Oh what's in a name?

My name is a constant cause of confusion. But like all things in my life, if it wasn't so complicated, it would be downright boring, and goodness knows I wouldn't want that! I kinda like it - it's one of the things that make me unique. Most people don't even know this about me. So just to clear the air, here's the scoop:

My full name is Amanda Patricia Doreen Harper, but I've gone by Amy since I was 8. Yeah, I have 4 names and I go by another one all together. See, my mom originally wanted to name me Amy, after her great grandmother, Amy Overend Wade. My dad thought it was too short, so they agreed on Amanda. Well when I was old enough to know the story, and know what was best, I decided that everyone should call me Amy. I thought it was more glamorous or something. I was a Diva child and I knew everything. Hello?

We moved and I started at a new school, so my parents let me decide what I would go by. I still remember the first time I introduced myself as Amy. Before long, that's what everyone - even my family - called me. Amanda is a formality. Amy is who I am.

However, something strange has happened since I have been living in France. The people here call me Amanda. Shocking, I know.

There are a couple reasons for this: First, there is so much paperwork and legal mumbo jumbo and bureaucracy here, that it wasn't worth the complication of going by another name. I also didn't feel like explaining why every time.

Second, Amy just never comes out right in a french accent. It always sounds a little painful, with emphasis on all the wrong sounds. On the contrary, Amanda, which sounds kinda whiney in American accents, flows beautifully in the many European dialects I hear everyday (french, italian, spanish, even british). The name can be found in virtually any language too, so I feel an instant connection to my hotel guests. And my coworkers have begun using variances like Amandalire, Amandita, and Amandina. I LOVE that, mostly because I feel like they are adopting me into their cultures. The funniest part is that I respond to Amanda in a european accent, but I don't recognize it in standard american. I know, I'm strange...

My names come from the Latin word “amare,” which is the verb “to love.” Amy means 'Beloved.' Some related names are: Aimee, Aimie, Aimy, Aimée, Ama, Amada, Amanda, Amata, Amber, Amecia, Amee, Amelia, Ami, Amia, Amiah, Amice, Amie, Amil, Amita, Ammie, Amya, Amye, Amé, Aymee, Aymi, Emily, Emma, Esma, Esmé (notice Amanda is in there people? Amy is a completely justifiable derivative of Amanda.)

This was on a card my Grandma Harper Sent me during my mission. It's crazy close to who I am at heart.

"Amy's most important quest in life is to fulfill all her dreams, from the simplest to the most

extravagant.

She sets goals and reaches them, whether she lays out a rigid plan or acts in the spur of the moment.

She will realize that fairy tales come true, as she lives a love story as profound as her intuition and generosity.

Though she is involved in countless activities and projects, she always makes time for her friends and loved ones.

She showers those dear to her heart with affection and niceties.

She is a beautiful soul who wins every one's respect and admiration, and truly deserves all the love that she receives."

I love that! It's like reading into my soul. It inspires me to reach for my true potential (in combination with the revelations of my Patriarchal blessing, of course).

So what's in a name? I don't know exactly, but I do know that they say a lot about who you are. I think they are meant for us as individuals, and that they are divinely inspired. They are a part of who we are, not just a title. And I have 2. Doesn't that tell you something else about me...?