Alexis. In English my name means defender of mankind. My name was given to me by a woman I’ve never met. A woman who kept me in her stomach for nine months. A woman who birthed me. A woman who heard my first cry. Yet, a woman who does not know me. A woman who doesn’t know what I look like, what my interests or battles are, or who I am as a person. I often think about why she chose such a boring name like Alexis. Perhaps it’s because she wanted my name to define my future. Maybe she wanted me to protect others in ways no one else could protect her. Maybe my name was passed down through many generations. Maybe she knew a woman who she looked up to that had my name. Maybe she saw my little face, cried with happy tears, and realized Alexis fits me. Maybe it’s the first name that came to her head. Maybe I’ll never know why she chose the name Alexis.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Brandon Webb. I still don’t know how I got my name. Brandon in Irish is called “prince” or “chieftain”. No one else in my family had this name but it is common in today's world. Although it is a common name, I do not really meet a lot of Brandons. I do not think id change my name because I don’t know another name that fits me. In my opinion, being a prince means you are a ruler of some sort, and it would be cool to be a ruler of a state. My friends do call me “B” and even people I meet calll me “B”.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Webb
DeleteA swinger, a Zinger, a Whole Hearted Home RUN!
ReplyDeleteA name intended to be shared with she I was born with;but decisions could not be made
A Name that was rooted in parental bonds, marital bonds, a military brat’s first real Home.
A name to be mistaken, but never forgotten. Shortened, but never reduced
A name bound to another soul by birth, never to be separated
A name of labyrinths, weaving and waving through endless Scottish Valleys, ever Winding on
A name where champions reign, heroes born, basking in cadence of Archangel Auriel’s cheers
A name of hope for what’s to come, And A name to revolutionize the demons that challenge it
To add: my name is Camden
DeleteMy name is Ajanai. My mother wanted a unique name but one that also started with an A. Her best friend is Muslim and had a daughter 2 years prior to my mother having me, her daughter's name was Ajani. While slightly different, my father overheard the name Ajanai at a store which is where my parents ultimately got the idea for my name. Even though my parents got my name from the help of others, they liked the authenticity behind my name and where it came while still being marginally different from the daughter's name of my mother's best friend. Coincidentally, her name, and mine being one letter off, is primarily translated in African origin as "he who wins the struggle". My whole life I have struggled with people mispronouncing my name but nonetheless I agree with the aspect of authenticity my parents were striving for with naming me.
ReplyDeleteMy name was given to me at 6:02 PM in a small hospital in Tennessee on a humid evening in May.
ReplyDeleteMy name rolls off the tongues of my parents as they look at their first child together
My name echoes through the halls as my brother calls to me to come outside and push him on the swings.
My name breaks through the silence after I’ve been told we will have two christmases instead of one, two houses instead of one home.
My name booms across the theater as I walk across the stage and accept my ticket to a new life.
My name is not just a name. It is a collection of moments that have made my name mean something to me and to the world.
My name is Claire and I wear it like a brand new pair of a jeans sometimes.
And sometimes it wears me like a shirt that hasn’t been worn in years and hugs me in all the wrong places.
It read 6:59 am
ReplyDeleteA black man standing beside a white woman
Worry written in his early wrinkles, love shining from his eyes
she lay horizontal, swaddled in white, in pain, panting, exhausted from sprinting in a marathon only mothers run in
Machines and computers screaming in an encoded language
Nurses and doctors in the same action only without the beeping
And with a silent swish of air
It read 7
And a small being with not much air but a lot of voice was suddenly in existence
They hadn’t decided on a name before- didn’t even talk about it
But they both whispered the exact same word in the same second
Beautiful
And what better name than a word that means that in many languages
Bella
still trying to be pretty enough to have such a label as that
But the name surpasses such shallow thoughts
I fail at times as ugly thoughts pollute my psyche, unpretty actions fill my past
Existing not as beautiful as the world would deem
A non white non man loving another non man
But they didn’t intend for beautiful to mean that way
Beauty is colored, beauty is raw, beauty is limitless simplicity
I want to learn how to write beauty into my life as they did with my namesake.
-Bella Hardin
This is so beautiful, Bella.
DeleteMy name is Lilly, but people always spell it Lillie or almost always, lily. My name is not significant because of the meaning but because of the spelling. Growing up I always liked to be called Lilly because my mom told me it came from the flower lily. I always ask my mom when I was little why she put an extra L in my name, but she always told me that she would tell me when I got older. And as I got older she eventually told me that she added an extra L because most people who are named after a lily flower do one L, but she knew that I wasn't like most people so she added an extra L so I could be different. Ever since she told me that, I have always loved my name. Although as I've gotten older, I like when people call me Lil, for some reason it makes me feel like my name has more meaning, or that I'm more significant to the person who feels comfortable enough to call me Lil. Usually when people call me that it just makes me feel more loved. I love both my names but if I were to be asked which one I prefer I like when people call me Lil because it makes me feel important. So, no my name does not have a specific meaning if you were to look online, but to my mom it does. My mom named me Lilly with two L’s because lily flowers are beautiful, and adding an extra L just makes it a different type of beauty to her. Therefore the significant meaning in my name comes from my moms heart not the internet or family generation names.
ReplyDeleteFor a majority of my life I’ve gone by Madelyn. Friends, family, significant others, but now I go by Maddie. It seems more fit for somebody like me. Growing up, my mother always expressed how she wanted to name me Katherine, but as I look in the mirror and imagine a Katherine I don’t see one reflected back at me. Maddie. Simple and general yet so personal to those who know me truly. More versions have come out of this since. Mads. Mad. M. Even on occasion Mac and Cheese due to my last name starting with a C. It is not a difference of each, its a comparison. A deep relation I have with every individual in my life. Each one rooted to show compassion and emphasis on my identity. It shows that I am everything and nothing. I can be whoever and whatever I want to be. But for now, I’ll just be Maddie.
