Who are you?
How do you reply to a question like that?
I have been thinking about names lately. I had never really thought that names meant anything besides that the parents liked the name, so they chose it for their kid. However, several cases of the Lord changing people’s names in the Bible have been brought to my attention over the past week. Why would the Lord bother changing a person’s name if it had no meaning?
In Genesis 17:5-15, the Lord changed Abram (“high father”) to Abraham (“father of a multitude”) and Sarai (“princess”) to Sarah (“mother of nations”). Later in Genesis 32:28, He changes Jacob (“supplanter”) to Israel (“having power with God”). Peter’s name is changed in John 1:42 from Simon (“God has heard”) to Peter (“rock”). There are a few Biblical characters who changed their own names such as Naomi (“beautiful”) who changed her name to Mara (“bitter”) in Ruth 1:20.
There are a few cases of people who were named by God in the Bible such as Ishmael (“God will hear;” Genesis 16:11), Isaac (“he laughs;” Genesis 17:19), Solomon/Jedidiah (Jedidiah means “beloved of the Lord;” 2 Samuel 12:25), Josiah (“Yahweh supports;” 1 Kings 13:2). God has a lot to do. Why would He bother giving someone a specific name if it did not mean anything? I do not think that He would. Therefore, our names have some sort of significance.
Our names can reflect family histories, relationships and sometimes can help us to understand who the Lord made us to be.
Our names, particularly our surnames, are passed on through our families. When someone hears your surname, what does it mean to them? Is it positive? Negative? In some cases, our first or middle names are passed on through our families as well. My name is Carling. Carling itself is not a family name, but it was given to me because it is somewhat like the name “Carly” which is a feminine form of “Charles” which is a family name. It was also my Grandfather’s middle name, and I feel like it connects me to him in a way.
Furthermore, our names have meanings. My full name is Carling Elizabeth Whetter. Carling is a Gaelic name meaning “little champion.” In some languages, adding “little” to a word can be a term of endearment. It could also be interpreted as humility. Elizabeth means “my God is an oath” or “my God is abundance.” A whetter is a knife sharpener, and it reminds me of a verse in Proverbs 27:17 that states, “as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” What can I gather from this?
I am Carling Elizabeth Whetter. I am a beloved champion in Christ blessed by the Lord and called to help sharpen others so that they can be prepared for whatever the Lord calls them to do.
What does your name mean and what does that mean to you? Share this article with the meaning of your name or it comment below.
