What is in a Name?

(Originally Drafted Fall of 2013)

I love unique names. Not necessarily my unique name, but I like that names can hold meaning. Whenever I hear a name that I like, whether it’s because it holds sentimental meaning or translates to a beautiful concept, I take special note of the name. I log it into the deep recesses of my brain where it may manifest itself again as the name of a beloved pet.

In regards to names Shakespeare’s star crossed lover Juliet says that “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Though I hesitate to contradict such an infamous sentiment, I don’t think is quite true. I tend to believe names are more than a symbolic representation of the self.

Take Vivian for example. She is an international student from Malaysia who is a part of our TV production class. Vivian is quiet and sweet and is always apologizing about her poor English. Over the course of the semester we started calling her “Viv” and then eventually “the Viv.” One planning class, the names of all the students were being written on the white board so they’d know what to do for the next class. When Vivian’s name was written on the board in it’s entirety she asked us to change it to Viv. She confessed that it was her first nickname ever, and she really liked it. I guess when you’re half a world away from home a bunch of people calling you Viv can make you feel loved.

Wishing you Grace and Peace,

-Kena