Names and Us

Given how unusual and unique my name is, I am often complimented and asked what it means. This has got me to think and wonder why each of us is named what we are. And, if our name holds any significance in our lives.

It would be a good starting point, if each of us could find out how and why we were given our names.

There are different routes that parents take to name their new born. 

• For some it is the meaning of the word/name that is appealing, 
• For some it is after another person, who the parents admire, whose qualities they wish their child would embody. For instance, naming one’s child after famous people like sports persons, actors etc.
• Some are names after a loved one or family member
• Some are named after Gods or Goddesses
• Some parents are more keen on the way the word sounds or even how it visually looks
• Some choose a name similar or complimenting a sibling
• Some adventurous parents go down the route of wanting to create unique names for their little ones, created from scratch or by combining two words to be meaningful
• Some parents give primacy to astrological & numerological considerations in picking a name
• Some parents decide on a name, based on how their child looks
• Some parents like to combine elements of both their names
• Some want it to begin with a particular alphabet
• Some want a certain number of syllables

And the list may be endless.

Probing further, on why you were named what you were named, may help you understand, what you truly stand for. 

For example, if you were named after your grandfather, try and understand which of his traits your parents admired and wished that you possessed too. 

Don't just stop at “my parents liked the way my name sounded”. Probe further to understand what was the feeling they felt, when they said your name for the first time. Maybe it was a feeling of peace and calm. Maybe they wished that by naming you that, you could potentially have such an influence on everyone around you.

It's these little insights that could help you understand yourself better - from traits that you could naturally possess, or what appeals to you, or maybe even linked to a hidden purpose you are here to fulfil.

For those of you are curious to know how my name 'Alzeyne' came about and what it means. It was a month long effort to arrive at my name. Yes, I wasn't named until I was 1 month old.

The process began by considering my Rashi. For those of you who are unsure about what is a 'Rashi' and its significance in the naming process - Based on the time and place of birth, one falls under a particular moon sign or 'Rashi'. For each moon sign, there are suggested alphabets to be used as the starting letter for babies born under that Rashi. So having worked that out, the letter 'A' was the shortlisted alphabet my name was to begin with. 

Then my dad went through encyclopedia sized books, containing over tens of thousands of names, to try and find a name for me. Nothing seemed to feel right, so then my parents considered 'creating' a name for me, which is unique. They decided to combine two words, to create a name, which they hadn't heard off. 

Al - which means 'the' and 

Zain - which means beauty. 

The next point under consideration was how to spell my name, taking numerology into account. Dad spent a lot of time establishing the best way to spell my name, ensuring it ties in well with the 'vibration' of the birth number. So Zain, was modified to be spelt as Zeyne... and that's how I came to be called Alzeyne

I cannot be more grateful to my parents, especially dad, for one of the most precious gifts he has given to me, my name, Alzeyne. Thank you.

Over the years, the more I thought about my name and its meaning, I realised that my name is in sync, with how I am. I am always on the look out for a combination of qualities to make someone or something truly beautiful. Unfortunately, most people associate beauty with looks but it stands for something much more than external appearances.  Those who can look beyond the obvious, are the one's who not just get me, who I am, what I stand for and what appeals to me etc., and also truly appreciate how 'beautiful' the name 'Alzeyne' is.

I hope this piece inspires you to get to the bottom of why you were named, what you were. And to reflect a little more on why & how you named your children, or intend to in the future.

Much love..

Thank you Rihab and Aditi for encouraging conversations around this subject.