What is in a name?

In reporting the year 2016, a firm of some of my learned friends said they are grateful that despite the challenges of the year, they have reached the 2016 finish line, smiling as Usain Bolt. I quickly checked on the name Usain Bolt and was amazed that the young man is regarded as the fastest human ever timed. Wikipedia says he is the first man to hold both the 100 metres and 200 metres world records and due to his unprecedented dominance and achievements in the athletic field, he is widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time.

Interestingly, the young man’s surname says it all. BOLT. A quick check on one dictionary reveals that -- to bolt is to run as quickly as you can.

Have you heard of anyone named Abraham or Ibrahim? The name means father of nations. Someone who bore this name in ancient times really fulfilled, whilst many have not lived up to the expectation implied by this name despite the great opportunities afforded them!

How about Trump? Trump as a name has an old history of referring to trumpeters or makers of trumpets. In ordinary use however, to trump is to outrank or defeat someone or something, often in a highly public way. In the card game bridge, the trump card is the most powerful card in a particular round and defeats all the others.  Originally trump implied a deceptive form of victory involving cheating, but that sense has been largely lost, though it's still around in the term trumped up, meaning something that's been falsely made up. For example, a politician may face trumped up charges that could ruin his career.

I can go on. But what I wish to say is that the name we bear is not just a coincidence. We are what our name says! No wonder some who have been deeply moved have had to change their names and thereby often change their lives!

Let us therefore pay closer attention to our names, first names and surnames inclusive. They hold the key to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Our names can guide, admonish and ultimately help us as we strive to fulfill the very purpose of our present lives on earth!