ReplyDeleteHanna Helzer, eleven letters that hold eighteen years of life and love. I am the first born of three daughters, and because I was first my parents spent the entire nine months of pregnancy going back a forth between their favorite baby names. In the end my mom won like she always does and the name she chose was Hanna. Now looking at my five letter name you might notice that there is a letter missing at the end. This letter would be a silent H. My mom decided why add a letter at the end of my name that no one will ever hear. Plus she claims that she liked they way all of the lower case letters looked better ending in an “a” than a “h”. However, my mom did not take into consideration when giving me a unique spelling that I would NEVER find my name on any keychain or name branded item in any store EVER. Anytime my sisters Grace, Maya, and I would go into a store looking for a keychain or necklace with our names on it they would always find theirs, but of course Hanna could never find her name anywhere. It was not until middle school where I learned to appreciate the unique spelling of my name when I ended up becoming best friends with two other girls named Hannah. They would always tell me how jealous they were of my name because it looked so much prettier on paper. Growing up I never really had a nickname because my name was so easy to say there was no need to shorten it up. That was up until I met my best friend to this day. Her name is Ellie and she is the only person in this world to call me Han.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Drew. Drew stems from the name Andrew. It was the name my mom gave me, even though my dad wanted to name me differently. Everyone calls me Drew until recently, but outside of the workplace, my name is Drew. I always liked my name because I didn’t know a lot of other people who had the same name as me, and for the longest time I thought it was unique. Until high school, I never met anyone with the same name as me, and ironically enough one of my best friend’s name is Drew. A lot of people feel insecure about their name, but for me, I find it empowering and somewhat cool. Even now without being called my actual name on some days, but on those days I have to remind myself that I’m Drew at the core. Growing up I never had a nickname because it was a short name.
ReplyDeleteJessica is my name. Even though my name is very common, it was not easy for my parents to come up with. They have told me all the stories of how they went back and forth from name to name not being able to decide. The reason for my parents indecisiveness came from the surprise when they found out they were expecting twins. At first they didn't know if they would be having 2 girls, 2 boys, or a boy and a girl. So they spent time coming up with names that could go together or match, if my twin and I turned out to be the same gender. Later on they figured out that they were having a boy and a girl so their plan of similar names went out the window, and our names ended up very different (Jessica and Nathan).
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kate Henderson. I am the tenth kate in my family. There are 9 other women with the first name kate that came before me and I am proud to have followed them. My mother has known she wanted to name me this since she was 11. She used to doodle the name Kate in her middle school. Many people think my name is Katherine, however, it is just kate. If I had a nickel for every time I told someone “nope. It’s just kate” I would be rich. I despise being called the name Katherine, because unlike others my name does not mean that. In the Bible, my name means pure. It is short, just like me. I like to believe my name is unique because I have never met anyone else not related to me with the name Kate on their birth certificate. I love my name, and I could never see myself being anything other than Kate.
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Isabelle, my mother had to argue with my dad when they were coming up with a name for my because he wanted to name me Bernadette with the nickname “Bernie”. I am so blessed that that didn’t happen I am just not a “Bernie”. I love my name, all of my sisters have flower names. My oldest sister Lilly is named after the lily flower, and my other sister Mary Rose is of course named after a rose. You may be wondering how my name pertains to a flower, but I’m named after the “Belle” flower it’s a famous flower in Ireland. Ireland is where my dad's side of the family is from. “Belle” also means beautiful in French, and that is where my mother's side originated from. So my name makes me feel extremely connected to my family and their roots. I embrace my name even though I rarely say it, but when others call out my name it reminds me of the roots that I’m blessed to have.
ReplyDeleteMy parents could not decide on a name for me. One day my Grandma suggested that my parents name me after my Dad. They ended up giving me my Dad’s name. This worked out because my dad actually goes by “Tony”. This kept things simple throughout my household. A reason why my name is so fitting is because my Dad and I are very similar people. We are both quiet, we do not show very much emotion, and we have a lot of common sense. The both of us also share a strong passion for sports. If it was not for my Dad being called Tony, it would be hard to tell us apart. Moving forward, the name “Anthony” can be quite a mouthful, so naturally my friends and family shorten it up to “Anth” or “Ant”. This comes in handy whenever I am playing basketball—it’s easier for my teammates to call for the ball or get my attention when saying a shorter name. My favorite aspect of my name is that it is not very popular. I don't have to worry about getting mistaken for a different "Anthony" very often, and I like that.
ReplyDeleteMy first name, and the name I go by, is “Jaegan.” I have had this name all my life, and for all my life I have had people mispronouncing it. It does not bother me, in fact, I like it. Having a unique name that makes someone double check and talk about it is always a conversation starter. Sometimes people ask where it is from or why my parents picked it for me, but the truth is that it does not have any meaning, or importance. My mom was running out of time to pick a name for me. As the days grew closer to me being born, she had to think of something. At this same time, a friend of my mom had just had her baby. She named it Reagan, and my mom loved it. Her original plan was to just copy her friend and name me Reagan, but just like a student copying another student's homework, she had to change something to avoid being caught. The plan was simple, just change out the “R” in “Reagan” and BAM, a whole new and original name. I would like to think she just spun a wheel and it landed on “J.”
ReplyDeleteMy name is Caitlin but I go by Catie. Everywhere you turn, there are a million Katie’s, Katy’s, Kate’s, Kaitlin’s, etc. The majority of my classes throughout grade school and high school have had at least one other person with some form of my name. I used to hate how my name didn’t start with a K because I thought K’s were prettier. It bothered me that so many people around me had MY name, but somehow theirs was better. I also didn’t enjoy the fact that most every time I met someone new, about a month after they would realize my spelling and gasp at the fact that it wasn’t the way they had imagined my name. It’s almost like my identity changed in their mind by the way people used to, and still sometimes, react. With time and a little bit more maturity, I’ve grown to like how my name is a little more unique than the average spelling. I hope that it makes me a bit more memorable.
ReplyDeleteI could have been named Erica or Natalia. Instead, I was given the name Nevaeh. Heaven spelled backward. I have always liked my name... besides the fact it gets mispronounced from time to time when I am at a new job or class, but I am used to it. I would often tell them the hidden fact behind my name. I always found it unique because I never heard anyone else's name like mine. I remember when I was younger when I asked my parents how they produced the name I have today. Both had different answers. My dad said, “I wanted to name you Erica, after my middle name but your mom didn’t like that.” My mom said “I thought the name Natalia was very pretty, but I heard the name “Nevaeh” one day and since then I grew on me. There are numerous ways you could spell it, making it heaven spelled backward was not only unique to us but to other people you meet throughout your life.”
