Names are more than just something we answer to—they carry history, meaning, and a sense of belonging. For many families, names are passed down through generations, not just as a tribute but as a way of keeping loved ones and family connections alive. They link us to the past and, sometimes, to stories we never even knew existed.
In my family, names have always had deep significance. My first name, Laura, was chosen in honour of my great auntie on my dad’s side. But it’s my middle name, Evelyn (Eve-Lyn), that carries an even deeper weight. In my family, Evelyn is always reserved for the first girl—a tradition passed down for generations.
But I wasn’t the first girl. I was the second. Born 12 weeks early, my survival was uncertain, and my parents had no idea if I would make it. In that moment of uncertainty, they made a choice—to connect me to our family history, ensuring that I was part of something bigger, no matter what happened. And so, I was given the name Evelyn. It was their way of saying, You belong. You are part of us. You are loved.
A Name for Nicholas
This connection through names was just as important when my twin brother, Nicholas, was born. My parents knew that he would not survive, but they wanted to make sure that even in his short life, he was woven into our family’s story. His middle name, Wyn, was another family name—one that was traditionally given to the first-born boy on my dad’s side.
Even though my parents knew they would have to say goodbye, they still gave him a name that tied him to the family—one that would honour his place in our history. It was an act of love, of recognition, of saying, “You matter. You are one of us.”
A Hidden Family Connection
When we found out we were having Amelia, my dad had a surprising reaction. He said, Oh my God!—which, of course, got our attention immediately. When we asked him why, he told us that he had recently been researching our family tree.
He had no idea how many generations back it went, but he had discovered that there was another Auntie Laura in our family’s past. Even more incredible? She had a daughter named Amelia.
Without even realising it, we had unknowingly continued a family tradition. Amelia was, in a way, already part of our family’s history before she was even born. It was a moment of pure connection—one of those serendipitous discoveries that makes you feel like some things in life are just meant to be.
Amelia’s Name on Ryan’s Side
But the story didn’t stop there. After Amelia was born, we sadly attended Ryan’s grandfather’s funeral. While speaking with family members, we learned something remarkable—Amelia was also a family name on Ryan’s side.
It was incredible to realise that her name held meaning on both sides of her family. Even though we had thought we were simply choosing a name we loved, it turned out that we were unknowingly honouring both our family histories.
A Tribute to Her Grandmothers—Two Guardian Angels
Amelia’s name carries even more love and legacy. Her middle name was chosen to honour both of her grandmothers, ensuring that she carried a piece of them with her always.
But this choice went deeper than just tradition. When Amelia was born, we weren’t sure of her future. Having already faced loss, we knew the uncertainty that comes with premature birth, and we wanted her to have two guardian angels watching over her. Naming her after her grandmothers was our way of surrounding her with love, even in the moments when we felt powerless.
It was our way of saying, No matter what happens, you are never alone. You are protected, you are loved, and you have the strength of generations before you.
Why Family Names Matter
Names are more than just words; they are stories, connections, and memories woven into our lives. Some families pass down names intentionally, while others—like us—discover later that they’ve continued a tradition without even realising it.
In times of uncertainty, names can provide comfort and a sense of belonging. For my parents, giving me Evelyn and my brother Wyn was their way of ensuring that we were always connected to our family, even in the hardest moments. And for Amelia, her name has now taken on even more significance—not just as a name we loved, but as a link to her ancestors.
The Names We Pass Down
As a parent, I now understand even more deeply the importance of choosing a name. It’s not just about finding something that sounds beautiful—it’s about giving our children a piece of their history, a connection to something greater than themselves.
Some families honour their heritage by passing down first names, some choose middle names with meaning, and others follow unique cultural traditions. No matter how we do it, names have a way of carrying the love and stories of those who came before us.
For us, the discovery of Amelia’s name in both sides of our family and the decision to give her her grandmothers’ names was a reminder that we are always connected to those who came before us, even when we don’t realise it.
And now, when I look at Amelia, I don’t just see my daughter. I see a piece of history, a name carried through generations, a child held by the love of those who came before her. She is surrounded by the strength of her family—and no matter what, she will always have her guardian angels watching over her.
Do You Have a Family Name Tradition?
I’d love to hear from you! Does your family have a tradition when it comes to naming children? Have you ever discovered a surprising name connection in your family history?
Share your story in the comments! And if this post resonated with you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to my blog for more reflections on parenthood, family, and the connections that shape us.
What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
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