what's in a name

Today, someone I'm crushing on called be by my name. And we haven't even known each other that much yet. I don't know why it felt nice.

See, for the longest time, I've been detesting my name. There's something so confrontational about the name Diana, I think. There's this discomfort not only on my part but also from the one who said it. So I've tried to tone it down into Diane, Deej, or Dj. And it seems to be working out just fine. But then again, there's this nagging question at the back of my head: why the hell am I scared of my own name?

In different kinds of literature, someone's name is very significant in that it holds meaning to the bearer's person. In some Biblical passages, the name of a person is given much importance as name equals one's existence. The naming of the animals and plants in Genesis for example meant the recognition of the existence of these creatures. Also, in Isaiah is is written: "I created you, I redeemed you, I called you by name, you are mine." That identity invokes a sense of vocation or calling. I am God’s minister, the incarnation of God’s love. I am the body of Christ, meant to be an instrument of God’s love.

Could it mean therefore that by shunning my name, I am also shunning my own person? Could it be that I am denying my own existence? Is it logical to suspect that not embracing my name also says that I do not embrace my idenity and my vocation as an instrument of God? How important is name acceptance in living our lives?

In an effort to know about my name and its implications to my person, I researched on name etymologies and this is what I found:



Diana:
Probably derived from an old Indo-European root meaning "heavenly, divine", related to dyeus (see ZEUS). Diana was a Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, forests, and childbirth, often identified with the Greek goddess Artemis.

Er, although it seems that the godess Diana has a deep sense of responsibility like I think I do myself, I know "heavenly" and "divine" can't be words to decribe me. I am aware though that a name is not all there is to make a personality. Different personalities and temperaments make up diffrent Dianas. Still, I remain bothered by the fact that I am not at peace with my name.

Q: What is your name and where did it come from? D'ya like it?