ReplyDeleteOver the years, I would look up the meaning of my name. It was all the same. “Nevaeh means Heaven because it spelled backward.” Yes, that was nice to hear but nothing else came from it. I wanted to produce my own definition of “Nevaeh.” My name. I think the meaning behind names should originate from yourself because it is YOUR name. Granted there are people out there that have the same name as you, but we are all so different. For me, “Nevaeh” means discover. I am constantly learning something new or searching for something new. To do that you have to discover it.
Majority of my life I have been called everything besides the name my mother gave to me at birth. I am always surprised when a teacher or someone I have never met gets my name right on the first try. No one can ever spell or say my name and I often must correct them multiple times. Sometimes I am Tayanna, Taneya, or Taniyah. Usually, I do not get upset about it because I already know people are going to mess up my name. Tatyana Jessup at birth but my last name changed to West the last day of eighth grade. Since then, many people ask if I am related to Kanye West and I always say, “Absolutely not.” That is the name my mother spent countless hours on making sure her daughter had a beautiful name no one would forget. It is funny because she often forgets herself, as well as other family members since majority of the women in the family have a name that starts with a T. Tatyana is a Russian name and means fairy princess. I am extremely grateful for the name that was given to me because it is unique and throughout 12 years of school, I have never met another Tatyana.
ReplyDeleteMy name is not unique. It is very popular, and simple but it is my name. I am named after someone I never met; a sweet girl who lost her life too soon. It was my mom who wanted to name me Elizabeth in memory of her. A cousin, and a friend who was never able to experience all the things that I luckily get to experience. A daughter, and granddaughter who was lost too soon.
ReplyDeleteEven though it is long, does not have very many nicknames, and is hard to say on the volleyball court I still try to respect the memory of the person I was named after. The person who loved her brother and sister. Who wanted to explore. And who was so excited about everything and anything. She was the youngest at heart, and liked it that way. As I go on with the name Elizabeth, I hope to embody the love and excitement she had for the world and everyone around her.
My name is Bella. My name was not given to me just to fill a space, but a name with purpose and meaning. The first baby girl being born into a family of boys. a baby in need of a name representative of her role to be taken - to be beautiful, graceful, steadfast, merciful, and hopeful. A family of beautiful people inside and out who are devoted to god needing a name that will represent and set the tone for this new baby’s life. Bella, meaning beautiful in Spanish, representing my life ahead of me and my soul. Bella also meaning devoted to god in Hebrew, representing my life intuitions and goals, and how to move through this life.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Berkley. There’s no reason behind it. It’s very unique, so of course whenever I meet someone they ask what I’m named after, and the answer is nothing. I’ve asked my parents where Berkley came from and my mom says she thinks she just heard it somewhere and liked it, she asked my dad, he liked it too, and so that was my name. It has no significance, no importance, and no meaning.
ReplyDeleteI used to hate my name. When I was younger I would always be called Brook or Brooklyn, sometimes broccoli, and a couple times sparkly. And it wasn’t people being mean, it was just kids genuinely not knowing how to pronounce it or not being able to remember it. I already knew when I met new people that I would have to correct them multiple times before they got it right, and would always have to spell it out. I wanted to be named something like Lauren or Emma cause that’s what everyone else was named.
Over the years though, I started to love it more and more. Everyone always says that they like how unique it is. It’s different, it’s fun, and makes me stand out.
Lucero Govea- my name twinkles like the stars at night- so small yet so memorable. It has structure, it doesn’t change so no it’s not “ lucy” or any other oversimplified nickname. I shine more with my mom next to me- she’s my sky that I lie across. The name has been passed down and I was the one that was so lucky. Without her I would just be dust in the air. My name is so pronounced. So bold compared to my other peers. I would get looks and frowned brows when I would introduce myself, it dims my light. I’ve became so insecure- is it too difficult to say? Then I remember my world, my mother. She gave it to me for honor. She gave it to me to stand tall and shimmer through the crowd. She gave it to me to wear as a badge to show my pride and culture. Simple doesn’t define me, I’m eccentric so my name fits me like a glove. I told myself to keep my head up high, to never be ashamed of where I came from ever again.
ReplyDeleteI was given the name Alana from my father. The name has no significance, no underlying meaning. Yet everything about me is encased in those five letters. Alana was not my grandmas or aunt's name, it was just the type of name that sounded right. I often wonder how my dad could have known that day in the hospital that Alana suited me, a baby. But I love everything about it. I like when people know my name. I walk past thousands of students everyday having no idea what their name is. Just a face that I will forget, when a name is made aware you can remember things about them, like how they act or perceive you. When peers are made aware of what my name is it is easier for them to learn everything about me. Oh Alana did this, or Alana said that. Making the significance of my name expand every time someone mentions it, new opinions are made. Alana is the first thing people think of when they see me, and I admire that.
ReplyDeleteMy name isn’t overly interesting. It’s pretty basic as it’s just Taylor. A lot of people have the name. Pretty boring name. The meaning behind my name isn’t deep. The Old English origin behind it just translates to “tailor”. A cloth cutter. My name seems pretty boring when you first look into it but there is meaning behind it. My mom used to babysit and she would look after a girl named Taylor. She fell in love with the name and from that point on, she knew she wanted a baby girl named Taylor. The name was a dream she had for me since she was 12. If you look further into the biblical meaning of the name Taylor, it goes further into detail with its meaning being “clothed with salvation” and eternal beauty. I love that meaning because it represents someone with grace and beauty and I feel like that’s how my mom envisioned me when she had me.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Grace. It came from my great great grandmother who’s name was Ethel Grace. My name is use and as a reference to the phrase “Gods Grace.” The meanings include charm, goodness, and generosity. I believe this really fits me because I am always trying to make others happy and alway be the best version of myself. My family tells me I am graceful especially during my gymnastics routines. I hear the name grace being said a lot like in prayers and songs. In Greek mythology the name Grace is tied to Beauty and Joy. All my life I have struggled with confidence and reading about my name makes me feel proud and honored of myself.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Macy, my mom and aunt came up with my name at the hospital from what I’ve heard. I’m not sure what made them decide it but I've consistently through my life had to tell people to spell it like the store “Macy’s.” People I’m close to call me Mace, my dad calls me sunshine and people who know me too well call me booger which is a name my dad decided to start calling me when I was born, which I personally never cared for but have gotten used to. My dad always said I looked like a little booger when I was a baby and that’s where it started, but it carried to my teenage years and friends heard it so here I am being called booger or boog by the people I care about the most, no matter how much I can’t stand it, it’s stuck, and I deal with it. When it comes to my real name I have no complaints, other than my middle names, yes, I have two. My middle names are from both of my grandmothers and my aunt, but I’ve never exactly liked having two. I think my name fits me and I could never see myself as anything else.
