Name determines personality

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

My name is simply a fraction of my dad’s name and added with a sophisticated root word with Semitic origin that means “God”. I am not so convinced that it is good enough, but it must be the most fitting my parents chose when I was born.

There are books about naming babies positing that a name will impact the baby’s life; a name can incapacitate or enable a child in the future. I think there is truth in it. Our names are not merely labels, but rather they carry great weight and influence over our lives.

In Cambodian culture, the selection of a name for a child is a significant event, and often includes the consideration of meanings and symbolic connotations. One such example I have observed in my teaching career is the name “Panha” /pɑnjɑ/, which shares a root with the Khmer word for “problem” បញ្ហា. This insight provided me with a greater understanding of the behavioral issues often associated with students who carry this name. I also had other students named with the suffix “Pich” ពេជ្រ which means “diamond”. Each student with this name exhibit special distinct features such as fair complexion, skilled in arts, or good looking. Thus, reinforced the importance of understanding the origins and significance of how a name can impact even the physical features of a child, so it needs a lot of pondering before assigning it to a child.

Names are more than just a collection of letters strung together; they are the embodiment of our identity and a connection to our heritage. Our parents choose our names with great consideration, taking into account the circumstances of our birth and the various factors that influence their decision. While it may be tempting to choose a name that sounds cool and trendy, we must also consider its origin and deeper meaning. A name that sounds attractive on the surface may carry a negative connotation at its core, and we should strive to understand the history and significance of our names in order to fully embrace our identity. 💙