"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell just as sweet." -William Shakespeare

I've had a fascination with names since I was a little girl. When I was nine, I began writing a list of all the names that I loved for my potential children. Every day--even 10 years later--I am adding and removing names from the list.

I have always loved my name. Ever since I was a little girl. As soon as I was old enough to understand, I asked my mom how she came about choosing my name and what other possibilities were on the list when she was deciding. I never thought about the fact that there were actually people who didn't love their name.

Until a few days ago at work when I heard a coworker say "Doesn't everyone hate their name?"

And I had to stop and listen to the conversation.

Everyone in the group was talking about how much they hated their name and how they had made it known to their mothers that their names were terrible.

Honestly, I felt like I wanted to scream. To think that one day, after 10+ years of consideration, my child would come to me and say, "Hey Mom. I don't know what you were thinking when you named me, but my name is absolutely terrible, and I hate it." That makes me so upset.

Sure, there are some names that I would NEVER name my child. Ever. Some names that I have heard should never even be considered (i.e. Shithead pronounced Shuh-theed or Abcde pronounced AB-suh-dee.)

But really, that's beside the point. Your name is more than just a word. Your name is your identity. From the time your mother chose your name, it has become a term of endearment. When my mom hears my name in a crowd--even if they aren't talking to me--I'm sure she inwardly smiles and thinks of her daughter.

So to turn around and tell her that it's a hideous name? What a shame.

I mean your mother probably poured through tons of baby books, researched meanings, and wracked her brain for nine months to find a name she thought was worthy of her new and precious gift. She knew when she found your name that she would hear it a billion times for the rest of her life.

And she still thought it was beautiful enough for you.

So even if you don't think your name is the best in the world, realize the effort that your mother put into choosing the perfect name for you. Take the time to thank her for her thought in deciding who you were going to be for the rest of your life. And if you don't understand the importance now, maybe you will when you're studying your own baby name books and trying to decide between Elizabeth or Sarah or Maggie or Jade. A lot of time goes into naming a baby, and maybe you'll think about that the next time you go to criticize the name you were given.