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ReplyDeleteMy name is Toni. With an I. That is very important to note;. Write my name Tony and unfortunately you may as well be dead to me. This isn’t because I’m pretentious or a drama queen (although I do love a little drama) but because my whole life I was always told that Toni is a “boy name”. Of course, I am aware now that Toni is a gender neutral spelling, but first-grade-me was not so wise. The hurt of that insecure first grader has now grown into a serious disdain of the spelling Tony, the masculine spelling. Also, that’s my uncle, not me.
Now that I am older, I don’t care if you think my name is masculine. If anything, that just shows you aren’t very progressive when it comes to gender neutral names. The spelling is now important to me because Toni is who I am, it encompasses me and my uniqueness in a way that is quite perfect.
The name Toni is a French name, which now feels like fate given my major is French. It means beyond praise and flourishing, and is often referred to as meaning “priceless one”. Sometimes I wish I could go back and give younger me forehead kiss and explain to her that she is priceless, and her name is just confirmation.
I love my name. It empowers me to walk through life without fear or hesitation, reminding me that I am worthy and priceless, and I am flourishing more and more through every step of my life. It’s just me, and that’s the best explanation I can conjure for why I have so much love for it after all of these years.
After an explanation like this or after meeting me, very few people write my name as Tony, but still, Starbucks baristas will surely continue to be the downfall of my existence.
Toni Clevenger
My name is Wesley, but there is a lot of variety when it comes to what I am called. At home it is strictly Wesley, my mother would not have it any other way mainly due to the fact I was named after my great grandfather who was the last person in that bloodline, but that is not the story everywhere. Working in the service industry has given me multiple names to say the least, Wessel and Russel are my favorite so far.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid my brother reminded me multiple times he wanted my name to be Ricky Bobby or Rocky Balboa because those were so much cooler than "Wesley", as we got older I became "little Coffman" coming from the fact my brother hit multiple growth spurts and looked 5 years older than everyone else as soon as he turned 16.
My full name is Jennifer Serrano Calzada. My family and friends call me Jenni or Jen. My military friends and companions call me Serrano. Those who don't really know me call me by my normal name, Jennifer. I have never really been fond of my first name mainly because I feel that it is too basic, but I definitely prefer to be called Jenni or Jen. The names that carry the most meaning to me would definitely have to be my last names- Serrano Calzada. I have carried those names since August 26th, 2002. I take pride in both of them, no matter how or where I use them. The places that I see them are what I feel is most important to me, especially when it comes to wearing them on my chest in my uniform, seeing it on a diploma, or an award because in a way it feels like I'm not only representing myself, but it also feels like I'm honoring my parents, grandparents, and etc. My two last names are the names that carry the most meaning to me.
ReplyDeleteMy name is René. The origin of my name is actually an unfortunate, complicated, yet funny story. One of which frustrates me from time to time. It came from a woman, that I have never met and will probably never meet. Considering that, it was changed to look more like a Caucasian version of the name. Growing up, I learned that my name meant “reborn”, which was really weird and have yet to understand why it mean, s that. I know that everyone’s name means something, and once we discover what that is, we feel like we were destined to have it. However, I feel like I was meant to have René. Although I might not look like a René, I feel like it. To say my name is to call my entire person, not just me physically, but my personality and anything else I have to bring to the table. The members of my family, at least the majority of them have generic white names, not to sound racist or anything. Knowing that I have a name that originates from a different culture, of which I am classified within (not completely), makes me feel unique to everyone. It makes me feel like my own person, instead of another one of many living in this world.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ellie, short for Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a mouthful. One with too many bubbles on a scantron. Elizabeth is the name of a girl, a saint to be specific. A kind woman who does amazing things. A name I was given by chance on the day I was born. A feast day. Ellie is the name of a girl. A large burst of energy in a small container. Wild hair and scraped knees. I have always been Ellie, but Elizabeth comes and goes.
ReplyDeleteMy middle name is Marie. A name born out of spite and passed down generations. My mom wanted to name one of her daughters Mary. My dad however refused. So, each daughter would all go to share a middle name, a name passed down from their mother, Ida Marie. My last name like my birth name is too long. Filled with culture and history. It holds a certain mystery that my other names do not. Terrazas, Elizabeth (Ellie) Marie Terrazas.
Mir-ay-yuh. My name is Miraya. It is almost always said the wrong way, but that is what makes it unique. It has no significant history, just that my mom wanted me to have a name nobody has. So sweet of her! I have learned to get ready to correct people every time somebody tries to say it. I do get A LOT of compliments on it though which makes me feel a little bit at ease. My full name is Miraya Jasmine Moore, and when I hear Jasmine in any context after the name Miraya, I know it is because I am in trouble. ”Miraya Jasmine” sounds so stiff and prominent.
ReplyDeleteRaya is what I think matches my personality the most, it sounds very gentle and sweet. I tend to be a shy, quiet person before you meet me so I feel like this nickname fits this well. I hear this name from my close friends and family which makes it so special. It is also easier to sound out and say when abbreviated into this form.
When I get on the volleyball court, I am “Ray”, which I tend to love because it is short and simple. Whenever someone screams and calls out this name I feel like I belong to a team because that is the environment this name is used in. The volleyball world does not know me as “Miraya”, they know me as “Ray”.
I love my name, but it will always be a name where nobody has ever heard it before and are shocked when they do. “Jasmine” was supposed to be my name before my dad's best friend pressured my parents to change it to my middle name. Still give him grief about that. This name adds character to me because it is so unique but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
My name is Miraya Moore
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ReplyDeleteMy name is Anna. Anna was not chosen for me by random, or because my parents heard the name and liked the way it sounded, rather, it has significance that runs deep. I was raised in a Christian home with my parents and two siblings. We attended church on Sundays at a Methodist Church since before I was born. As a result of our religious foundation, my parents wanted to name both my sister and I after Biblical historical figures. Anna was a woman in the Bible as well as Elizabeth(my sister’s name). In contrast, my brother’s name is a family name of Austrian origin(Frederick). Anna also means gracious. I used to wish my name was something else. I am not really sure why that is—whether I did not like the way it sounded, or maybe I just preferred something else. However, as the years have progressed, I have learned to love my name. It is part of my identity. I am glad that my parents chose the name because none other would have fit me quite as well.
