What's in a Name? Exploring the Wild World of Names

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Shakespeare said that, but would that popular red flower have come to be such an enduring symbol of love if it were called “Nasturtium”? Maybe. Maybe not.

Let’s talk about names and the way they influence our lives.

Have you ever thought much about your name?

Why were you given your name? Who named you? How do you feel about it? Were you always called by that name? What names have you used in the past? How has being named what you are influenced your life’s journey?

Do you have a middle name? Have you ever used it? Did you grow up in a culture where everyone knew everyone’s middle name? Is that name mostly ignored? Is there a story behind it?

Do you use different names in different situations? Do you have a professional name? A name your spouse calls you? A name your family calls you? A name your friends called you growing up?

Were nicknames common in your community?

Have you noticed how the popularity of names waxes and wanes over different generations? Remember when there were lots of Lisas and Loris and then lots of Sarahs?

Do you have a common name or is yours a rarity? How do people confuse your name? Are you often called by the wrong name? Is it hard to pronounce? Easy to forget?

Does your name reflect your culture in any way? Are there hints of your ancestors that come through in any parts of your name? Did your last name change on the journey to your present home country?

The Bible is full of personalities whose names are changed. In some religious traditions, name changing is a part of the culture. Think of the Pope. Do you have a confirmation name that is different from your given name? Is there a story behind that?

What causes people to change their name? Is it their idea or a promoter’s or a relative’s? Would Archie Leach have had as successful a career as Cary Grant? It isn’t just actors and singers who have changed their names. Authors for centuries have used pen names for various reasons, sometimes multiple non de plumes. You may be surprised to find how many politicians are using names other than those they were born with.

Bill McKenny will guide our discussion using examples from his own name and those of the famous and infamous throughout history. You’ll be invited to share your own stories about names, personal, familial, rumor, fact or any other amusing or interesting name stories.

Once you start noticing, there are name stories everywhere.

This should be a fun look at an interesting topic, and if you are in the Witness Protection Program you can sit back and enjoy or make up your own back story and we won’t tell.