The Meaning of Your Name

The Meaning of Your Name

As long as there has been language, there have been names. Naming is the first task of speech through which we differentiate one person from all others. Every society has a naming system that assigns a sound or series of sounds that identify a child/person belonging to a particular society. Our names identify us both as individuals and as members of a group. 

Every name has an origin and a meaning, and someone chose yours for a reason. Maybe they liked how it sounded, or it was a popular name at the time you were born. Perhaps you were named after someone important. Have you ever thought about what your name means, or where it came from? Do you know who gave you your name, or whose name it might have been before it was given to you? How does your name represent who you are today? Is there a story behind the choice of your name?

Watch the following videos: The Hidden Meaning of Your Name:

Instructions

Write a reflective essay composed of a minimum of 250 words (12-point font, double spaced) explaining the meaning of your full name.

Here is a short example: “My Name” by Sandra Cisneros. In English my name means hope. In Spanish, it means too many letters. It means sadness; it means waiting. It was my great-grandmother's name, and now it is mine. She was a horsewoman too, born like me in the Chinese year of the horse which is supposed to be bad luck if you are born female, but I think this is a Chinese myth because the Chinese, like the Mexicans, don't like their women strong. I am a strong woman who loves her culture. [90 words]

Your essay should contain a history of why you were given your first, middle, and what is the origin of your surname. If you do know or cannot find the meaning -- you can make it up based on your interpretation of your history and what you stand for or live for. 

Screen the video: What about Your Name?

In researching the meaning of your name, there are several pieces of information you will uncover or consider. This may require any or all of the following:

• Conduct a personal interview with your parents/guardians; why you were given the name you have? Is there a story behind the choice of your name?
• Research books and the internet, or some other source to identify characteristics for the meanings of your names. The following links may help with your research for the assignment:

• • http://nameberry.com/ Links to an external site.
  • http://www.babynamespedia.com/ Links to an external site.
  • http://www.behindthename.com/ Links to an external site.
• If your name is unusual, mythical, ethnically based, or urbanized there are websites that may provide helpful information.

Screen the video: What is in a Name? 

Before you begin writing your essay, review the attached rubric. Submit your reflective essay in a word document via Canvas by the due date/time.