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[jackofallgeeks]

So, right -- somewhere down the line, talking about sex and love, Mel asked me what this whole 'Steve' thing was about. Yeah, it was an interesting train of ideas. But anyways, since the topic of names came up, and I actually feel very strongly (some would say TOO strongly) about the subject, AND since I was interested in getting other people's opinions on the whole thing -- I decided to post it all here.


I suppose I should start by explaining the whole 'Steve' thing once and for all. If I can remember it all.  ^_^;;
I actually think it's quite a recent development, though most of you haven't known me excfept since. It's odd how 4 years can at once be 'recent' and 'so long ago.' But I digress.

I was amused to see that quite a number of people that that my Middle Name was Steve, but alas, I'm not so reasonable. I imagine that perhapse Steve (or Steven, more precicely) was the name I always wanted to be called, but I'm personally quite content with Andrew.

Little known fact -- I was supposed to be named 'Anthony,' but wasn't when the time came. My dad's name is David Anthony and so they liked the idea of Anthony David. The trouble was, my uncle is Anthony, and they wanted people to 'know' I'd been named after my dad. My mom had always liked the name Andrew, and here I am today. Good thing, too -- I don't think i'd like being called Tony, much (though Anthony has a good sound to it).

But I again digress. Steve as a name was actually a long time coming, and like alot of who I am today, started with Youth Group back in 10th grade. I'd started going because my friend, Sara, was stranded there and, being suddenly homeschooled, I had alot of time on my hands. A pair of pretty eyes assured the fact that I would continue to go. -shrugs- I'm a simple guy.

Anyways, one thing they liked to do was Icebreakers, little games that 'break the ice' and loosen people up. I loved them -- I was an Icebreaker Junkie. There was one inparticular that I liked, called Trainwreck. Everyon sits in a circle with one guy in the middle. They say something about themselves (I'm a senior, I have 2 sisters, I like pickled beets, or something) and anyone who shares that trait must get up and switch seats. Except, the guy in the middle wants to sit, too, so someone new ends up without a seat.

The way we played it, you would get up there and first thing tell your name -- we're supposed to get to know you, anyways. Somewhere along the lines, I decided it would be clever to say a different name everytime I got up -- I don't know if I thought saying 'Andrew' all the time was boring or if I was just feeling especially goofy that night. In anycase, I got up a number of times, first as Bob, then Jim, and George... Everytime, a new name. It got the the point where it was an inside-joke with the 'regulars' of the Youth Group -- I would get up, declare my name, and half the people in the room would giggle.
Deep down inside, I think I always wanted to be the class clown.  ^_^;;

So, at some point, I decided I liked the name Steve, and I used it more often than other names when I ended up in the middle. I started putting it on my name tag (as I'm not a big fan of name tags), and eventually used it near-exclusively in Trainwreck. 'Steve' was slowly becomming a joke, and was one step closer to becoming my 'name.'

The next step was at Freshman Orientation, and I admit I don't really remember this part. Somehow I'd managed to introduce myself to a number of people as Steve -- so much so that my friend Brooklyn (who herself is really Michelle) thought I really WAS Steve up until late last year, early this year. We had a pseudo-Youth Group prayer-group thing Freshman year, and I necesarily went. And, of course, we introduced ourselves. And, of course, I was Steve.

The best part was when Sally asked Dan to pass 'Andrew' something and Dan was like, "Who?" -Grins for Days- He honestly didn't know who I was. My job was complete.
And, so, Steve has pretty much stuck, due to my efforts if nothing else. Like I said, I think Steve is the name I always wanted, or something.


Wow, that took alot of telling.  ^_^;;  I rather enjoy the story, though. But onto my other point: Names.

I'm big on names -- they mean a lot to me. Some have said too much. I put an extraordinary amount of importance on names. I can't really explain it... it's like, a name defines a person more precicely than any other combination of words. I am Andrew, you know? I'm not so particular about my own name -- I'll always introduce myself as 'Andrew' (if not Steve), and there are only certain people who can call me 'Andy' or 'Drew' (those I care deeply about, and Stephanie Horton, respectively).

