Name a name

The Tres Marias (from left to right) Journa Liz, Maria Dolour, and Maria April Sunday

Do we realize what’s in a name? Or does it matter at all?
My birth name “Journa Liz” has its own tale to tell. Where my parents got it, is quite obvious, but here’s the brief how. Well my mom is a B.A. Journalism graduate, to start with, and as a high school paper adviser at the time, she burnt eyebrows writing and editing write-ups, frequented the printing press and whatever an “owl” did, with, not to mention, her huge tummy cuddling me inside, as if I was also taking part of her busy days. As she related, one time, contractions conveyed that I was about to come out, but of course journalists need to meet deadlines, and so, believing something will be postponed (definitely not the due paper), she rubbed her tummy¬¬ and gestured talking to me, appealing if I could push the next day instead. Indeed, the following day, January 12, a future journalist with a mom journalist was born. Hence, my name. A journalist, “inside and outside”.

My nickname “Chit-Chit” has an equally cute story. It was at the time when my elder sister, then a toddler, had this natural tottering speech and consistently stumbled on my supposedly nick name “Lih-Liz”, and…you know what happened from then on.

My two sisters likewise have stories or meanings behind their given names. Our eldest Maria Dolour was given a name in, I should say, a Filipino tradition of merging couple’s first names for their first born. My dad’s name is Domingo while my mom’s is Lourdes, equals “Dolour.” Smart isn’t it? As smart as she is! On the other hand, you can’t go wrong when my youngest sister was born. Her name: Maria April Sunday. I guess that says it all!

We sisters are at times referred to as the “tres marias” but ironically and conspicuously, I am the only one who has no “Maria” pasted on my name. I wonder why. But as I come to think of it, it would sound a little off and cheesy if I were named “Maria Journa Liz”, don’t think so too? I’m sure my parents had already thought of that.

Now let us check out some common names, learn where they came from and realize that they are actually English words with odd or intriguing definitions, be it a noun or a verb. Let’s explore some of them in Webster’s world of words.     `

Singer/performer Vina Morales’ screen first name actually is a four-stringed musical instrument of India. Quite fits her musical talents.
Elton John’s last name seems to have a smelly meaning. A toilet.
“Johnny” is interesting; it is the white, long-sleeved gown with a back opening closed with ties worn by hospital patients.

Joey, of course is found mostly in Australia. It is a baby kangaroo.
Josh is to ridicule in a good-humored way, or to tease jokingly. A good nick for a sanguine person.

Again, my nickname “chit” has its other definitions, it is a short note or a small sum owed for drinks or food, like in a restaurant. It is rarely mentioned, as customers communicating to waiters, raising both hands drawing an invisible rectangle, referring to a “chit.” It is also the small pieces of paper left scattered upon tearing a paper from notebooks. Makes you think that those tiny, seemingly worthless things still has a name! A chit is also a child or an immature, childish girl. I hope that doesn’t have any effect on me!

Do you know of some names with odd implications? Does your name have a story too? Or do you even know where and how your parents got your name? If not yet, find out now!