subject: Whats In A Name? [print this page] People whose world-view is shaped by US or Western cultures are often mystified by the common practice among Muslim people or other non-western cultures of changing their names to reflect significant changes or commitments in their lives. Here in western culture, ones name may be symbolic of family, regional, or national identity.
For example, my best friend in high school was named exactly the same as his father and grandfather, except that he was Xxx Yyy Zzz the third (obviously not the actual name). His father was Junior, and Grand father (upon the naming of Junior) became the first. From conception, it was already assumed that he, the third (if male) would bear that name. Is his son the fourth? Unfortunately, Ive lost track of him, so I cant answer that.
Name Change
Very rarely are babies named with an eye to the meaning of the name. Once a name is assigned, it is difficult to change it (except through marriage) and in fact, most of us dont even consider doing so. It is increasingly common for women to refuse to change their surname, even when they marry.
We (US & many related cultures) name a baby within hours of birth, although at that time we may have no real idea of what his or her personality will be. At best, we can only speculate about likes and dislikes, attitude, physical attributes, etc. In many cases, babies may be named for a favorite public figure, or even for the stage name of a popular entertainer.
Don't Waste a Name
In contrast, infant mortality is much more common in the little nation of Haiti, and it is common there for a baby to be called by a temporary name for a year or more, until it seems clear that the child is likely to survive. By that time, the family has a clear insight into the nature and personality of the child, so
presumably, the name selected may be more relevant. If you can persuade a Haitian to explain the reason for this practice, hes likely to say something to the effect, One shouldnt waste a perfectly good family name on a child who may not survive!
Name Changes in the Bible
People of the cultures represented in the Bible had a great interest in the symbolism of names, and also a much more flexible attitude toward the permanency of them. When significant events occurred in a persons life, it was not uncommon for them to change their name. As an example, Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah; Naomi, returning to her homeland as a widow whose husband and sons were all dead, told her friends, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara. (Naomi means Beautiful, Pleasant, or Delightful, Mara means Bitter or Bitterness).
Give Your Name to Jesus
There are some cultures today in which the process continues. Converts to Christianity are often disowned by their families, or even martyred for their new faith. In some places, it is common for pagan converts to Christianity to immediately change their name, selecting a name which is symbolic of their new faith. In the terminology of the Hmong people of southeast Asia, the process of being born again is often referred to as giving your name to Jesus.
What does your name mean? Is it reflective of what you really care about, of who you really are? If you were to select a new name, specifically to reveal what matters most to you, what name would you choose? And, this is the most important question of all, Have you given your name to Jesus? If you haven't, pray, seek his direction, and turn your name over to him today.