My name is Haley. One of the most basic names you’ve ever heard, believe me I know. I never have to worry about not being able to find my name on a keychain. Which you would probably think is convenient, but I don’t think it is, because it’s just always there. Never a surprise. Never experiencing the thrill of the search. It’s always there. Haley, Hailey, Hayley, Haylee, Haileigh, every variation you can possibly think of. I can’t even count on both my hands how many times I’ve had a class with multiple people who all share my name. Someone says it and we all turn our heads. Sky is my middle name. I find it pretty. It reminds me of clouds and stars and sunshine and I just adore that. I also like that my best friend and I share it. Her’s is spelled Skie, but it’s pronounced the same. I know so many people that share the name Haley or that share the name Sky, but I’ve never met another Haley Sky.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Megan Elizabeth McEwan Johnson. My mothers best friend growing up had an older sister named Megan. My mom thought Megan was the coolest ever and idolized her. She decided then that if she had a daughter she would name her Megan. Elizabeth, the middle name my mom chose, was popular around the time I was born. McEwan, from my dad, is Scottish like my heritage and my grandfathers middle name as well. I only ever hear them all together from my parents. Most people just call me Megan. My little sisters used to call me “Meggie” but have now grown out of that and I occasionally hear “Meg” from my close friends. I love my name and the stories behind it.
ReplyDeleteAlison is what you’ll see written on my birth certificate. Not Allison, Alyson, or Allyson. It always takes people a couple times to spell my name correctly, or if I meet another individual with the same name, it’s a fun game of “what if she spells it the same”. I wasn’t named after anyone special, and it doesn’t have much meaning besides being originated from the name Alice. After I was born, and a handful of names tossed in the air, my parents randomly decided on Alison. I prefer my name to what I almost could have been referred to, Dorris, a combination of both my grandma’s names: Dorothy and Phylis. For that, I am grateful to have a more modern name. My family, however, created a more appealing nickname, Alicat. Alicat was one of my names that stuck throughout my childhood to the present, and maybe even my favorite name given to me. I don’t recall if it was my uncle or mom who first called me Alicat, but I have smiled at the sound ever since. Not too many people call me that, though, just the select few closest to me. I’ve been called Ali here and there, but it was never a name I would prefer to go by. I’ve always thought my full name suits me best, Alison.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth is my legal name that my parents picked from generations before me. Elizabeth in english, means God is my oath. Friends, family, and even strangers at food pick up stations call me Libby. Friends turn Libby into Libs, Libster, and even Liber. Libby is known as the nickname of Elizabeth and means God’s promise. Elizabeth came from my great-grandmother and my middle name Kate also came from my great-grandmother. I was told she loved her name and never had an issue saying it to others. On the other hand, once learning Libby as a toddler, it just stuck. I get so confused when I hear Elizabeth and realize they are talking to me. My great-mother was a great lady with many talents. She didn’t take crap from anyone and nobody second guessed her.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Figueroa
ReplyDeleteTo the rest of the world I am Brandon. To a select number of friends back home I am Bran. I never thought my name was one to be shortened for a nickname. But I eventually realized that this was an independent alias. One of which was attached to one version of myself while my real name was as known by my family and others. As I write about this for the first time I feel the necessity to distinguish myself between these two identities that manifest into the same reality. Because I am not the same person with close friends as I am with others, just as others treat me differently based not he relationship we’ve created along the way. Even reading those names to myself garner different reactions subconsciously, as if the names carry the weight of the distinct memories that they are attached too.
Abby Ford
ReplyDeleteMy name is quiet
My name is loud
My name is blue
My name is proud
My name changes with each season
And it is hard to know which is which
My brothers were named after exciting people
People with a story to be carried on
I was named after no one
The story of Abby waiting to be wrote
My name is mine
I decide what it means
Each day my meaning changes
As I continue to write my truth
4 syllables, yet people trip over them like an infant learning to walk for the first time. It’s like the sounds of the letters within the name have escaped them, so it’s left me with multiple variations that always cause a giggle from the classroom as I have to quietly correct the speaker. Area, Areya, Ira, Arey. I hate them all. They almost make me resent my name in these moments, desperately wishing these 4 syllables made up a different label to call me.
ReplyDeleteI was meant to be Kanya, a very similar pronunciation to my name now, but with the pushback from my biological father there came the compromise of Arya. The name was then meant for my sister, but my father once again spoke up and decided to name my sister after the month she was prematurely born; August. With that, Kanya became nothing more than a possibility. Another path that would never be explored.
I think about Kanya, if she would be different from Arya; would Kanya be shy and quiet about her name? I could imagine teachers miscalling her, “Kenya? Kayla? Keya?”, but I wonder if she would confidently correct them the second she heard the first wrong syllable instead of having to repeat herself because she spoke too quietly. Would she laugh along with her class and boast about having such an apparently unique name? Would she be like my sister and look at the teacher weirdly for not being able to at least sound out the word?
But Kanya doesn’t exist, Arya does.
I have dreaded any event where attendance is taken due to the constant question: how do you get Betty from Elizabeth? I never knew if I should correct whoever is taking attendance and say I go by Betty, or stick with the simplicity of Elizabeth. Mostly because, I never knew the importance of my name. I constantly hear the “it's a family name” story but I never understood why I, of all people, was given it. My mothers great grandma was named Elizabeth, yet her close family and friends called her Betty. My mom had a connection with her that her mother, and grandmother couldn’t give her. She had that name stored for awhile but her first two children were boys. Yes, it was not planned but I think it was a sign that their last child was a baby girl. I carry this name with pride. And will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteMy government issued name or the name my parents put onto my birth certificate is Kennedi Fishback. I have many different names that the people closest to me call me. For example, my family calls me “Keke”. My friends and people I talk to everyday, take off the end and just call me “Ken”. Finally, my girl friends call me “Kdrizz”. All of the names I have are used based on the setting, but the main one I want to focus on is my government issued last name.
ReplyDeleteEvery year on the first day of school, I dreaded the time the teachers began to take attendance. Whenever the teachers reached my name and called out “Kennedi Fishback”, there were always a few laughs and giggles from around the room. This repetitive action not only made me hate my name, but hate everything about me. My name was ugly which made every part about me ugly. I could not wait for the day to come that I got old enough to change my last name.
