What's in a Name?

What's in a name?
  
That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet...


Name discussions with Pallavi have been frequent over the past week.  We've talked about our last name.  We've talked about Joie's name.  We've talked about middle names.  We've talked about Megan's middle name (which is her birth name).  We've talked about everyone else's middle names.  We've talked about nicknames.  We've talked about name pronunciations.  We've talked about family names.

You get the picture.  We've talked a lot about names.

And you probably already know where this is headed.

When name discussions turned to discussions of a name change for Pallavi, we relied on experience to guide us.  Becoming parents to an older child the second time around seems to have less of a learning curve. This time we already know that going through the name quest is empowering, a way to claim a new life and identity.  (Read the story of Joie's name change here.)

In the end...

Is that which we call Pallavi by any other name just as incredible, amazing wonderful, sweet...?

Yes.

So Pallavi would, were she not Pallavi call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which she owes.


Our family has chosen names by meaning, and for a girl who loves the meaning of her old name but wanted a new name, this was important to her also.

After a few days of trying different names, Gabriella stood out as a name she liked with a meaning which fit.

This morning she came to my computer and looked up the meaning again, just to be sure.


"Yup.  Gabriella.  That's it," she said confidently.
(Everything she says is said with confidence.)


Gab-ri-ell-a:  heroine of God; God is my strength.


This is a girl who loves God.

We've been cautious about introducing religion, but have noticed her responses to religion, particularly during this Christmas season when we are surrounded by symbols of religious significance.  Speaking of such symbols one evening, our new daughter described the statues in India that have spiritual significance and power to people there, then confidently stated how she always knew there was another God "with real power."


The idea of God has been growing in her heart and mind for years.

And the meaning doesn't stop there.

Pallavi:  bud; young branch or shoot

Gabriella Pallavi:  a heroine of God who is just starting to bloom.


Perfect.  A combination of two beautiful names with beautiful meanings for a very beautiful girl.

Will there be nicknames?

Most assuredly, yes.

We've tried several.

Gabby seems to be the one that is sticking...

And you know we'll keep you posted!