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Feb. 11th, 2003 02:22 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jackofallgeeksSo, 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."
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."
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Date: 2003-02-13 12:03 am (UTC)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.