Stacie? Here. John? Here. Bob? Here.  Now the dreaded moment arrives. The substitute teacher squints at the page and an awkward silence fills the air. Melanie? Melonnie? Melonia? Finally, someone speaks up. Sir, it’s Melania. Mel-ay-na. Why is it that when we mispronounce someone’s name, it’s embarrassing? Why is it so important that our name is spelled correctly? What about those pesky middle names that you’re too embarrassed to reveal to anyone? What’s in a name?

When we’re born, we’re given a name. This name can be anywhere from two words to fifteen, or even more than that. First name, middle name(s), last name(s). What’s so special about names? Well, for starters, your first name is what people call you (unless you’re one of those ‘I go by my middle name’ people). When people think about you, they think about your name. It’s your identity. Your name is who you are.

Last names are significant too. Sometimes, last names can be even more important than first names. Why? Whether you like it or not, last names carry a reputation. That reputation comes from your parents. That can be good or bad. Your last name traces back generations and tells the story of your ancestors. It helps to define where you come from. Some hate their last name because they don’t want to be reminded of where they come from. If you don’t like the history that comes with your last name, then work to change its connotation. Make your last name a name that means something good. 

Some people are even named after those that came before them. That brings on another level of responsibility. For example, my name is Maxie. My mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother were and are all named Maxie. I am the fifth. Not only does that make family gatherings chaotic, but it also puts added responsibility on my shoulders. My name comes from four other women who have done so much good for the world. I feel now that I have to live up to my name. Others feel the same. Being named after a family member or a historical figure can be cool, but it also means something. Some names even reflect that person’s heritage and culture. That’s why names are important. 

Names also have identity. They have a personality all to their own. My sister’s name is Lauren. Because of that, the name has a certain connotation to me. I hear the name and I smile because it reminds me of a little girl who loves books and cooking. We put so much emotion and personality into names that people will come up to us and say, “You look like a Claire, or maybe a Kate”.

Can I tell you a secret, though? The most important names, the ones that mold us into who we are, aren’t the ones that are on our birth certificate. It’s the name of mother or father. It’s the names friend, teammate, and student. Of course, the names of queen or doctor are important, but I think that the name of sister or brother also comes with the same level of importance. Those names are the ones that we earn and cherish. 

People say that names don’t mean much and claim that you can call them anything and it won’t matter. I say that they’re wrong. Your name is important, special, and, most importantly, shows who you are. William Shakespeare, in his famous play “Romeo and Juliet” wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” I, Maxie Nicole Eller, completely disagree.