Naming

I've always thought naming was pretty important and figured, other than pets, cars, or other things, I wouldn't be naming people until I had my own kids. But...it came sooner than expected. 


Within my first month at Owl Preschool a new girl arrived and Stephanie asked, "Amy, what are some good names for her?" Her hair looked dark like my sister Rachel's so I replied, "Mmm - Rachel's a pretty name." Before I knew it the new student and all her things had been dubbed "Rachel." 

A few weeks later a new boy came to school. He had long long lashes and was super cute. Again the Chinese teachers asked me for a name. I looked at him and thought of my little brother. I thought a little longer this time - knowing whatever I said would probably stand. But the name Michael continued to sound good to me. By lunchtime he had been named and another child now carries the name of one of my siblings. 


Not too much longer another boy arrived. However, this naming experience proved to be a bit different than the first two. The student's parents expressed to Yu-ling that he loved the movie "Cars" and wanted a name that had to do with cars. Hmmm...Henry? Naaa...I didn't think they would want it. And besides the parents wanted me to provide a few options. I ended up writing down Owen (for Owen Wilson - the voice for the main "car" in the movie) and Nicholas, for a German I found on wikipedia that helped with the invention of cars. In the end, the parents chose Henry and I think they made an excellent choice!  

Helaman teaching his sons (lds.org)

Other students came and went and the Chinese teachers often turned to me to name them. Although it seems simple enough, I came to think more on the significance of our names. I remember a prophet in the Book of Mormon who named his sons after his fathers. "Behold, I have given unto the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them...that they were good. Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them." (Helaman 5:6-7) 

 

Michael, Rachel, and Henry

I am grateful for names. And for this experience of naming children I love in Taiwan.

"A Good Name: A Priceless Possession" Sharon Samuelson, September 14, 2004