William Shakespeare said "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." But I'm not sure everyone would agree. It is rare in our society, with a few exceptions, to get to chose your own moniker. Usually we make do with the names given us just as we live with the physical characteristics we inherit. Except, that is, for bi- or transgendered folks along with assorted others who feel the need, be it emotional or practical, to change or supplement their name(s).
When gender issues arise, especially in the form of feeling the need for expression of one's opposite gender, a concomitant desire to name this alternate presence also emerges. Have you ever wondered how others select names for their femme/butch selves? Somehow I doubt they pick their cousin Edna's or uncle Moe's name, revered as these antecedents may have been. Perhaps they select a pleasant combination of syllables, capitalize it and make it their own. Or maybe they choose the male or female version of their own name.
Or perhaps they do some research and select a name that reflects a trait, historical personage, or ethnicity that has significance. I thought it would be fun to look at the names and their meanings of the officers of DVG and contributors of Devil Woman. Of course I have no way of knowing whether the names used are birth names or adopted in adulthood but the findings may be interesting anyway. When we pick a name do we chose one that reflects us. When one is given to us, do we grow to reflect its meaning? If the latter is so, I need to ponder on the fact that Barbara means "stranger." Hmmmm.
Those of you who are still considering different names may want to think about the meaning or ethnic derivation of ones you favor. Additionally, you may want to select those that sound well with your last name. Did you know that names with unequal numbers of syllables, like Dwight David Eisenhower, are more rhythmically pleasing to the ear?
Much as exotic names may attract you, be prepared for multiple mispronounciations and inquiries such as "where did you get that name?" Also think about what your initials will be. Hauling around a suitcase monogrammed with F.A.T. or D.U.M. may not enhance your image as you might wish. To be au courant consider the 5 most popular girls' names in 1991 -- Ashley, Brittany, Jessica, Sarah and Amanda. At the other end of the spectrum, of the 500 most popular names, the last ranked were Lissette, Demi, Danica, Marilyn and Shirley.
For more information about names, refer to any book of baby names. I used the Consumer Guide's edition of Unusual & Most Popular Baby Names and The Best Baby Name Book In The Whole Wide World by Bruce Lansky.
Dr. Anderson is a therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She can be reached at 415-776-0139.
© 1997 by Barbara Anderson & 3-D Communications, Inc.