What's in a name?

Each of your actions attaches itself to your name.

Have you noticed that through the years, styles of names have changed? Depending on which culture or society you live in, your name will be different. But what about the meanings of these names? In Bible times, every name had a deeper meaning. Consider these early English names of monarchs:

Charles the Simple, Son of Louis the Stammerer. So called for his policy of making concessions to the Norse invaders rather than fighting. 

Louis the Sluggard, noted for his self-indulgence, he ruled from 986 to 987 over the Franks.

Ethelred the Unready (968-1016) so called because of his inability to repel the Danish invasion of England. At first he paid tribute to the Danes, but their raids continued and he was forced to abandon England for Normandy in 1013. Those who are more generous call him Ethelred the ill-advised.

Louis the Fat, like his father, was obese. At the age of 47 because of his extreme corpulence, he was unable to mount his horse.

These rulers’ names meant something. They were labeled because of their actions or appearances. Every time someone mentioned their name, others were reminded of their characteristics.

Have you ever wondered what others think when someone says your name? Not meaning to be concerned with the opinion of others, but what kind of reputation does your name carry with it?

If I said Abraham, what would you think of? Many people would think of his faith to lay Isaac on the alter. What if I said David? Most would think of a king after God’s own heart. What about Daniel? Many would remember his faith in the face of the lions’ den. These men were known by their characteristics and their actions.

Your name does say a lot about you. Not just your physical name, but the reputation or character your name carries. How you act and what you do will be carried along with your name. Think of the power a single name carries!

Source: dailyintheword.org, December 23, 2008