Monday, January 19, 2009


Look up the meanings of your first and middle names in either a book of names or on the Internet. Are you surprised?Let me know what you find and then explain the significance.

29 comments:

Surreptitious Faerie said...

Is it sad that I've already done this before? xD

The name Alaina is a variant of Alaine (Old German), Alana (Old German, Hawaiian) and Elaine (Greek), and the meaning of Alaina is "precious; precious; awakening; sun ray, shining light".

I've never done my middle name though. o.o

The name Nicole is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "victorious people".

It doesn't have any real significance. o.o My mom had a friend with the name Alaina and she really liked it, so lo and behold. I am now named Alaina. I can't explain my middle name though. o_0 Cause I've never asked. :x

Anonymous said...

Daniel means "God is my judge" (knew that) and my middle name, Gary, means "spear carrier" (didn't know that). HHMMMmmm... maybe my parents wanted me to be some sort of tribal D.A. when I grew up. No, realy they named me after my dad's favorite Bible character and my dad who was named after Gary Cooper so my name wasn't realy chosen for the meanings.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Daniel,

I believe our names have been chosen by God, even if we, as humans, choose them for other reasons.

The name Daniel has so much attached to it in the light of what he represented in scripture. The situation he found himself in (facing lions) was more than most of us could handle. But God came to his rescue and redeemed him from his death sentence. He passed the ultimate judgement declaring that Daniel should live and not die.

Being married to a Gary gives me a little insight on your name. As a spear carrier, you are recognized by the enemy as one who is fit to carry a weapon and knows how to use it; therefore, you are a threat to kingdom of darkness. There is a huge calling on your life and you will most likely be one who fights on the front lines. With that said, be glad, like Daniel, that your full name carries with it the benefits of the One who calls himself Judge!

Anonymous said...

My parents went through life always having to spell and repronounce their peculiar names, Erskine and Henriella. That's why they gave my brother and me plain names -- David and Mary. Mary is from the Hebrew word for bitterness, though I feel anything but bitterness to share the same name with the mother of Jesus. My middle name, Loren, was given to me in honor of my grandmother, Clorena, and my Aunt Lorelle. It is an alternate spelling of Lauren, meaning laurel, which makes me think of the laurel wreath ancient Olympic competitors were awarded. I'm looking forward to trading in my lovely, simple, earthly laurel wreath for a heavenly crown that I can lay at my Savior's feet.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Alaina,

I understand your Mom liking the name, especially because a friend of hers had the name first. But I must also add that its meaning describes you so well.

You are precious . . . as precious as a rare gemstone. But more than that, I think God is going to use you as a light to your generation, to a sleeping church whose alarm clock has already gone off. It's bold, purposed women like you who will be able to wake them from their slumber. The snooze button has been hit far too long!

Anonymous said...

My full name is Christina Marie Horton. I already knew the meaning of my first name, but I had never looked up "Marie" before.
"Christina" means, "Follower of Christ; Christ-bearer; Christian." Marie means, "Bitter" but I also found a book that characterized it as "living fragrance."
Being a Christian, I guess I live up to my name (only because of God's grace!). Having a name that is a reminder that I bear the image of Christ and have Him in my heart truly makes my name seem more precious than any riches! My mom somewhat picked it out for its meaning but also because she really liked it.
Marie, being behind my name Christina, reminds me that my bitterness and all other sins should be put away behind me in order to present my body as a living, holy sacrifice ("living fragrance")to GOD. I am a new creature in Christ! My middle name is from my mom's name, "Maria."

Nathan James said...

my first name means "gift of God", which i have known for years.

my middle name, which is Andrew, means "manly and courageous".

now, the manly part i whole heartedly disagree with, because i, for one, do not consider myself as manly in any aspect. but courageous, i could see coming towards me a bit easier.

so, it goes: gift of God, manly and courageous. wow. i sound like Sampson or something.

Galactus said...

Well, this is different.

My name "Kyle" is a Scottish surname which was derived from Gaelic (Cool.) It means "narrows, channel, and strait". (Great, I'm named after a body of water.....)

My middle name "Matthew" is an English form of Ματθαιος (Matthaios), which was a Greek form of the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu).
[Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V work wonders.]
It means "gift of YAHWEH". (Yahweh being another name for God. So I'm pretty much a gift from God....)


As for significance... My dad's name is Matthew, thus my middle name. My mom liked the name "Kyle" so that is what she named me.

Anonymous said...

Shay means admirable, courteous, hawklike, and is a derivitive of Shea, which means queen of the fairy fort...haha I've always known that.

Ashley only menas Ash Tree Meadow. ???

`Shay

Anonymous said...

My first name Amy, means "Beloved" and my middle name victoria means, "victory and royalty". This name was originally latin.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Christina,

Together, we must live up to the meaning of our first name. I have felt this to be a high calling, sharing the name of our Savior, and know that bearing His name means more than any name book could explain.

Your name is beautiful. I knew I had read another meaning for the name Mary but could not remember what it was. Please see my comment to Mrs. Brooks about the meaning of the name. It's just my opinion.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Nathan,

Wow! Have you thought about that? You are a present to this world from God. That means you have a lot to offer and your blessings are inexhaustible.

If you are filling big sized shoes, then you are ever bit manly. It's hard for us to see ourselves as "grown up." Even I have difficulty with that. (After all, I've been to Neverland.) But God sees us at our full potential long before we reach it. He believes we can accomplish more than we ever try. So it's just a matter of catching up with His image of us.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Kyle,

A channel of water is most often associated with depth. They are also usually narrow in width. I would say that describes you well. You have never been one to settle for the surface in anything, but require rich relationships, life assignments that are meaningful and truth in all things. You seem to be focused when you put your mind to something . . . a narrowness of mind with a huge advantage.

