Name, Nombre, Nom

I'm surrounded by names. Most people have 3 names. First, Middle, Last. Then, most of us have a nickname (or quite possibly a few). We all keep running lists of potential names for children, cars/electronics (in my case), fish, or dogs.

My names: Beverly, Anne, Richardson, Ms. Richardson, Ms. Rich, Ms. Richards (I know how smart my kids are by how many syllables they get to), Anne with an e, Anni, BAR, BRA, Nishee, Anishka, Bev, Jolly Green Giants (got that one on the 5th grade kickball field), and Big Bev.

So, if every person on average has 5 names, then how many names is that? Billions x Millions (I wasn't a math major).

I know I want to name a child of mine, boy or girl, Journey (you may borrow it, unless your name is Worth).

Unfortunately, my 'not-to-name-a-child-list' has many more names. That annoying kid that nailed you with a baseball. The student who peed their pants 3x a week. The teacher who gave you a F when you really deserved an A. The girl who wore your dress to prom, as well. The boyfriend who cheated on you. The parent who thinks he/she knows it all. The Grandma whose names is Gertrude. The singer who's in rehab. The doctor who 'gave' you the sickness. The child you babysat who puked all over you while giggling.

Moral of the Story: Beverly means "beaver field of meadow." Anne means "God's Grace." No wonder I go by my middle name. (Good Job Momma and Daddy! I could have been the brunt of many jokes.)I guess what only matters is the person behind the name. The name doesn't define you but the person within does.

PS~Interesting info. My name seems to have nose-dived in popularity and I like it.