(BLACK PR WIRE) July 12, 2009 -- Sarah, lady or princess; Bernadette, bold as a bear; Patricia, of noble descent; do you know the meaning behind your name? Where is your name originated from? Was it inherited from your grandparents or better yet ancestors further back? Stop and take a second to think about your name. In a family conversation, ask your parents where your name came from. Usually, parents name their children after their own parents or grandparents as a result to keep a certain name in the family or they name their children after a place or a loved friend.

When choosing a name for their children, some parents look for bold meanings behind the names. They search for a name that stands for something, as if the name will determine the fate of the child. Although a strong name will not decide the destiny of a child, giving your baby a name that is close to your heritage may encourage your child to embrace his or her culture. Many African Americans stay close to their heritage by naming their children after their ancestors. Presumed to be a boy, my parents did not have any girls’ name prepared for me. However, they did not have to search very far. I inherited the name Celine from grandmother.

In “Where the Heart Is,” a movie about a very pregnant 17-year-old, played by Natalie Portman the main character is abandoned by her boyfriend at a Wal-Mart and subsequently lives there for a time. This movie features a scene in which the teenager has to choose a name for her baby. Character Moses Whitecotton, played by African American actor Keith David, suggests that main character Novalee Nation avoid names with no significance and give her unborn baby a strong name; a name that means something. She takes this advice and names her baby Americus which means royalty.

My name is very important to me because it came from my beloved grandmother. How significant is your name to you? After reading this, do a little research on your family background and find out where your name came from if you have not already done so already.