I'm more particular with people. Generally, I don't refer to people by name. I think it's just out of habit, but if you were to follow me around for a day, it's rather rare that I call anyone by their name (most of the time it's unnecesary, anyways). Almost exclusively, if I refer to someone by name (and especially if it's a full name, like Melissa or Amanda), it's done quite deliberately. Names hold a speceial kind of significance for me, which I can't even adequetly explain.
^_^;;  Yeah, I'm such a weirdo.

Now that I've successfully lost my train of thought by trying to explain the unexplainable (once again I fail in trying to express my thoughts), I suppose I should get going. Curiously -- what do all of you think of your names (and their derivatives)? Is there any name you think you would have chosen for yourself (I can't decide if this is more significant than someone's True Name or not yet)?

---

A few interesting notes on names:

Andrew originates from "manly," "strong," and "protector." I don't know about the first two, but I definately have a very wide protector-streak.

Anthony has origins as a Roman surname, though I can't find any further meaning than that. Some claim it comes from greek anthos, "flower."

Steven is the English version of Stephen, which originates from "crown." Apparently, there were alot of Kings named Stephen.

Melissa is greek for "bee." I find this amusing, some how.  ^_~  Apparently she's also a faerie in greek myth who cared for a young Zeus.

Amanda was created in the 17th century by an English Playwrite. It was based on the latin word for "lovable."

Katrina is actually a variant of Katharine, which itself has fuzzy origins. It could have come from the goddess Hecate, the greek word for "torture," or the greek word for "pure."

Comments

[angeliccelestia.livejournal.com]

Eh, I think my name's kinda boring. ^__^;; So, I usually spell it "Jaymz" as opposed to "James", just so it looks cooler.
Funny thing is: when I was little, I really hated being called "Jamie". I like it now, though, 'cause it's androgynous. ^_^;;
As for what I've have chosen for myself for a name, I don't really know. Something as common as "Joe", or something nice and exotic, like Alexander.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

Interesting note -- James, it seems, is a variant of Jacob, which means 'supplanter,' owing its origins to the Jewish faith, in which (if I recall correctly) Jacob 'steals' the birthright of his older brother, Esau.

[starlight1184.livejournal.com]

I know a James who spells it "Jaimss"... I like it that way. :-) Just an interesting thought. :-)

[surichan.livejournal.com]

"Leslie", so I've been told, carries many meanings. The first I ever knew was "Keeper of the Castle", which I loved as a child because I was so into fantasy. Then I heard that it really meant "Strength", which I kinda sneered at in my teenage years. I toyed with calling myself Kathryne (my middle name) for awhile, when I thought that Leslie was just a wholly boring name...but it just didn't stick, y'know? I couldn't see myself actually responding to that name. Plus, my mother loved "Leslie" so much as a name, and that's why she named me that...so I figure there must be something really good in keeping a name that your mother gives you because she loves it. ^____^

These days, most things tell me that my name is a Gaelic word derived from a Scottish place name meaning "Garden of Hollies" or "Garden by the Pool", neither of which mean much to me...both seem far more feminine meanings than the ones above. But "Leslie" is a unisex name, so... ::shrugs::

And then of course you have Suri-chan..."Li'l Miss Pickpocket". ::giggles:: But that's just silliness.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

That last bit, the Gaelic one, sounds like you're using the same source I am -- BehindTheName.com? Would you happen to know of any other etymology sites, as for given reasons I'm quite intrigued with the meanings of names.

Yeah, much as I like 'Steve,' I'll always be Andrew in my own mind. This is part of the reason that I wonder which is more significant, a chosen name or a given name. Case in point would be my friend Mina, who hates her given name (or so it seems).
Not that it really matters to anyone else, but it's one of those meaningless things which I ponder from time to time.

[surichan.livejournal.com]

Sounds kinda like the question as to which should have more bearing on our lives: the family we're born into without choice, or the "family" of friends we find for ourselves.

Yeah, I found BehindtheName awhile ago.

breaking walls and ticking clocks

[dreamingaloud.livejournal.com]

In my case the only family besides my mom that I'll ever count as true is the one made up of my friends and the future family I'll create for myself [wife, kids, dogs, rats, et al].

Sometimes the family you're born into doesn't deserve the credit or honour of being anywhere near your life. Sad but true fact...

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

-nods- I'm very lucky in that the family I was born with is one I would choose, anyways. Some of my dearest friends are blood relations. When I think of my Family, as such, though, I include all my dear friend (which includes most of you on these pages).

