Choosing a Name

Choosing a name for my daughter was something I took very seriously. It was very important for me to keep Almaz as part of her name but it was also important to me that I honor my family in some way and that I pay attention to the meaning of the name. However, other considerations came to mind like the fact that I became a mother in February. February, the month of love in the middle of the winter. And another consideration was the fact that the first thing I thought of when I saw her was that she had bright eyes. Whenever people see her photo they almost always comment on her eyes. "Look at those eyes!" is a phrase I have heard many times. And finally, I wanted to simply use a name that I like! Well, as you can see, that's a lot factors to be part of one little girl's name!

* use Almaz
* honor family
* consider names with meaning
* consider becoming a mother in February
* my first thought of her bright eyes
* a name that I like

Clearly I had some narrowing down to do! I couldn't give her 6 names, she's not Tikki Tikki Tembo!

Names in my family of importance begin with L, E and M. Names that I liked with those initials included (but were not limited to) Lauren, Leila, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Miranda and Madeline.

Names with meaning that I love include Amanda (much loved), Evelyn (desired), Gabriella (God is my strength), and Miriam (wished for child).

February brought to mind names like Neve (snow in Latin), Zaria (rose in Arabic), Ruby, Rose and Winter.

Her eyes led me to discover names like Claire (bright in French), Nayana (beautiful eyes in Hindi) and Najila (bright eyes in Arabic).

And then there were just names that I liked like Quinn, Brooklyn, Samantha, Priya and Grace.

When I first started the process of choosing a name I shared some of the ones I liked with friends and family and you wouldn't believe how cruel people were! I heard comments like, "that's ghetto" or "sounds like a stripper" or "not resume-friendly" or "I'm not a fan." I quickly learned not to share.

Well, after lots and lots and lots of deliberation, I am here to say I have chosen a full name. Here are some hints:

** The first name is 3 syllables. I love it and it has special meaning. It begins with an N.
** The second name is listed above. No more clues.
** The third name means diamond in Amharic. :-)

Care to make a guess?

It bears noting that I am quite fond of the name Almaz and think its meaning is special. I may in fact just call her Almaz or perhaps a combination of the names I have chosen. What she will go by will be officially determined once I meet her.

(And Robyn, you can not guess since you found out already! :-D)