What's in a Name?

Since my referral, I’ve gotten a few questions about Libby Doodle Doo’s proper name (Elizabeth Flinn). I thought I’d share my thinking about why I selected the names for both her and her big sister. When you think about it – naming our children is one of the first important decisions that each of us makes as parents.

So How Did I Pick Their Names?

First, I’ve always loved the idea of using family names when naming children. I’ve liked this practice since I was a teenager and first got interested in genealogy and my own heritage. I see each of us as the sum total of all of our ancestors who have come before us. I loved the idea of carrying on the essence of one of these ancestors by passing on his/her name to a child.

When I decided to adopt, I became more attached to the idea of using family names for my children. After all, the girls are not connected to my DNA. I thought that by giving them the names of my ancestors, I was making a symbolic and profound connection between my past and their future. This idea became more relevant when I decided to adopt from China and I realized how important ancestors are in Chinese culture.

What about their Chinese Names?

Second, since I was adopting children who had already been named, I had to decide how to treat their Chinese names. I know some adoptive parents use a child’s Chinese name with no changes. I know many others who incorporate a portion of the Chinese name into the middle name. Each of these families makes the decision that feels right for them.

For me – I wanted to keep the Chinese name intact and untouched and still give them an American name that connects them to me. Zo Peep and I talk about her Chinese name and her American name. China gave her the Chinese name; I gave her the American name. We see each of those names standing equal and independent of each other. I realize that some day one or both of my girls may decide to use their Chinese names instead of their American names. I can accept that.

The Story of Their American Names

So what are the names that I gave to my girls? Drum roll please -- I named my first born "Zofia Evans G." and -- as you all know -- I named my second born "Elizabeth Flinn G".

Zo Peep’s name is a combination of my Dad’s Grandmothers’ names. Her first name (the eastern European version of Sophia) came from Dad’s maternal Grandmother. Her middle name is the maiden name of his paternal Grandmother.

With Libby Doodle Doo, I decided to honor my Mom’s Grandmothers in the same way. Her first name came from Mom’s maternal Grandmother. Her middle name is the married name of my Mom’s paternal Grandmother (and, therefore, my Mom’s maiden name). I do think that "Elizabeth" is a big name for such a little girl. I plan to reserve “Elizabeth” for awhile – and wait until Libby Doodle Doo grows into it. Until then, I’m planning to use“Eliza” as her proper name.

Nicknames -- Love 'em or Hate 'em

I'm not a huge fan of nicknames. My family LOVES nicknames. My family started calling Zo Peep “Zoey” from the get-go. Zo Peep adores this name. When we were waiting for Libby Doodle Doo, Zo Peep asked me what her nickname would be. I gave her a laundry list of possible nicknames – Liz, Lizzy, Libby, Babette, etc. She picked “Libby” as soon as she heard it. That’s all my family is calling my baby now.

. . . And Now a Word From Our Sponsor

I just got the hand-painted wooden letters (shown above) to hang in the girl's bedroom and in their attic playroom. Aren't they great!! I love how whimsical and colorful they are. I'll take photos of them in the rooms once I have them installed.