It saddens me to no end to think that there are those who have less-than-deserving families. I know a number of wonderful, wonderful people who have horrid relations. It's not cool.

Leslie makes a good point, though.  ^_^;;  I'm not sure how I should answer that one.

[surichan.livejournal.com]

As you say, Mel, sad but true. Sperm hits egg and suddenly, BAM, you're a part of and connected to all these people who may or may not love you and treat you properly. People can get lucky and have awesome families, but...I almost think that, in any case, it's important to build yourself a "family" of friends. A lot of times, real family can disappoint and fall through...friends, if they're true, will always be there for you.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

See, you differentiate between True Friends and those who are not -- I would argue there's a difference between True Family and those who are not. You may be blood related to someone, that doesn't make them your family. Case in point, a child given up for adoption at birth will have blood-relatives he may never meet his entire life. His True Family are those who love and care for him, regardless of genetics.

This is why I include my friends when I say Family. -shrugs- It all depends on howe you define it.

[dreamingaloud.livejournal.com]

Okay, little story ahead:

A long time ago, around 6th/7th grade or somewhere near there, I was really obsessed with names. I used to carry a baby name book around with me at all times - it had all kinds of names from everywhere in the world (even Japan!). When I looked up my name, it said it meant "honeybee" ... well, I thought that was rather charming, especially the bit I read later about being a faerie who helped a God [she fed him honey, if I'm remembering this] and was, at the end of it all, turned into a bee.

So that year my mom and I went on a vacation to Salem, Oregon. We were in a children's bookstore when mom picked up a couple of bee-related books and other things for me. Ever since then, I've had a bee collection. I've got it all: fabric, slippers, PJs, wrapping paper, tons of bears dressed as bees, a teapot, greeting cards... seriously. It's a huge collection [note to self: take a picture!]. In my small circle of 'net friends, I'm known as "Mellie Bee" and any time they give me a gift, it's usually got something to do with my bee collection.

So if it happens to strike you as amusing, maybe it's because the meaning of the name actually plays a very large role in things for me. But, moving on...

I'm not actually big on nicknames - there are only a hanfdul of people outside of relatives that can utter "Missy" without being given a death glare ... only one person [exboyfriend] has ever called me Lissa, Megan tends to call me Lissi when she can ::grin::, and everyone else really sticks to using Mel. Though I must confess that hearing an adult, a parent, call me Mel is just awkward sometimes. ^__^;

I used to want to be named Samantha. I thought it was a beautiful, femme victorian name. But the older I get, the more I love my name and the way it fits me.

[For the record, I had this baby name book once and it told what a "Melissa" was typically like - and I quote: "Sweet but Spoiled." Whoooooo boy. My blood just boiled over that. Maybe because it's rather true, in it's own twisted little way.]

I think names are important. I think that - on the whole - people tend to fit their names better than they often realize. And a lot of the time I cannot bring myself to use nicknames on them. You're always going to be "Andrew", for example. Just as Robin will never be Robbie, and Kristal will never be Krissy.

You know, my grandmother hated her first name. So she'd always sign things using her middle name - Jeanine. When it came time for my mother to have a middle name, she made Jeanine shorter, into "Jean" and that was it. When my mom had me, she carried that on and gave me "Jean" as a middle name. It's one of the most special gifts I've ever been given, this middle name that connects me to both my mother and my grandmother [who died of ovarian cancer when I was only 4-5 years old].

I think it's hysterical when people think Melissa Jean is my full name. I omit my last name for a lot of reasons... some being connected to the fact that it's such a strange name that I don't want people being able to find me by the use of it... and the other main reason being that a lot of people CANNOT MANAGE to spell it correctly. Jean is easy to spell & to say.

