In Others’ Words: Words and Names

There were a lot of names being tossed around my house last weekend.

Not bad names — baby names. My daughter and son-in-love just found out they’re having a second daughter and, of course, it’s time to start the process of “What do think of ______”?

All sorts of names were offered and some suggestions were even added to their list of possibilities. It was fun, especially when someone found a peculiar name or an indecipherable name — think minimal vowels and an overabundance of consonants.

Being a novelist, I’m more attuned to names than most people. I’m naming the imaginary people populating my books — and then I have to remember those people’s names just as if I were going to send them a birthday card or a Christmas letter every year.

Names are powerful — given names that are often pondered over by our parents before we are born, as well as nicknames and endearments. I’ve loved some of my nicknames — and hated others. And yet, I considered nicknames important and made certain each of my kiddos had one — a special way of saying “I love you” that was all their own.

Yes, words have power — and names can be the most powerful use of words, for better or for worse.

In Your Words: What’s the meaning of your name? If you could change your name, what would you change it to? What do you think of nicknames?

The Power of a Name #lifequotes
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What Did You Call Me? The Power of Names #lifequotes
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