What’s in a Name? Exploring Identity, Connection and Purpose
“To name a thing is to give it life.”
William Thomson: Why Your Name Matters
At Minds Thrive, we often reflect on what it means to feel seen, known, and connected, not only to ourselves but to the world around us. One of the first threads in that journey is our name. It is a gift we receive before we can speak or even remember, and yet it shapes us in ways we don’t always notice.
That’s why we were so delighted to sit down with writer and thinker William Thompson, author of Why Your Name Matters. It was one of those conversations that stays with you long after the microphones are switched off. William’s work unpacks the psychology and significance of names, showing how they shape our identities, our connections, and our sense of belonging.
Identity Begins with a Name
When we think about identity, we picture it as a tapestry, woven from memory, culture, relationships, and values. Names are often the very first thread. They are the way the world greets us, the word that draws our attention, and the sound that can make us feel instantly seen.
As William put it, “Your name connects you to the heart of your namer.” Sometimes it is chosen for meaning or sound, sometimes simply because it “felt right.” Either way, it ties us to the people and places that marked our beginnings.
William shared how his own name connects him to his mother’s stepfather, who loved her like his own. That story resonated deeply, reminding us how a name can carry memory, care, and legacy.
Names as Gateways to Connection
One of our favourite icebreakers is to ask, “What’s the story behind your name?” It’s never just small talk. It invites someone to share a piece of themselves.
Since reading William’s book, Georgina has begun using this question to start conversations. Her own name comes from the Greek for “farmer.” She will happily admit she is hopeless with plants, but William pointed out that her passion lies in helping people grow and thrive, a form of cultivation in its own right.
Names can also be powerful catalysts for belonging. From a wellbeing perspective, simply being recognised by name can strengthen mental health and reduce feelings of isolation. Remembering a name may seem small, but it is an act of care. When we forget, it can feel like a missed opportunity to connect. William candidly admitted he struggles with this himself, and many of us can relate to that feeling.
Stories That Shape Us
Choosing a name for a child is rarely random. It often carries meaning, hope, or family history. William shared examples of names passed down through generations, or inspired by literature and culture.
We were struck by the story of a father who named his daughter Kitty, inspired by Anna Karenina. Later she reimagined it in her own way, identifying instead with Hello Kitty. It’s a reminder that names are not only given but lived into.
We also discussed the complexity of carrying more than one name. One woman William wrote about had two: Befrin, her Swedish name, and Serwa, her Kurdish name meaning “breeze.” Each reflected her parents’ different backgrounds and the dual identities she carried. Names, like identity, can hold tension and beauty at the same time.
When a Name Evolves
Names are not always fixed. They can shift as our identity unfolds. A well-known example is the transition of “Will and Kate” to “William and Catherine” as the Princess of Wales stepped into a new role.
For us, the evolution is more personal. Ruth remembers how, as a child, “Ruth” felt like a name for someone more grounded and sensible than she believed herself to be. Over time she grew into it. Its meaning, “love and friendship,” has always been a comfort, but it took time to embody the qualities she associated with it.
Healing, Purpose, and Beautifying a Name
Some of the most moving stories in William’s book highlight how names can anchor us in healing and purpose. Gary, for instance, had a childhood marked by loss and time in care. When an aunt helped him uncover his family history, it gave him a renewed sense of belonging. That discovery became the foundation for service. He went on to become a councillor, then Lord Mayor, and founded two charities. As he put it, “It’s not about wealth or ambition. It’s about people.”
William also shared the idea of “beautifying” your name, that through our actions we can give others reasons to cherish the name we carry. It is not just about reclaiming or reshaping identity, but about living in a way that adds layers of warmth, meaning, and love to our names.
Final Reflections
Names are far more than labels. They are bridges, inheritances, and invitations. They connect us to those who came before and guide us into who we are becoming.
We are deeply grateful to William Thompson for his wisdom, generosity, and for sparking this rich conversation. If this sparks your curiosity, you can watch the full discussion on our YouTube channel or via our Podcast page, where we explore:
- The psychology of naming
- How names shape identity and connection
- The cultural and emotional power of name
Why your name really does matter
🎧 Watch here → Thrive Talking - The Power of a Name
At Minds Thrive, we believe identity is a journey. Your name is one of its most faithful companions. So, what’s the story behind yours?
By Ruth & Georgina – Minds Thrive
Reference
Thompson, William H. (2023). Why Does Your Name Matter?: Naming, Identity, and an Invitation. WestBow Press.