Introduction

What's in a name? A name has feelings, history, memories, and relationships to one's culture. What is the meaning of your name? During the next two class periods, you will have the opportunity to discover a little more about this important part of your identity.

The Task

Using both primary and secondary resources, you will investigate the meaning and history of your name. Once you have gathered the necessary information, you will create a poem that reveals the history and meaning of your name, as well as your feelings and memories related to that name.

The Procedures

• It is time to investigate your name with members of your family.Write down at least two questions that you could ask a family member that would help you determine how this name became your own. You can ask about your first, middle, and/or surname. Your homework this evening will be to ask these questions to one or more family members and record their responses.

• Using the World Wide Web, investigate the meaning and origin of your first and last name. The resources below provide lists and searchable databases that have a large number of first names and surnames. However, it is possible that you may not be able to find both your first and your last names. If your name does not appear on any of the sites listed, you may utilize primary research to help discover the meaning of your name.You could also consider referring to a baby naming book available at public libraries and bookstores. As you find the meaning and origin of your name, record it on your notebook paper. Try to compare the meaning listed at one site with the meaning listed at another site. This will help validate the information. Please note: you are only to use the name locating features of these sites.

 

World Wide Web Resources

BabyNamer.com - 21,000 name searchable database for first names  Baby Center Baby Name Finder - Searchable database of first names. Parenthood.com Baby Name Search - Searchable database of first names. Stork Avenue Baby Namer - Searchable database of first names. Baby Names Around the World - Listing of first names by country of origin  Behind the Name - Alphabetical list of the etymology and history of first names  African Names - Alphabetical list of African names and their meanings  Indian Baby Names -Alphabetical list of Indian names and their meanings. Indian Baby Names - Search or list of Indian names and their meanings. Chinese Names for Girls - List of Chinese names and their meanings. The Meaning of Arabic Names - Alphabetical list of Muslim and Islamic names  Japanese Baby Names - An article explaining the meaning of Japanese names  Hebrew Names - Article on Jewish naming customs  Glossary of Last Name Meanings and Origins Last Name Meanings

• You have found out more about the meaning of your name. Now, it is time for you to think about how you feel about your name. Take some time to do some freewriting about your name. Do you think the meaning is an accurate reflection of who you are? Do you like the way your name sounds? What memories do you have involving your name? Is it hard to pronounce? Were you ever teased because of your name? Find a comfortable place to sit and let your mind go.

• The time has come to put this all together. Using the information you have gathered, write a poem that reveals the history and meaning of your name, as well as your feelings and memories related to that name. In the poem, specific details and images should be used to create a real sense of what this name means to you.

Your name project will be evaluated using a rubric.