To complete that famous quote…
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” – by William Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet.
“Names are powerful things. They act as an identity marker and a kind of map, locating you in time and geography. More than that, they can be a compass.” – by Nicola Yoon in The Sun is Also a Star.
March 7, 2025 is known as Middle Name Pride Day, part of the Celebrate Your Name Week festivities that was established by Jerry Hill in 1997.
I am extremely pleased to be known by my middle name. This was a tradition in my family, as my father was known by his middle name and I named my first son this way. He goes by his middle name and his first name honours my older brother. My son made the best of it while studying in university, when mix-ups often occurred. He gave the best responses, such as, “My name is spelled Mi***** but you pronouce it Pa*****.”
Not everyone understands this middle name tradition, though. It seems to puzzle some when they ask what my middle name is and my reply is “Janice”. I have seriously been asked, “Your parents named you Janice Janice?” (sigh) Think about that for a second. “No.” I have been asked what my real name is. That seems to touch on a nerve for me. All my names are real and the proof is on my birth certificate.
For some, the lack of a middle name is their specific family tradition.
Another tradition occurs in my sister’s family – naming children by their father’s name. In fact, one of her grandsons is the 4th generation of males in his family with the identical name! This is an honourable tradition, however it can get slightly confusing when it comes to mail delivery and banking information, etc.
Names can honour a family member. They can be used in their original form or shortened to a nickname. Some of my ancestors were named using the mother’s maiden name (or just first inital of that name) as their middle name. Unique spelling variations is a whole different story – one for another day.
Another name that I am very proud to be known as is Nana! Whether you are Nana/Papa, Grandma/Grandad, Nonna/Nonno, Oma/Opa or something else, you receive a certain level of distinction when you become a grandparent.
However you are known, that name is your badge of honour and is part of what makes you the person you are. Wear it proudly!
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