When the standard child is born, they are the beneficiary of an abundance of gifts.
Before leaving the hospital, they are swaddled in clean clothing and blankets with soft silk patches and given a beanie to wear over their heads for warmth. These small contributions are overshadowed by the seemingly endless registry gifts that were given to their parents on their behalf prior to their first second on earth--the "Mommy's Little Boy" or "Daddy's Princess" onesies, Pack 'n Plays, mounds of diapers, etc.
However, do you want to venture a guess of what is the most important gift you receive when you're born? Your surname (not to downplay your parents' decision on your first name, as I'm sure there's a perfectly meaningful reason why your given name is what it is). I know, that's so boring. But, think about it for a second...
Your surname is representative of who you are, where you came from. Your surname has been passed through generations and was held by people who strived and worked for what you have throughout your childhood. Your surname has stories to tell, lessons to teach.
It doesn't matter if your surname isn't Trump or Clinton or Rockefeller or what have you. Just because your last name isn't something that is well known historically doesn't mean your name doesn't hold significance.
Take my last name, Rozzi, for example. According to House of Names, "Rozzi" was first found in various parts of Italy including early reference in Emilia-Romagna, Venice, Bologna, as well as Lombardy and Tuscany. "Rozzi" comes from the Italian word "ricco" meaning "curly." "Rozzi" most likely referred to someone with curly hair.
As much as I would love to harp on the possibility of my surname meaning "curly," I know it has far greater significance (to me at least).
To me, "Rozzi" stands for someone exemplary of perseverance, hard work, and accountability. For someone that others can count on for words of wisdom in times of trouble. For someone that is willing to fight tirelessly for something they believe in, despite perhaps being wrong from time to time.
What I'm getting at here is this: don't discredit yourself because of the surname you were ascribed when you were born. Just because your name isn't tied to a famous family or to millions in offshore accounts doesn't mean your name doesn't mean something.
It means a lot. And, the beauty of it is: no one else has to understand why.
