Regarding the Matter of Names

It's no secret at my house that I've never been crazy about my name. Seeing as both of my parents know this, I feel like can be quite open about this. As long as I'm respectful about it.

And I do try to be respectful.

In fact, now that I'm thinking about this, I'm sure my parents got the idea when I started printing the name "Amy" instead of "Jamie" on my kindergarten papers. I was only five.

So not kidding. I even convinced my teacher that Amy was my real name and Jamie was a nickname. I'm still not sure she believed me.

What's funny about this is that over the years, I've had several dear friends named Amy in my life. It seems that if your name is Amy, you're already one of my best friends.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Do you remember in the Bible how God changes the names of some of His followers? People like Abram and Sarai, Jacob and Simon all experienced this. Where do I go to put my name on this list?

It's not that Jamie is a bad name. No, no, no. It's just that I got tired of everyone saying to me, "Isn't that a boy's name?" or assuming that I was a boy if they saw my name written down.

And then there's the meaning. It comes from the name Jacob, meaning supplanter or trickster. Nope, don't like that one bit.

Where's that name change list again?

I wish my parents could have done something more old-fashioned, Biblical, and/or girly.

Maybe something like: Georgiana Elizabeth Margaret Allison or Cha Cha.

Whaddya think?

Well, maybe not either of those, but I have a whole list that I could run through. Maybe I could just try a new one on every day until I find one that fits.

Brilliant!!

Today, I'm feeling a little more subdued than usual. Hmmm, I think I'll go with Jane. Yes, that's it. Jane. (It truly is one of my faves.)

Oh, and I'll also be taking suggestions from the audience. So feel free to let the comments fly and you can tell me what first names you like for a slightly-kooky mama of four.

PS All of my kids like their names. So there, Mom and Dad!! (Just don't ask me in about ten years...)

PPS If your name is Jamie, too, then I apologize if I hurt your feelings. I think it's a great name. For other people.

Do you like your name? If you could have named yourself, what would it have been?