What is the power of your name?
I know that some names are very powerful indeed. Think of Genghis, Benedict, Kermit, Hilary, Gilda, Wilma. Each name brings a notion of the person colored by history or experience. You might picture someone ruthless, traitorous, pious, green, traveling, making jokes, tempting men or keeping house B.C. It all depends on who the name leads your mind to.
People often think I was named for the French orphan in the Ludwig Bemelmans‘s children’s books. My mother tells me I am actually named for a Swedish opera singer she admired when she was young. I’m not an orphan and although I like to sing, no one could confuse me with a professional.
No matter how you got your name, most folks have a story to go with it. Expectant parents in our culture try very hard to find the “perfect”, “just right” name for their soon to be child. Whole books are devoted to the topic.
What is your story?
Some people don’t like their given name, or feel it doesn’t suit them. This can pose a problem since our primary identifier is our name. We hear it, write it, see it all the time. History and experience can color our ideas of suitability.
If your name were different, what kind of person would you be?
If you could choose your own name, what would you choose?
What is the power of your name?
Related articles
- Bemelmans on The New Yorker (michellechaplin.com)
- “The smallest one was Madeline” (thenotsoproperprincess.com)
madalund 
Love this post, here you go….If my name were different, I suspect I will still be me. I am Fran or Frannie, named for a favored and most favorite grandmother. I have often had my name misunderstood as Friend, as I have a slight accent. I come across as a major friend in many ways. If I could choose my own name, it would be something lightweight, like Skippy or silly thing like that. Something that makes folks smile. Also considered Breeze and Sunny. The joy of my name is that it sounds solid, and I am. Looking forward to hearing more!
Fran
i know you are busy these days and don’t get to your blog, but i do want you to know that you inspire me. I am giving you an award http://believeanyway.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/very-inspiring-blogger/. the link will be published on 9/2
Thank you both for generous word and happy thoughts! True, I have been for a time consumed with a new job and responsibilities. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel and will be able to get back to regular blogging sometime in September. Thanks for “hanging in there” with me!