What’s in a Name?

So many words exist to describe the various types of names, methods of naming, and even the very act of naming. In our modern world every single part, piece, and item from the infinitesimal to the monumental and even the theoretical has a name.

As children, we verbalize names far before we verbalize emotions. Early spoken names like Momma and Dada are so zealously revered that I wonder if they might be our sole motivation to learn additional names. As our personalities develop and we start making choices, the act of naming becomes integral to us asserting ourselves and leaving our footprint in this life. We might have silly names for common things like pajamas, (which I called “Yammysacks”) or cute names for our stuffed animals, or even nicknames for our siblings that might last a lifetime.

We revel in the act of naming, and there is a certain power associated with it. As adults the naming process becomes even more important as we name our relationships Fiance, Husband, Wife, or our cars as Ol’ Bessy or similar, and for some of us this might be the first time we name a dog, cat or other cherished pet. Many adult women and some men change their name entirely if they get married. In other cultures the marriage name changing process can be equally confusing. In our professional lives, some of us may name products, brands, or even a company that might last a week or a hundred years.

In my opinion there can be no greater pièce de résistance of naming than that of naming a child. The story of how we named our son is certainly worthy of a blog post all on it’s own, but for now I want to share my core view on naming anything. When we assign a name to someone or something it is a outwardly expression and often reflection of self, whether it be for good or bad. Such power should not, but often is taken lightly.

The name of this blog, Random Conflux, may sound as if it falls into the “haphazard” camp, but it is simple, and holds personal meaning. Those that know me, realize that I love and am the source of many random things. The word conflux, derives from confluence, or a coming together.

Most simply, this blog is a conflux of those random things I want to share with my son.

Carefully exercise your right of naming. Practice it. Enjoy it.