The Importance of Names: A Journey Through Family and History

Names hold a special power. They’re more than just a collection of letters; they carry stories, memories, and connections that bind generations together. For me, my name, Laura Evelyn, tells a story of survival, family, and love. And when it came time to name my daughter, Amelia, I found myself continuing a thread woven through time—a thread that connects us to our past and gives meaning to the present.

A Name Given in Love and Hope

When I was born prematurely in 1981, my parents were told to prepare for the worst. Back then, neonatal medicine wasn’t as advanced as it is today, and being born so early was a serious battle. Knowing I might not survive, my parents chose my name with care and intention. They wanted me to carry a piece of my family with me, no matter what happened.

My first name, Laura, was a tribute to my dad’s Auntie Laura, a strong and beloved figure in our family. My middle name, Evelyn, was part of a family tradition—passed down to the oldest girl in each generation. Although I wasn’t the oldest girl in my family, my parents felt it was important for me to carry that name and keep the family line alive on both sides.

For them, my name wasn’t just about honouring our ancestors; it was a declaration of love and hope, a way of saying, you belong here, and you matter.

Naming Amelia: A Beautiful Coincidence

When my husband and I found out we were expecting a baby, we began thinking about names that resonated with us. We both loved the name Amelia—it felt timeless, elegant, and full of possibility. But it wasn’t until after we chose it that we realised just how perfectly it fit.

At Amelia’s 20-week scan, we found out that it was going to be a tough road ahead. Although we had already decided to use my grandmother’s name as her middle name, we also made the decision to honour my husband Ryan’s grandmother who passed away seven years ago by including her name as a second middle name (I do feel sorry for Amelia when she learns how to spell her name). But now, Amelia would have a second guardian angel—well, a third if you count my twin brother, Nicholas, who we know is always watching over us too.

My grandmother passed away 21 years ago next month, and her name felt like a natural match with Amelia’s. Including her name felt like giving Amelia a guardian angel—a connection to someone who would always be watching over her. Adding Ryan’s grandmother’s name made it all the more special, a reflection of both sides of our family coming together to support her.

When we shared our chosen name with my dad, he was amazed. Just weeks earlier, he had been researching our family’s genealogy and discovered something extraordinary. Several generations back, there had been a Great Great Great Aunt Laura—after whom my Great Aunt Laura was likely named. And as if that weren’t enough, Aunt Laura had a daughter named Amelia.

It felt like history was repeating itself in the most beautiful way, as though this name was meant to be all along.

The Legacy of a Name

The connections we discovered through our names have made them even more meaningful to me. They remind me that we are part of something bigger—threads in a tapestry that stretches across generations. Amelia’s name is not just a name; it’s a gift of family, history, and love.

Every time I say her name, I’m reminded of the strong women who came before her and the incredible legacy they’ve left behind. It’s a legacy I want her to carry forward, not just in name but in the values, strength, and resilience they embodied.

What’s in a Name?

When Juliet said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” she was pondering the meaning behind the labels we give one another. But for me, a name is so much more than a label. It’s a way of anchoring ourselves to our past, celebrating the present, and carrying hope into the future.

Through my own name and now Amelia’s, I’ve come to understand just how much power and meaning can be packed into those few letters. They’re a connection to those who came before us and a gift to those who come after. And that’s a legacy worth cherishing.

If you enjoyed reading this and would like to hear more personal stories about family, parenting, and connection, please like and subscribe to my blog. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of names, family, and the little miracles that make life extraordinary.

Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.