Your life gives your name its meaning
What does your name mean?
The answer to this question changes based on the life you live. How you live project meaning to your name.
I grew up in a culture that believes your name gives your life its meaning and direction. That the name you answer determines the trajectory of your existence.
I understand the sentiment. If something will be part of your identity from birth, it better be positive and empowering. The alternative isn’t kind.
That you are called Wisdom doesn’t insulate you from making unwise decisions. Especially if you fail to build the necessary skills. Same for Victor and other ‘positive’ names.1
Abacha. Adolf Hitler. Attila. Caligula. Genghis Khan. Judas Iscariot. The original meanings of these names are interesting. Even beautiful.
But the meanings we attribute to them now? That’s for you to tell.
In the same way, the meaning of our names become evident as we live. And clearer when we leave.
Until then, we have each day to shape what our names mean. And what they (don’t) stand for.
Or what do you expect of someone named Chastity? Ask the character in The Rookie