I wanted to give myself a common last name like “Smith” or “Williams”, something that people wouldn't laugh at or make jokes about. Something normal.
When I started high school, I met one of my cousins who shared the same last name as me for the first time. He was the star football player and everyone knew him by the name “Dee Fish”. That name that they called him, had power behind it and it was almost an identity in itself. No one made fun of him, everyone including himself embraced the nickname.
Seeing this interaction happen is what made me want to stop hiding who I was and being embarrassed about my name. When I began to embrace my last name, it increased my confidence and helped me discover my true likes and interests. I no longer got embarrassed about everything I did.
I began exploring my love for politics and public speaking through different advocacy groups and won plenty of awards. I began to explore my passion for animals and rescued numerous animals.
People began to know me as the girl who loved arguing about politics, human rights and the correct treatment of animals.
I began to finally find myself after searching for Kennedi Fishback for fifteen years.
My name is Olivia. My parents gave me this name on July 22nd. Approximately 18 years ago. The name is significant to me because it resembles who I am. There are many Olivia’s out there but mine resembles love, compassion and trust. When my parents gave me my name they had also given me a life and purpose. People use the name Olivia all the time to call me or they give me many nicknames. For example, livi, livilou and liv. All of those nicknames resemble my name and who I am today. Every time someone yells my name they are shaping me to be who I am in the future. The name Olivia has been given to thousands across the world but they all come in different shapes or sizes.
ReplyDeleteLilian Lay
ReplyDeleteFor the first six days of life I was nameless, I was referred to as Baby X. Due to my life starting off with me being born without oxygen to my brain and my parents being told your first child will probably not make it through the week. My parents did not want to grant me a name and connect emotion to me until they knew I was going to be a permit in their life, not a probably. But on the seventh day I was given the name Lilian. Which means my parents were able to finally visit me constantly in the hospital and consider me a permit in their everyday lives.
I have now carried the name Lilian with me for the past nineteen years. But it never fails every time I introduce myself the majority of the responses I receive is… oh do you by Lily? And my answer will forever be no. Because that is not the name I carry with pride and was given by my emotional parents that stayed in the hospital for an entire week praying that they would finally get the opportunity to name me. The name I go by is Lilian. The name I will always go by is Lilian.
My name is Leila. No one else in my family carries this name, it is mine alone. The name Leila was given to me as gift that I have to hold onto for the remainder of my life. Even at my death, my name will remain as the only part of me on Earth. Leila is my identity. The name Leila originates in regions within the Middle East. I have no tie here, but I like that my name has a history. Leila means "night." I have always thought this was interesting because I am a night owl. I've been nicknamed Lala by some of my peers, but my family will sometimes call me Lolli. Then, my dad has always called me Coco. I've met a few others named Leila in my life, but it's often spelled with an "ay" instead of an "ei." I think people get confused when they see the "ei," so I'm often called Lee-luh or Ly-luh. There's also a famous Eric Clapton song called "Layla" and I get asked all of the time if I was named after this song. I wasn't. Despite the endless questions and the mispronunciations, I am extremely thankful for my name.
ReplyDeleteNehreen Afsa:
ReplyDeleteNehreen Afsa, Afsa Nehreen
Afsa was chosen by my fathers mother, Nehreen was chosen by my mother father
One means eloquence, one means two rivers
So does that mean I am two rivers of eloquence, or the eloquence of two rivers
I was born in an Urdu speaking country, but Afsa is Persian and Nehreen is Arabic.
Funny thing is Afsa is improper in Arabic, Nehreen is non-existent in Persian.
To my family my name is beautiful to my friends my name is Reena.
To my classmates my name is sorry what was it again, to my teachers correct me if I mispronounced it.
From the age of 0 to 3 my name was Afsa, from 3 to now it is Nehreen
From the age of 0 to 3 my home was India from 3 to now my home is America
Colin Walsh:
ReplyDeleteI’m not aware of any deep meaning that my name has. As far as I know the best reason for my name is tradition but that tradition was broken with my grandpa's name. Mine and my dad's names were passed down generation after generation. My dad's grandpa had my name (Colin), his dad had my dad's name (Chris) and his dad had my name again and so on and so forth. My mom had different reasoning for my name, from what I can remember is that she liked the actor Colin Farrell. So she was happy to go with the name Colin for me. When it comes to the spelling of my name, One L seems to be a lot less common than two but that's how my great grandpa spelled it and that's how Colin Farrell spells it, So thats the way my parents wanted to spell it. I don’t mind the name Colin, I know a lot of people don’t love their names but I never had a problem with my name. Although the name doesn’t have a ton of significance to me asides from a tradition that was broken with my grandpa, I still enjoy my name and it definitely plays a part in who I am today.
My name is Olivia Keeling Walton. Three words that have determined my identity for all my days on the earth. Three words that tie me to my family, my ancestry, and my own sense of self.
ReplyDeleteOlivia translates directly to “olive tree.” Historically, olive trees and olive branches represent “peace.” Pursuing peace is a big part of my purpose in life. I want to inspire others to promote peace with my work. I want to be a proponent of peace myself, a peacemaker, if you will.
Keeling is my mother’s maiden name. I don’t know the actual meaning or the origin of the word, but I don’t mind. Keeling to me is the smell of my grandmother’s pumpkin bread. Keeling is the feeling of wet grass after a summer storm at my family’s farm, thunderheads in the distance as june bugs fly next to my ears.
Walton is my father’s name. It is the name my mother took when she married, and it is the name I hope to keep after I marry. When I introduce myself to people born before 1980, I often get asked if I have seen the show The Waltons. I have never seen the show, but I think it is ironic that the mother is named Olivia Walton and I am often the “mom” of my friend groups.
My name is Sarah Parker. Typically assumed that I have the middle name of Jessica. Sorry to disappoint anyone who is old enough to understand the significance of that name, but my middle name is not Jessica. It’s just Elizabeth. Even though my uncle was willing to give up his first born in the attempt to convince my mother to name me Sarah Jessica Parker.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my father was stuck on Elizabeth for my middle name. My father had a late aunt named Sarah Elizabeth Parker, she was a sister to Leroy, Arnold, Owen, Ruby, and Helen. Warming up by her fireplace one night, the gown she was in for bed caught fire, and she was unable to extinguish the fire due to her young age. I was never sure why exactly my dad chose this subject to name me after, given that she has a pretty traumatic story to follow. He always tells me that he just liked the name and that it had nothing to do with her, but I don't buy it.
