The Name Game

What's in a name? Since the beginning of time, we as a human race have assigned names to people, to places, to things, to actions, and to concepts. These names have become identities, social constructs,  forever recorded in history. Think of the great thinkers, the great artists, the great authors of our past and the weight that is now associated with those names. A name is not just a name.

So, it is with this in mind, that we began naming our daughter. Talk about pressure. The name we assign our daughter will be part of her identity for the rest of her life. This name should suit an adorable five year old, a blossoming preteen, a confident teenager, and a driven young adult. It should look nice whether it is written in crayon or printed at the head of a resume. It should sound assertive when introduced with a firm handshake, but feminine when shared with a potential mate. It should be classic, honor her familial heritage, and also forge a new path.

We thought long and hard, making list after list of potential names, writing them out on paper, admiring the monograms, researching the language origins and meanings. We thought of names that are important to us, names that evoke a certain feeling. Finally, after many months, we have chosen a name for our daughter. And as we talk to my growing belly and address her daily by name, we know it suits her. In just a few months, we will welcome Catherine Elizabeth into this world where she will begin her life's journey and define her name as her own.

24 weeks (12-6-10)