Do I fullfill my idenity?

Ann: Ann directly correlates with Channah, which means “grace and favor.” Ann derives from Hebrew and French.

I have been subconsciously trying to connect with this name my entire life. Every since I was a little girl I always prayed for grace. Grace, to me, does not require being rhythmical all the time, but rather being able to prevent one’s self from tumbling completely when tripping. Favor is another word for kindness. I hope more than anything that I have been kind to those around me. As a result, I feel very connected to my name because I feel I have achieved portions of what my name means, but I still have places I wish to improve.

Ruth: Ruth is derived from Hebrew, meaning friend, and from English, meaning compassion.

Once again, I hope and I feel that I have subconsciously integrated the meaning of this name into my life. I place my friends before myself most days, and I try to show compassion towards others through preventing myself from casting judgment onto others.

Chanah: Channah is the Hebrew name for Ann, meaning “He {God} has favored me,” or grace was given to me by my grandfather in remembrance for my great grandmother’s spirit.

I used to hate the name Chanah when I was younger, but because I feel more and more connected with my English name Ann, it has caused me to find meaning in Chanah. Without my great grandmother and without God, I would not be here.

Firestone: The English translation of German and Jewish Feuerstein is Firestone.

This is my mother’s maiden name. For some odd reason she decided I needed to have it as a second middle name. I don’t feel connected to it at all. I just think it’s funny.

Fogler: Fogler stems from the Hebrew root Vogler, which is an occupational name for bird-catcher.

My father is from Hungary, and comes from a Jewish family. To my knowledge, my family does not have a history of working as bird-catchers, but I feel is creates an interesting image. Ridding a bird of its freedom can be compared to ridding a bird of its song. I feel that without my freedom, I would be left tuneless. My voice keeps my world running and without it I would be nameless and lost.

Notes:

-Names compose our identity. Do I live up to my identity? Does Beloved? Is she nameless?