The only nickname I was ever given was in middle school. In 7th grade I made a new friend who was also named Sarah. As you can assume, this got confusing to our other friends. The combination of my first and last name was given to me in order to distinguish us apart from one another. Therefore, I became Sparker for only about two years. Apart from those two years I have always just been Sarah.
My name is Aidan, I don’t know much about the reason my parents named me that, but I do know that at first my dad wanted my name to be Jefferson. Jefferson is an important name in our family because it was the name of my great grandfather on my dad's side. That ended up being my middle name, my mom liked the name Aidan so that’s how I ended up with the name
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ella Murray. I go by Ella, El, Eddy, Big El, Elle Belle, Shug, you name it! The most important nickname to me is Shug. It isn't the most common name for me, but I think the rareness of it makes it so special. I am called this by my mom and dad. My mom uses it when she feels bad for me if I am having a bad day or seem down. I heard this a lot during all of my past volleyball seasons and such when we would lose a big game or if i just simply didn't feel like I played my best. My dad uses it when I do something funny or say something that I probably should not have said. I am known for not really thinking before I speak, so sometimes I say some things that are a little questionable, but I always manage to make someone laugh with it. I wouldn't trade any of my nicknames for the world!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Eden. Most of the time when my name is called people ponder on it and ask me “were you named after the Garden of Eden from the Bible?” I love hearing this question because it is true, I am in fact named after the Garden of Eden. I work at a restaurant near a small town named Mount Eden. Almost every single customer that I wait on says to me “well isn’t that so Eden, you must be from Mount Eden!” This in fact is not true but it always manages to keep my customers chuckling as they think it’s hilarious that the small town of Mount Eden and their server both have the same name.
ReplyDeleteThe name Eden is something that I feel is very special and true to me. Being rooted with the Garden of Eden and having that carried within my name every single day holds value to me. I love caring for others and helping those around me and I know that the characters in the Bible were caring and helpful too. This roots a passion within me every single day as I want to continue to make a difference in peoples lives with the simple act of KINDNESS.
Aside from this, my name Eden reminds me of home and all of the things that I love so dearly. When I hear my name I am reminded of the fact that both of my siblings were named with the same initial “E” at the beginning of their name. This brings me peace and comfort because I love my siblings so very much and it brings me so much happiness to be reminded of how much they truly mean to me. My name is Eden and without it I would be a blank canvas lost without a purpose in this world. My name makes me who I am and I am thankful to be unique just as we were all made to be in this world.
My name is Carson Horn. A name given to me by my mother which appears on my birth certificate. Although a name is a legal title given to you it means so much more. The name itself represents everything that I am. It reveals my life and tells others who I am and reminds me of who I want to become. This name was given to me but over time I have made it my own. It is uniquely mine and allows me to create the person I want to be. My name expresses the best characteristics about me but reveals the many imperfections that I possess. The people I am close to know that I am a fun, loving guy who is always excited to help others. When they hear my name they think of all the great attributes that come along with it. The name itself did not give me these attributes. Rather I gave my name all the qualities that are associated with it. I have made it my own.
ReplyDeleteMy name is David. 5 simple letters, nothing more. I have lived and lost and learned and won a little on my way here. I come from a town of many names and no name all at the same time. Although born in North Carolina, I cant remember a thing about it. I cant remember being born or enjoying my first year of life. So there I was, in my own little world. No issues or mistrust or petty little girls. I lived my life with no worry at all but in time it would catch up to me and try to make me fall. 2 scratch off tickets is all I was given. I just turned 12 and my mom said “happy birthday, this is all I got.” That's when I knew my childhood was over and life had begun. But that didn't tell me who I was, just where I was. In my life, we ran. From the lawlessness and the name calling. I was called Nigger and Uncle Tom and grew up 20 minutes from the KKK. It was hard. But little old me didn’t know what was going on. Everyone around me looked like the strangers on the streets and i was the “oreo” or “token” in the family- as I still am. I may not look like my family, but that’s what they are. They call me what they want because I can handle it after 23 years and they live their days knowing they'll never get stereotyped and called out of their name by someone random on the streets.
ReplyDeleteMy legal name is Caroline Joy McBrierty. My parents gave me the nickname Callie, which is what most people know me by. There was no special reason for it, they simply just loved the name. I do too because it is short and sweet and I do not think it is very formal, just like me. When I tell people the name on my birth certificate a look of confusion typically crosses their faces. They ask me “How is Callie short for Caroline?” to which I shrug and say “I have no idea.” When I meet new people and I tell them my name they will sometimes say “Oh like California!”. Growing up, I have always had many nicknames given by the people in my life. My oldest friends call my “CJ” short for “Caroline Joy”. My best friend called me “Cee”. My nickname at my job is Calzone because no one could think of anything better. I have even been called a fraud by another girl named Callie for having the legal name Caroline. My closest friends call me “Cal” or “Cals” which is probably my favorite nickname.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Logan Elizabeth Bauer. My whole life I have been called Log. Everyone in my family has different nicknames for me. My sister is actually the one who picked my name officially. My parents gave her a choice between Kiera and Logan. Luckily I like Logan better. Not many girls are named Logan, which I like solely because having the same name has a girl is never the problem. If I was either a boy or girl, my parents still said they were going to name me Logan. I am not sure why they let a 2 year old decide my name at the time, but I am not mad about it. There is so much more to a person than their given name. Most of the time names are just used for people to picture the person being described. Now my middle name came from my great grandmother. Her first name was Elizabeth. Which she was named after a church at the time.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jasmine; plain, simple, and straight to the point. I have always been told that aside from my name being a scent, flower, and princess that I was named after the young girl from house of Payne (My dads contribution to the reason my name happens to be Jasmine). A lot of people call me Jas. I have never been disappointed in my parents name choice but I have questioned, but who hasn't. I can say however that as you grow up your name tends to wear on you and I happen to love my name...it is not a name that everyone has but in a way it is not unique and as I have grown I appreciate my name because for myself I have the opportunity to make it unique to myself and others around me.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte. Nine letters, it was always too long for me. Before an English princess shared my name, you could never find it on keychains, bracelets or the nicknacks I would so treasure from vacations. People from my elementary school still use nine letters every now and again, and I respond as if I was still a child. Charlotte, with nine letters, was always treated as a child. The first born girl was covered in glitter and pink. The nine letters, in cursive writing, hung on a purple wall of my bedroom. A name my mother chose, and loved with all her heart. A name that will forever remind me of my childhood.
