Writing Assignment: Write About Your Name

by Randy Murray on March 11, 2011

Names have an interesting magic. Our name are a label we carry with us through life. For the most part they’re assigned by others, by history, by chance. But each of us has a choice in how we shape our names for others.

And therein lies a story.

Many stories, actually. There’s the story of how you were named and what each part of you name signifies for yourself and your family.  There’s the story of how your name has shaped you, how other people react to your name. And there’s the story of how you shaped your name to fit your life and how that may have changed as your life changed. There’s a lot of potential in just your own name.

For today’s assignment, tell a story about your name.  Keep it simple, short, but be specific and as detailed as you can. And remember, this is a personal story, so try and give up something of yourself in the telling of it.

Here’s my example:

Please, call me Randy.

I’ve always preferred that to the more formal “Randal” in person. I even use Randy on my business cards and correspondence, too. But that wasn’t the way I did it for most of my career. I’d use the full “Randal T. Murray” and it’s surprising how well that name sticks with people. Maybe it’s because it’s symmetrical. Or maybe because of that strong consonant, the powerful “T” is right there in the middle. Maybe because of “James T. Kirk” and my open trekkish fandom.

I’ve used my full name proudly all my life and still sign my name that way, or would if my signature were more than a scrawl. It’s a good strong name.

But it’s Randy to you. I think it sounds friendly and open. And that’s how I try to live my life and operate my business dealings. It’s just me. Just Randy. I think it’s more personal and informal and that matches my life these past few years. I don’t often wear a tie, I don’t go into an office, but I’m happy to work with you.

And that’s just fine with me.

 

You may leave your completed assignment in the comments section below.

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