What's in a Name?

As you know, it's been quite an uphill battle for us to come together on a name we could both agree on.

Derek was very, very insistent on Jude for a long time.

I was very, very insistent that it would NOT be Jude for an even longer time.

So, we compromised--it will not be Jude.

We both really like Gabe. I think it's a cute name. Derek would never agree to it if I told him that's why I like it.

He says a boy's name should be "strong". Apparently only he knows the key syllables that create strength in a name.

Doesn't he know I picked Owen because it was cute?

My name means Noble Strength. I've always thought that was really neat. A very high expectation to live up to.

Derek's name means Ruler of the People. And he says I'm the dominant one?

Ryanna's name as far as I can tell means Sweet Basil. However, some sites say it's a derivative of Rhiannon which means Great Queen or Goddess. I don't know, I like a little sweet basil in my life. Who needs the drama of royalty? We already have one ruler of the people.

Owen--typically I've found that it means "youth," however, one definition says, "born to nobility" and is that not a crazy coincidence given my name definition combined with Derek's?

Now, the name that we both like and agree on is Eli.

Eli, like all of these name definitions, seems to have many interpretations:

1. Height

2. Uplifted

3. Ascended; My God; On High

Apparently all of the definitions appear to be common in going upward anyway. We could use some height in this family.