Tuesday 28 January 2014

What's in a Name?

Does your name or the sign you were born under really influence your character? I mulled this over for many, many months when I was choosing names for my little angels. I knew I wanted names that stood the test of time and not be indicative of any period of history. It was also a challenge to choose a name that didn't remind me of any of my former students. The process was long, combing through endless books and pulling together different combinations that would roll of the tongue and sound poetic. I was told to "choose wisely" since a name could dictate what your child's future calling would be.

But how much of this is true? Influence character? Really? The same is said about zodiac signs, both Western and Eastern.
 
Audrey come from Old English, meaning "noble strength" and was wildly popular in the early part of the 20th century between 1901 and 1913, which would explain why, as I grew up, the only other "Audreys" I met were grey haired ladies with a million stories to share. As I explained in my post, Does Hair Colour Really Matter?, I was absolutely distraught in those first few years of school with such an old fashioned name. It wasn't until I started University that I had a real appreciation for it. One of the most glamourous and sophisticated actresses of all time bore the same moniker. When people would ask me my name, I would simply reply, "Audrey...like Hepburn" and it made me feel just as glam and classy as she was. Maybe it did influence my behaviour? Hmmm....
 
Here are some famous Audreys: 
Audrey Hepburn - Actress
Audrey Tatou - Actress
Audrey Malte - the illegitimate daughter of Henry VIII
Audrey Faith Hill (yes the country singer)
Little Audrey - the cartoon
Audrey - from As You Like It - the country wench
Audrey - the man eating plant in Little Shop of Horrors (kinda like this one)
 
What about my zodiac sign? I am a Scorpio and I have always shared that information with no reluctance. I began reading up on astrology in my teens and found that the descriptives used to illustrate a Scorpio were bang on when applied to me. Scorpio is the 8th sign of the zodiac and is one that is not to be taken lightly.  We see things as black and white and have absolutely no room for the grey area. We love and live passionately, pushing ourselves and taking chances whenever opportunity presents itself.  Fear is something that doesn't deter us but pushes us harder to overcome it. There is a certain air of mystery about Scorpios since they don't open up to many.  Determined, dedicated and loyal, these are people you want by your side but be careful because if you ever betray one, their stinger comes out. 

So let's look at my Chinese sign. Not the sexiest sign...I am the Pig. While the pig is the most generous and honourable of the signs, it is still a bit embarrassing to reply to the question "What is your Chinese zodiac?"  I mean, how do you make Pig sound good? (*oink* perhaps) People born in the year of the Pig are perfectionists. Helping others is a pleasure for them but they can be taken advantage of. They are highly intelligent (yay me!) and always want to see the positive not the negative. Pigs love to play and probe in their quest for greater knowledge. Possessing hearts of gold, they have an insurmountable love of family and make wonderful life partners. Not so bad being a Pig when you take all this into consideration!

Audrey the Scorpion Pig. That is who I am. These nouns are supposed to have influenced my character and made me the person I am today. But I'd like to think that no matter what my name was or if I were born 4 days earlier under the sign of Libra or born in the year of the Dog, it wouldn't change who I am. 

After all, an Audrey by any other name is still....ME!


Tell me...do you think that your name has influenced your character and position in life?

8 comments:

  1. Hmmm. This is an interesting question! Believe it or not, I've wondered the same thing. Had I gone by Liz instead of Beth (for Elizabeth) would that have impacted my personality development in any way? Or if I wasn't a Sagittarius. It's cool to think about. I'm not sure my Chinese sign. I think I looked it up before and was a dog or something horrific. Lol.

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    1. Beth, Liz, Elizabeth, dog, tiger, snake, aries or gemini, I still think you are AWESOME!!! hugs :)

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  2. I give incredible validation in my own personal life to astrology and numerology! Do I read my horoscope every day? No, I haven't looked at for years. I had my numerology chart done in the 80's and it was spot on accurate. I started reading Linda Goodman's books and became even more intrigued. Again, I do not consciously think about it every day. But, I find the topic and discussion absolutely fascinating. Great post, Audrey! I am the the Taurus Dog :)

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    1. Mike - the Taurean Dog (love it!) - I have friends that use astrology and numerology to explain everything that happens in their life. I find the topic very interesting and there is something mystical and magical about believing that these outside forces of energy and stars aligning help form our personalities. All that I have read about the Scorpio and the Pig are pretty accurate when it comes to my personality. Thanks for the feedback on the post!

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  3. We're the same girl, Pigs! oink. Check out the element, I'm a metal Pig

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    1. Scorpion Pigs rule! I believe I am a metal pig too! Will have to read more on what the element means...thanks for pointing that out!

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  4. Names matter. Had you been named Jennifer or Michelle or Zephania, those names would have shaped your personality.

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    1. or Athena? I wonder what would have happened then? :)

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