What's in a Name? by Sharon Hazel

Names are important and they do reveal a lot about us. A name may identify nationality, but what about social background or age? There are trends for names, which certainly identify the ‘generation’ of when that name was popular – there won’t be a Sharon in primary school now!

Apparently, our own name is one of the first sounds that we learn to recognise. According to child development experts our personal name is an important part of speech, and infants learn to recognise their own specific name from about 6 months old. What we think of the choice of our name is a different matter. Some people, from childhood, choose not to use what is on their birth certificate. They have their own version of their name. A name may be abbreviated, we may change the spelling, we may prefer to use a second or third name. Or we may have become known by a ‘nickname’ and accept that as part of our identity.

When my boys were primary school age, I remember my father telling them that his friend Ginge, whom I had met, was coming to dinner. They were chatting away with their Grandad about Ginge, when I thought I should point out that Ginge was not his real name. His name was Eirwyn. Grandad then had to explain why he called his friend ‘Ginge.’ My eldest son responded that somewhere along the way, Grandad should have changed his name to ‘Snowy.’ Which actually was very apt, for ‘Eirwyn’ means white as snow.

“Names call us to become who we will be¹”

Names have meaning, and some parents give careful consideration when naming their children. Whereas others seem to be slightly careless in their choices, either unimaginative or, possibly even worse, too imaginative. Historically we have a lot of the former in Wales.

Biblically names are considered highly significant. Whether the name prophetically reveals the potential of that person, or summarises their life story, or may even reveal the extent of their rebellion. The name makes a statement. In fact sometimes, there is a ‘mini’ story just in the name!

Here then are a few examples, to reflect on the power of a name.

In the book of Genesis God changed Abram’s name, which meant (God is)’exalted Father,’ to Abraham meaning ‘father of many.’ This was confirmation of God’s promise and covenant with Abraham, that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. His name confirmed who he would be, calling to him from the future. He did not see it in his own lifetime, but we know that the promise has been fulfilled. Ultimately, all who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring.

The book of Esther tells the story of a young Israelite girl, propelled into a position, with the opportunity to appeal for the deliverance of her people from mass destruction. The name Esther is not the name she was given at birth - it is derived from the Persian word for ‘star.’ Her Hebrew name, though, was Hadassah meaning ‘myrtle’ which is the symbol for love and marriage. But love and marriage were not part of Hadassah’s path. Star was a far more appropriate name. Although she may have only had a brief period in the spotlight in her own lifetime, her star still shines brightly. Even now, her actions are commemorated every year, two and a half thousand years later.

Then we have the example of someone like Samson. His name is derived from a Hebrew word meaning ‘sun’ or ‘brightness.’ Which becomes so poignant and sad when you think that this is a man who rebelled against God and ended his life living in the dark. But maybe, even in that darkness, there is a glimmer of the light of restoration…

And then what about, one of my favourite mini-stories, the man known as Ebed-Melek. He was from Cush, but we find him far from home, living in Jerusalem at a time of war and conflict. ‘Ebed-Melek’ means ‘king’s servant’ - so was that really his name? It certainly was his job. Could it be because he was a foreigner, with no family links, that he was accepted and known by his job title rather than by his real name. This obscure character was the man who risked his own life to speak up and save the life of the prophet Jeremiah. Is the writer making a point here, that he was ‘Ebed-Melek’ because he was the servant of ‘The King of Kings?’

And in the New Testament what about Simon, which means ‘listen’ or ‘hearing’. Simon did not do either of those particularly well in the gospels. He often only heard what he wanted to hear! But Jesus changed his name to Peter, meaning rock. A name which called him to be, who he became to be.

Then in the early church there was Joseph, which means ‘may he add’. His name was changed by the apostles, who called him Barnabas meaning ‘son of encouragement’. They recognised Barnabas’ character as being full of generosity, in supporting and encouraging others. He became universally known by his nickname. Perhaps he fulfilled both his names, adding courage, and building faith in all those he met.

Maybe, the apostle John had it right. His name means ‘the Lord is gracious,’ but in his gospel he never refers to himself by name. Instead he refers to himself as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’.

Ultimately, that is what matters, that God calls us by name and that we hear and respond to His voice.

“What marvellous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.” 1 John 3:1MSG

The name that He calls us to be, the name that determines our future…

¹Run with Horses by Eugene Peterson

Sharon Hazel receives inspiration from the beauty of the coastline where she lives in Wales and blogs at https://limitless-horizon.com. Competing for her time, is her part-time job as a civil servant, a horse, two Jack Russell dogs and not forgetting a patient husband!