When Ry and I (finally) started our family, choosing a name for our first baby was a big deal! We searched through books, magazines, family names and numerous other resources. We made lists, asked opinions, discussed, fought and finally decided on a name. In the process of choosing "Peanut's" name, we felt strongly that it should start with the letter "A". We made a list of A names and went from there. All of our children have special names, and were given middle names of family members that we love. We vowed "never" to do something "weird" when naming our children. Never say say never...
Last August, we celebrated the arrival of our final family member, Uma Grace. Funny name? Yup, but it was better than Ursula! Those of you that don't know us personally, may not know the "why" of Uma's name. So, I shall explain.
Alec came first. His name is a derivative of Alexander and is Greek in origin. He is our defender of humanity, warrior of mankind. He is especially good with babies and animals and defends his siblings fiercely. His name fits him well. His middle name or "family name" is Ryan, after his father. Ryan means "little king ". It is Irish in origin and in one dialect, it also means "descendant of the little red one". Quite fitting, I think.
Elliott came next. He didn't have a name until right before we left the hospital. We had considered naming Alec Elliott, so it was something that we liked before, so we gave him that name. Elliott comes from Elias or Elijah, which means "close to God, or believes in God". Elliott's middle name is Raymond. He is named after his Great Grandfather (my Grandpa) as well as Ryan's Dad (whose middle name is Ray). Raymond means "councilor and protector". It is so fun to tell Elliott stories about his namesakes and help him understand his history and where he come from.
When we found out about number three, we noticed a pattern in the names of our first 2 children, and thought maybe it would be "fun" to do something along the same pattern with number three. Remember that "never say never" from earlier??
Ivy is our little "climbing plant". We chose her name because we liked it, and it wasn't something that was too common, or too strange and it was the next vowel in line. Ivy shares a birthday with her Great Grandfather (my other Grandpa) Frank Ivar, so, she is named after him in a round about way. Elizabeth is the name of my Grandma. It is also my middle name. I have many cousins and second cousins that share the same middle name. Grandma was an amazing woman with an awesome legacy that I am proud to share with my daughter. Elizabeth means "to be of truth, intelligence, beauty and grace". It also means "God is my oath or God's promise".
Next comes "O". Oliver Franklin. What can I say about Oliver? His name is Germanic in origin, it is also a form of Olaf. Oliver means "Fruitfulness, peacefulness and dignity". My whirlwind of a boy is by no means "peaceful" but he is loved beyond measure. Ollie is named after Ryan's Grandpa Franklin Olaf, as well as my grandpa Frank Ivar. Frank means "freeman" as well as "truthful and sincere". Oliver is a free spirited boy that keeps us constantly on our toes.
A, E, I, O... "U" is the only vowel left! Sometimes Y?? Nope.
Uma Grace, my sweet, sweet baby girl. She truly completes our family. She is so, SO loved! Uma is Indian in origin and is the name of the Hindu goddess Parvati. It means "luminous and serene", "light and peace", "goddess of light" and "lady of the mountains". Her red hair is luminous and her eyes and spirit of full of light! Grace comes from Ryan's Mom. Her middle name is Grace, and she was named after her mother Grace, who was named after another family member, and so it goes for a couple more generations. It was such a privilege to pass on such a beautiful name, filled with tremendous history. Grace means "favor, good will, blessing, eloquence, mercy and unconditional love". We got a LOT of flack, (and still sometimes do) about naming "such a beautiful little girl such an awful name", but it fits her, and it is growing on us.
Naming a child is such a big responsibility and I hope that my children grow up to like their names, because I sure do.
Uma Grace, my sweet, sweet baby girl. She truly completes our family. She is so, SO loved! Uma is Indian in origin and is the name of the Hindu goddess Parvati. It means "luminous and serene", "light and peace", "goddess of light" and "lady of the mountains". Her red hair is luminous and her eyes and spirit of full of light! Grace comes from Ryan's Mom. Her middle name is Grace, and she was named after her mother Grace, who was named after another family member, and so it goes for a couple more generations. It was such a privilege to pass on such a beautiful name, filled with tremendous history. Grace means "favor, good will, blessing, eloquence, mercy and unconditional love". We got a LOT of flack, (and still sometimes do) about naming "such a beautiful little girl such an awful name", but it fits her, and it is growing on us.
Naming a child is such a big responsibility and I hope that my children grow up to like their names, because I sure do.
