MEANINGS OF NAMES
The meanings of names have fascinated me, but I didn’t always choose my children’s names based on the meaning. There was a time when a person’s name pretty much described who they were. Yet, I wonder what the parents actually had in mind when they named their children. They had no way of knowing whether or not the name would fit them throughout their lives.
What is in a name
Are we bound to its meaning
For identity
Each name has meaning
Though we may be unaware
Of our own true name
Do you like your name
Does it represent you well
Or miss completely
We have given names
Chosen by our moms and dads
What influenced them?
A family name
Passed down through generations
It could be special
I do like my name
Derived from both my parents
James, Gay – Jamie Gayl
Jamie originally comes from James and means the same as Jacob – supplanter, which according to Rhymezone, means “one who wrongfully or illegally seizes and holds the place of another.” I don’t particularly like that definition, so I always think of my father instead, who was a kind, generous man.
When I looked up the meaning of my middle name, I couldn’t find one with the same spelling. There is a reason for my unusual spelling – Gayl. My parents just added an “l” to my mom’s, which kept it simple. The closest I could find is spelled, Gayle.
The website, She Knows, says it comes from the Hebrew name, Abigail, and means my father rejoices, father’s joy or gives joy. Most others I checked had similar definitions. What I like is that my name reminds me of both of my parents who are no longer with us.
THE MOST POWERFUL NAME
There is One who is exalted above all others. We have a glimpse of who it is from Isaiah:
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Jesus fulfilled many prophecies and is now at God’s right hand, interceding for all those who believe on His name, those who know Him as Savior and Lord. In fact, one day, everyone will bow down before Him, the King of kings and Lord of lords. His is the name above all names.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
Philippians 2:9-11
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Day 11 of #write28days word prompt is the word, name.
Oh Gayl your poem is so amazing! It really rings so true to all we think about our names. I’m so thankful that the Lord knows the true meaning of our name. And His is highest of all!! May I praise His name forever!
Bettie, thank you so much! You are one who really shines the light of Jesus, showing us that He is highest of all and worthy of praise. Blessings and love to you, dear sister! xoxo
I didn’t know your name was also Jamie. My mother’s name was Jamie, and my middle name is Gail. 🙂 So we share even more in common than I knew. So grateful to be able to call on the name of Jesus anytime day or night!
That’s interesting, Lisa! I didn’t know your mother’s name was Jamie or you middle name was Gail. It’s cool how we keep finding things in common. And yes, I, too, am grateful that we can call on the name of Jesus anytime. He’s always ready to hear us. Blessings to you, my friend! xo