ReplyDeleteCharlie. Seven letters. Seven letters ran around with the boys playing flag football in middle school. Without the weight of nine letters on her, Charlie ditched her glitter for dirt on a softball diamond.
Charlotte pesek
My name is Anthony, but in reality I have two names. I have a Vietnamese name also which is Dat, named after my uncle who played in the NFL. Dat means to be strong and accomplished. I grew up to love football, played ever since I could wear a helmet. I’ve accomplished a feat not many are able to say, I won state last year in football and played in Kroger Field. I love my name, I love the thought of having two names. Everyday I am proud to wear my name.
ReplyDeleteCassandra Elisabeth Edgar. I’ve never really liked my full name, so I just tell people to call me Cass or Cassie. My parents gave me probably one of the most basic middle names ever, except they switched up one letter to make it unique. However, it is still pronounced the same. My last name is the easiest part of my name for most, but sometimes it’ll be Edger.
ReplyDeleteWherever I go, no one seems to get my name right. At Starbucks when they call out my order, it’s always Casey, Cassidy, Cathy, etc. At a horse show, it was once Casey Edger. My name can’t be that difficult. It’s basic syllables and sounds. Not complicated.
Gabriel Roman. Through out my life I have gone through many names, but as I have grown up more and more I can never truly decide who I truly am or who I want to be. Through most of my life I have gone by Alex which is short for my middle name Alexandru. I had always felt at home with this name and had always found comfort in it as it was all I ever knew. As I got older I started to think more freely for myself and to decide who I truly wanted to be. During this time I had always wondered what it would have been like to be called by my first name, so I stopped correcting everyone. As time had gone on and more and more people calling me by my first name, Gabriel, I feel at points I have lost who I am or that I live two different lives in the same body. When I go home to see parents and family or too see my friends back home I feel like my younger self again, I feel like Alex. But when I go back out into the world I feel like a completely different person who is more mature and lives in a completely different world, I feel like Gabriel.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Taylor, I was given the name Taylor at birth, many people call me Taylor, its a very easy name, however some people say it differently, the -“er” and or -“or” way, I’m okay with either one. The name comes from the French word “tailor” which is pretty interesting. I’ve also heard that it also could mean eternal beauty which is also nice. When some people say my name, it sounds weird coming from them, when other people say it, it can come off authoritative and it can also come off as they are trying to get my attention.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Avery Gulgren. I like my name. As I got older I felt there was no other name for me. I have very few nicknames but I’m okay with that. My family calls me Yay. They’ve been calling me that for about 15 years. My younger brother came up with that. When he was younger he wasn’t able to pronounce Avery and Yay was easier for him to remember. The nickname is special to me. It’s innocent and pure and I like that. My extended family calls me Aves. They never call me Avery. I don’t love it as much but it’s a name that’s only reserved for loved ones. And I’m okay with that. I wouldn’t want to change my name. This one has been through so much. People saying my name when their sad, happy, angry. It always has so much emotion behind it and I would never want to change that.
ReplyDeleteHaley was given but I was not allowed to accept. It could have been hailey, or haleigh, or Hayley, but Y’s and Is and eighs are not my mothers thing. My father had missed my birth but I am still his little girl.
ReplyDeleteThe other boys yelled hey as I ran far away. While my friends called hay to get my attention. Hopscotch, soccer, ghost in the grave yard, falling of my bike , scraping my knee in the rose bush, hitting my head on the door, are you okay heyhay?
Marie was Mary the women I never met. My grandma, my mothers birth giver, my stranger. Every chore I have to do, begins with “Haley Marie.” I have no connection to the name, but everyone somehow knows a Marie.
My name now stands alone separate from the rest. It is an introduction, a way to recognize my face. It is how I meet new people, make new friends, and start new chapters. Hi my name is Haley.
The moment my parents found out they were having a girl, their first conversation was who got to choose my name. My dad wanted to give me the name Alex regardless of gender, but once my mom was told I would not be a boy, she quickly declined that request. On the day I was born, they still hadn’t come to their decision. After arguing over the different names that I would claim for the rest of my life, they came to the compromise, Alexandria. This name worked well for the both of them because Alex was included in the name, but my mom got her way because it wasn’t Alex. From the minute that I was brought home my three older sisters didn’t hesitate to call me by my now nickname Lexie. Since birth, the name stuck and everyone called me by my nickname.
ReplyDeleteEarlier in my life, I disliked the burden of new school years because my teachers would pronounce my name wrong, or they would find confusion in calling me by my nickname. I could not stand when people would spell Lexie without the “E” or when they would forget the “I” in Alexandria. I have now come to love my name. I love the way that it sounds when people call me by my full name, or the happiness I feel when someone is comfortable enough to call me Lex. I’ve come to appreciate my name for both its meaning and background.
My name is Emma Catherine Caudill. Honestly, I wish I had a different first name. Emma is so common, Ive had many friends growing up with the same name as me. My mom got my name from the popular TV show called "Friends". I wish I had a more unique first name. My middle name comes from my grandmothers middle name, Catherine. People are surprised to find out it starts with a C and not a K because that is very common as well. Some of my close friends and family will call me "Em". I like nicknames in general and I'm glad I have one. My parents didn't argue over my name, my dad got to pick my older sisters name so he didn't really care if my mom chose or not. If I was a boy I was going to be named "Sam". I think its safe to say my parents are original when it comes to name picking.
ReplyDeleteMy name comes from the word Channah in Hebrew meaning grace and favor. In the Bible, Hannah is unable to conceive a child so the Lord blesses her with Samuel. I feel connected to my name. I feel like I am meant to bless and encourage people. My parents wanted me to have a biblical meaning coordinated with my name. I am the only person in my whole family ever named Hannah. I hope to extend the name onto my children. Hannah,the name that rhymes with banana. Do I like being called Hannah Banana? Absolutely not. Yet it feels comforting knowing that I go by so many nicknames to keep my originally name personal to me.
ReplyDelete