Names
Posted by Nancy Burnett on Friday, March 28, 2025
My maiden name is Sage. Growing up it had little significance for me except as a reference to sagebrush. My father had no siblings, nor do I, so our connection to the Sage name is carried on only through the middle names of my son and grandson. I’ve had to grow into that name and the weight it carries with it.
As a noun, sage refers to a plant used as a culinary herb. A dictionary definition says it also refers to “a profoundly wise person.” As an adjective, it is “wisdom that comes from age and experience.” Synonyms include: wise, insightful, judicious, perceptive, discerning, thoughtful, literate, reflective, contemplative, etc. Wow! That’s a lot to live up to. Whereas many names/spellings are changed throughout the generations, my daughter was able to trace our familial references back through many centuries.
Our names often portend who we are or who our families hope we will become. We often carry the names of our parents or grandparents, and much thought goes into the naming of a child long before the child arrives. Many cultures also assign a religious name. I was fortunate to be able to choose my Hebrew name — a choice involving much thought and research. It is also the case that as children we often do not like our names, preferring instead something more modern or romantic or less unusual. Young girls in particular often experiment with spelling— replacing the Y at the end of a name with an I — usually accompanied with a heart above the I. As a seventh grader, I took that spelling practice to a whole new level when I transformed Nancy into Knansea (think about it). Years ago women automatically became known by a new name following their marriage, becoming Mrs. So-and-so, thus relinquishing the “maiden” name of their birth.
What we all need to remember is that our name, whatever it is or whatever we choose it to be, is important; it is our legacy; it is to be protected from association with ill deeds or actions, that we may be remembered for the kindness and good will we extend to others.
The next time you are asked to provide your name on a document, think about how your name is more than just nomenclature, and strive to be able to protect your “good name” in all its connotations through honesty, empathy, and genuine concern for all humanity.
In these times of uncertainty, be a beacon of light; listen to that still, small voice from within that guides us to good
deeds and moral choices so our lives, and our names, are remembered for a blessing.