What's In A Name

What is the meaning of your name? Have you ever researched it? There are numerous sites that you can visit to learn about the history, characteristics and statistics by state. After researching the meaning of Kim, I learned that over 200,000 babies have been given that name since 1880 and that it's derived from England. However, this is not what this article is about. 

Every characteristic about my name is accurate. 100% accurate. I am sociable, helpful and want to please. I am also strong-willed and a leader. Interesting - how can that be?  So my co-workers looked up the meaning of their names and they found them to be accurate too. What? Now I am perplexed.  Our name is given to us at birth without any indication of who are going to be so how can that happen? 

Our personality is important to who we are, but how exactly do personalities form? Are we born with these traits or do they develop over time? When researching this, I found that there are many theories behind the development of ones personality, but all agree that personality characteristics are developed over time based on genetics, parenting, environment and social variables. 

But can your name shape some of your personality? It makes sense because your name is a personal identifier of who you are. For example, there is one men's name that means trouble to me. Every time I meet someone with this name, I know he's going to be a knucklehead and without a doubt it's true. Do you do the same thing? I know it's not far but I can't help myself! 

You Are Your First Name, by Ellin Dodge, delves into this exact question. She claims that letters have unique meanings and when put together, they provide insight into a name. Apparently this theory dates back to biblical times and has been used for centuries to help determine ones characteristics. Keeping that in mind, can your name help define your personality traits? 

What do you think? I am not sure. My practical side tends to lean towards our individuality develops over time but there has to be something predisposed within our name. Before you decide, take the time to learn about your name. What will you find? You just might be as blown-away as I was.  

   

Kim Harris

I am the Fund Development Manager for Pathway Caring for Children. We provide foster care, adoption services, post-adoption support and clinical services for Cuyahoga County. My responsibility is to educate the community and to drive growth.

Read More on Opinion
Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 10:34 AM, 02.01.2019