What a gift you truly are!

Cyberpsalmist said...

Amy,

You are truly one of His beloved. The Song of Solomon uses this poetic term for the One our heart longs for.

It is with victory and royalty that we will one day sit in His presence. I truly can not wait for the wedding day to come, when I can see Him face to face. Your name adorns you with this kind of reminder!

Anonymous said...

My first name, Richard is french it means Strong power; hardy power.(Pretty awesome the name fits perfectly)

My middle name Hunter is english, it means Hunter. (LAME)

-Hunter Rice

Anonymous said...

The name Alyssa is greek, and it means "rational". It comes from the flower "alyssum". My mom has always like that name so she named me that..

My middle name is Lauren which means laurel..kinda weird but yeah thats what it means.I have no idea why my parents named me that but alas I'm Alyssa Lauren Thrift!

Cyberpsalmist said...

Mary,

The names that our ancestors chose for their children were unusual to say the least. I, like you, am glad I was given a more normal name.

I have a sweet sister Mary and have looked at the meaning of your name before. When I came across its meaning, I was a little put out . . . bitterness? As I contemplated the pure emotion of being bitter towards something, I knew this did not describe my sister's personality either. Then I began to wonder if instead of describing an emotion attached to the bearer of this beautiful name, maybe the origin describes those who came in contact with the virgin mother of Jesus.

Her position concerning man's destiny not only allowed us to freely choose Christ, it also caused incredible controversy. Her obedience caused us to choose. Have you ever heard the saying, "It will either make you bitter or better?"

I don't know, these are just my thoughts.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Shay,

To be hawk like might mean you are one with a birds-eye view. That is an interesting vantage point and would definitely be considered an admirable quality in itself. Also, every fairy tale I've ever read usually includes a Queen who can be seen peering from her lofty tower!

May you have the eyes of the Lord, observant concerning the things of God and watchful as a hawk concerning the Kingdom.

Touche!

Cyberpsalmist said...

Alyssa,

That doesn't surprise me. I'd say I've seen this quality in you ever since I met you. Being rational is a character trait that will take you far. While others are making decisions with no planning or thought, your success will come because you thought things through. Yes, some circumstances in life require us to make a few spontaneous decisions, for which we must lean on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, but for the most part, your forethought will be not only your best friend, but others will ask you for advice as well.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Hunter,
I agree - your name couldn't be more appropriate. You are a power house in the kingdom of the light and a hardy power to be reckoned with concerning the kingdom of darkness.

As a young mother raising my other children years ago, I used to wonder why my kids gave me so many challenges. As I prayed and asked God if He thought I was a bad mother, his Holy Spirit would send comfort by reminding me the kids I raise are feistier for spiritual reasons. They would need stronger wills for the days to come and my job was just to bridle it only while they grew and matured. I have talked to other moms and they agree with me. Your generation must be outspoken and powerful. You are the future!

Anonymous said...

My first name Christy is latin and it means folllower of Christ. My middle name Nicole is greek and it means victory of the people. My parents said they had no reason behind the names but all of my imdiate family have first names that start with a C.

Anonymous said...

My name, Demetrios, is greek and is derived from the greek "goddess" Demeter (how embarressing!). Many kings have named "Demetrios".

My middle name is Spyros. It means "spirit" in Greek.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Demetri,

Just as men are expected to identify with their position as the bride of Christ, I think that the term goddess, in your case, could also be interpreted gender neutral. To be a goddess might mean to be admired by all.

We all know the third person in the trinity is the Spirit. But we are a three part being created in His image. I personally think you have a good spirit. You have always displayed great humility and have many qualities to be admired.

Anonymous said...

I have already looked up my name and Dalas means wise and full of wisdom.

Surreptitious Faerie said...

Demetri, I would like to say, that your name rocks. :D *is a Greek mythology fanatic*

Unknown said...

The meaning of the name Shaunna is God Is Gracious
(weird becuase im athiest....)

The origin of the name Shaunna is American

feminine form of Sean

my middle name.
nichole

The meaning of the name Nichole is Victory Of The People

The origin of the name Nichole is American

i have no real significances with my name because my parents just named me lol

Cyberpsalmist said...

Shaunna

(A beautiful name, by the way.) I am familiar with this name and I think the meaning has quite a bit of significance. You are a reminder that God didn't have to do anything for mankind and could, at any time, take a deep breath in, leaving nothing for our frail lungs to inhale, but chooses to give us a free will to live whatever way we want to. Everyday, we take full advantage of His grace, and everyday, He looks for us to turn His way, hoping we will reciprocate the affection He longs to show us. You, your life, is a reminder of that, no matter if you believe in Him or not.

sandra lark said...

chrissy- i know i'm late on this post, but i just found your site and i think my name fits me so completely that it gives me chills sometimes! sandra means "protector of humanity" and i really hope that i live up to that daily! my middle name is lark, which means... well... lark! haha, but it is a beautiful song bird and music is such an important part of my life. its always so neat for me to look at my name, even when i might not be particularly fond of it, and know it was created just for me!

Cyberpsalmist said...

Sandra,

Could it be that your song is the means by which humanity is protected? I can only assume the psalms of David had this effect in the earth and still do to this day. Psalm 96 is a powerful example of this, especially verse 6. (I can almost hear him belting that out.) We worshipers take our position seriously, knowing our song is more than just music, but they are declarations that the powers of the air must reckon with. By the way, your name is beautiful.