What's In A Name?

What’s yours but other people use it more than you do? Yep, it’s your name. There are numerous studies indicating that your name can affect your personality, how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself. Taking the time to consider how these things may affect your little penguin is important when naming your newborn.

I remember hearing a tale of two twin sisters whose father was a Texas businessman who resented not having sons to carry his legacy. He ended up naming his twin girls Ura and Ima. Cute, right? Not exactly if your last name is Hogg. Well, at least for Ura… wait, no for Ima. Hmm. I guess it would depend on who is saying the name, but I would imagine that Ima may experience a lower level of self-esteem than Ura. This scenario is a bit different since it involves a first and last name, but it helps put into perspective how people may view you and how you view yourself based on what you’re called.

Let’s consider the name: Myeisha and how it could have an affect on the personality. On the surface, Myeisha is super normal, right, especially for a young African American girl growing up in the 90’s. However, subconsciously having your name fronted with the term “My” could put you in a position where you feel you belong to or have some sort of obligation to someone else.

I think back and I remember being very social as a child in elementary school. I was outgoing and well-liked by my classmates and teachers. Overall, I was friends with and could get along with just about anyone. My friends came in all colors, shapes, sizes, and personality types. I can recall like it was yesterday being at a school dance in the fourth grade. It was a Friday, and I was having a sleep over for the weekend. My mom arrived to pick me and my friends up right in the middle my leading a human dance train around the cafeteria to the song “Com’n N Ride It” by Quad City DJ’s. I was most definitely an extrovert.

The years went by, and I slowly became more introspective. I wonder, maybe I began to recluse after being drained of feeling the need to be associated with everyone. My introverted nature took over as a way of protecting my peace. Today, I consider myself a loner, enjoying the occasional outgoing with a friend. But even as an adult, I still felt obliged to give myself in one way or another. It took years of isolation and deep self-reflection to get to know the real Me.

My thoughts on the affects the name Myeisha could have on the psyche are purely theoretical and based on my life experiences. Now I want to hear from you, what’s your name? What's your baby penguins name? How has your name affected you and how you’re viewed by others? How do you think your child's name would affect the trajectory of their life? I would love to know!