Okay, can I talk MORE?! Sheesh. Where's that duck tape I bought? Some needs to go around my hands as wella s over my mouth.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

So if it happens to strike you as amusing...
That's exactly why it struck me as amusing.  ^_~  I heard about the Bee-collection before, but not the story behind it. LOL I also heard about the other Name-book. poor Melly. -giggles-

Is 'Missy' really supposed to be a nick-name for Melissa? I've known a few, but I didn't think that was their name -- I just thought they were Missy.  ^_^;;  "Andy" is my familiar (as in family) name. All my cousins and aunts and uncles call me Andy (with the exception of the Mocks, perhapse). Some people I consider 'as good as family,' such as Beth H. and a few others, who are allowed to call me Andy. I don't overly appreciate it from others.
No one is allowed to call me 'Drew.' It's the one derivative of my name I've never been very fond of. However, when I got my first job at the Bagel Bakery, they had everyone's names down to one syllable, and so the first day I was introduced as 'Drew.' -facevault- Thankfully, it always meant I knew when work was calling. The one exception to this rule, of course, is Stephanie H. She started working a little after me, and I ended up training her. She was really pretty, and nice, and we spent alot of time hanging out, teasing each other, and drag-racing down Greenbriar. I'm such a sucker for a pair of pretty eyes.  ^_^;;

I always thought Samantha was a pretty name, and I REALLY think Jean's pretty. I have a friend who I haven't talked to in much too long named Jean. She's pretty, and nice, and I've liked her since 6th grade.

LOL I think your last name's nice, and I could spell it without much trouble. I tend to leave mine off typically for that same 'too much information' deal. S'also why you only get Beth and Stephanie's initials up there. -shrugs- For some reason, people like dropping the 'n' out of my last name. Go figure.

LOL -shove- Just like I was telling Mere, I LIKE your comments! The longer the better. More in a comment means more fodder for other discussions and tangents and the like. S'all good.

[starlight1184.livejournal.com]

Apparently, my name is English, Jewish, French, German, and Biblical. I had always heard the Hebrew version, which means "ewe" and is traced back to Jacob's Rachel (his favorite wife I might add... hehehe) in the Bible. I think that my name means "ewe" is funny because my initials spell out RAM (Rachel Anne Mock).

I used to always want a different name, but never really settled on one. But now I'm fairly happy with my name, so it's all good. :-)

I have lots of crazy nicknames as well. Rach, Ray-Ray, Raquel, Raquelita, Smock, Smockerana, Smockers, Rachelle, Rackel, Rach-dear, Mommy-Mock, Momma, and sometimes even "Pretty Lady"... :-) Nicknames are crazy. Each of those nicknames really came from a different person and a different situation... and I'm not even sure I got them all!

Tired. Must sleep. More later.

[bsgnome.livejournal.com]

Ooh! Names are fun. I love names just as much, if not more than, you, you realize, Andy.

Anyhow, my name:

Eugene George Gerard

Oh! So much significance in each:

Eugene: When I was younger, I had always wanted a "normal" name, and for this reason, hated being called anything other than "Gene," or "Geno," and Geno always made me blush. I was named after my paternal grandfather on this one. The name comes from the Greek name Eugenios, which is derived from "eugenes" which means "well born." Around 7th grade, my friends occasionally called me "Gee," I don't mind it. In fact, I no longer mind any form of my name.

George: This name has never come up for me, really. When I was a child, I was an avid fan of Curious George, perhaps my middle name being George was part of the reason. I was named after my maternal grandfather on this one. The name comes from the Greek name Georgios, which is derived from "georgos" which means "earth worker" or "farmer."

Gerard: This is my Confirmation name. Derived from the Germanic elements "ger," spear, and "hard," brave or hardy, it means "strong with the spear." St. Gerard Majella is the patron saint of mothers. I once did an extensive essay on this saints life, but since, I have forgotten a good amount of the information, but I have retained a strong connection with him, and thus chose him to be my patron saint.

I'd love to go into detail about my last name, but for reasons mentioned in comments above, I think it best not to.

Anyhow, when I was a child, I would have perfered if my name had been something "normal" like Matthew or Alexander. However, as I got older, I learned to especially love obscure names, because, more often than not, their meanings are much deeper, and, somehow, feel more meaningful. There are any number of names I would like to have - Driscoll, Diarmaid, Eamon, Fiach, Wolfram, Matthias, Leonid - the list goes on, however, I have come to appreciate the name Eugene and what it's significance is for me, that given the choice, I wouldn't change it.

Of course, I am at the very least armed with a treasure-trove of names with which to name my children. Don't worry, I have a list for girls just as extensive as the one I have for boys: Ailis, Aisling, Abadie, Naomi, Akiko, Katya, Norn, etc.