Shakespeare once asked, “What’s in a name? A rose by any
other name would still smell as sweet.” While that is an accurate statement, it
sends an incorrect idea. Names are very important. We have to hear and speak
our name daily, and we want it to make a good impression, not a bad one. When a friend is expecting a baby, we always
ask, “Have you picked a name yet?” Parents spend a lot of time deciding on just
the right name, weighing all options and variables. One of my friends and her
husband didn’t decide 100% on their daughter’s name until she was born, to make
sure the name fit the baby. I understand that completely! Choosing a name is a
big deal. You want it to fit, be unique enough, sound good with your last name,
etc. Most people also consider the meaning of a name and weigh that in with the
other factors. In the Bible, meaning was
very important. Many times we read “so and so had a son, and named him such and
such, because ……….” Often that name meant something relative to the child,
parents, or circumstances. That child’s
name then gives us insight into their life, or allows us to view their life
with perspective.
I have done a lot of research on
names lately, as I prepared to legally combine the first and middle names given
to me at birth. I have been called by both names together most of my life, and
love the unique name they create, and I was ready to make it legal. After
checking with my parents to make sure it was ok with them, I began to think
about middle names. I decided I did want a middle name, and I wanted a good
one. I took suggestions and looked up names and meanings on the internet. One friend suggested making a list of words
or phrases that described me (that I liked), and look up names that meant those
things. It was such an interesting process! If you know me at all, you can
imagine my lists and charts as I considered all the possibilities. I narrowed
down the options, got input from family and friends, and finally decided on
one: Irene. It was my grandmother’s name, and it means “peace”. Now I don’t know if I am super peaceful, but
I strive to be. And I love the connection to my grandmother, who passed away
about 18 months ago.
I went downtown last week and
filled out all the paperwork, and made it official. I love my new name! It makes
me smile every time I write it. I hope I can be all it inspires: a peaceful,
house of God, and a reminder of His graciousness. I wonder if God would introduce me and say, “she
was called Jennabeth Irene because…” I
hope so. On a side note, I also wonder if He changed the spelling in the Book
of Life, or if it was already in there. Hmm….J As
long as some version of my name is in there, I’m good. J
