Lydia: Does it suit me?
I’ve spent pretty much my entire life not in love with my name. I think that most people go through a period of their life when they feel like they wish they could change their name. For a time, I wanted to go by my middle name. I thought “Anne” had a nice ring to it. I wished my name was like the rest of my friends: Jennifer, Emily, Kate.
Having a name like Lydia always bugged me because it just sounded so old. When I found out that my great aunt’s first name was really Lydia, it made sense. She was old. She bought one small box of fried chicken for a family of seven with two teenage boys. Old.
And that’s what I always felt my name represented. Old lady.
Even trying to have a nickname from my name was weird. Lyd. Like something you put on the top of a can (didn’t help that my BFF through middle and high school was Candace — so Lyd and Can? Urg).
But maybe my name would mean something that fit me.
My husband is Aaron. His name means “high mountain” or “exalted.” That’s fancy. That’s strong.
My name?
It means, “from Lydia.” Like, literally. It means, “from Lydia.”
Image from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lydia_original_area_of_lydia.jpg
So no, that doesn’t fit me. I’m not from Lydia. I was born at Andrews AFB and have lived in a handful of other states. I lived in Germany for a little bit, but no where near the great land of Lydia.
There was a famous, Biblical Lydia. She was a seller of purple cloth who was converted to Christianity by Paul. The only similarity I have with this lady is that I like purple. But, I don’t know any Pauls, and I didn’t have to be converted.
Image courtesy http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Women_in_a_purple_dress_P%C3%A1l_Szinyei_Merse.jpg
So, no, my name doesn’t fit me. If I could go by meaning alone, I’d choose one of these names for me:
Blagica — means “blessed”
Frideswide — means “peace” and “strong”
Mehetabel — means “God makes happy”
Okay wait. Maybe I’ll stick with Lydia.
I agree! Stick with Lydia!! My best friend’s daughter is named Lydia and she’s only 8. Maybe it’s making a comeback. And I am ever so delighted to discover that we share a middle name, and that you spell it correctly!!
We just find more and more in common, don’t we? 🙂
I’m partial to the name Lydia, because I had an aunt named that. Except they pronounced it Ly-Da (two syllables) which makes no real sense. Anyway, it is a beautiful name, and much preferred to Frideswide 😉
I have always really liked the name Lydia! Honestly, it was the name of my favorite teacher’s daughter, and I just thought she was awesomeness in human form 🙂
I think I would like it on someone else. But, I think many of us just simply dislike our names. I can only hope my kids are ok with the names we gave them!
I have to say that I like Lydia….although I can see why you might have rebelled against it when you are younger. I wouldn’t say it is an “old” name, but it is kind of an adult name.
Definitely an adult name. And the only options for nicknames are pretty limited. “Lyd” is ok. Some people have tried to call me “Liddie.” I HATE that one. 🙂
I’m happy to start calling you Frideswide! It has a beautiful ring to it! 😉
It is becoming, isn’t it?