Most people go around their whole lives not knowing that the significance of their name has a great bearing on who they are and who they will become. There are whole libraries dedicated to the etymology (study of origins of words) and onomastics (study of proper names) research of names. I am a true believer that a strong name develops a strong individual. With this in mind, I have researched the names of those in my extended family, since we are numerous enough to nicely fill in a page; I will ask that you patiently go down the list. I hope this is a blessing to my family individually and collectively.
Our matriarch, Antonia, a very strong name indeed. It means Praiseworthy and Priceless. The Queen Bee of the Family. Very appropriate. Very popular in Greece and Italy; of Spanish and English origin.
Next comes our second mother, Aida. She is the eldest of us eleven. The one who took it upon herself to care and watch over us as we multiplied around her. I could never be able to tell her how much I truly love and appreciate her. Aida means Helper, Happy Bearer and Wealthy. It is mostly found in Latin America, of Spanish, French, Italian and English origin.
Lillian is no longer with us. Extremely bright and beautiful. We lost our dear sister in 1994, a victim of her own vices. She is sorely missed. Lillian is a blend of Lilli and Ann. Of English Origin.
Now the third child Marilyn, she is quite a character. Prone to exaggerating every single little thing and lives in constant dramatization of her life and those around her. Marilyn means descendant of Mary and is derived of the name Mary; which means "wished for child." Origin: Israeli, Hebrew and English.
Edwin's name is quite interesting. It means Prosperous Friend, Rich in Friendship or Happy Friend. He certainly has lived his life with gusto. It is of English and German origin.
Vernon. Now his name does fit him quite well. Vernon means, Youthful and Young at Heart, Alder Tree Grove; an Aristocratic name brought fought to England from Normandy. Vernon has always had a smile on his face and laughter has always followed him around. Found largely in Latin America; of French and English origin.
Now, Juan, spanish for John, was truly a wonderful surprise. I had no idea it meant "God is Gracious" and a "Gift from God." I can't wait to tell my brother. He needs to hear this now. Mostly found in Spanish countries; Juan is of Hebrew origin.
Benigno is a derivative of Benign which means Good. Also found it to mean Friendly and Kind. I love my brother Benny, he is truly kind and very intelligent. The first of the Echevarrias. The head of our clan. Origin: Italy.
Elvis means Wise and Sage. Elve wise; belonging to the Elves. My brother Elvis is one of those complicated souls, and I will leave it at that!! Of Scandinavian origin.
Gladys has several meanings and it really depends where you look which meaning you will find. Feminine name from the Welsh name Gwladus or Gwladys which bears the meaning of Royalty or Rulers. Of Welsh origin, it seems to mean Territorial Ruler, as in Royalty and Princess. On the flip side, if associated with Claudia or Claud it would take a whole other meaning as in Lame. That one I never liked and am happy to have continued researching the name and found the one meaning Royalty. That one I like. :)
William means Protector. Funny, I always thought it meant Willful, as in Will I Am, and I was hoping to bring that to my brother's attention. But it was not to be and once again my dear little brother navigated under my radar and was not to be scolded. William is quite the Protector and his name is quite fitting. It is of German and English origin.
And finally our baby brother, Ismael which means the "Lord will Hear" and "God Listens." I had no idea. Ish is truly blessed and we have all cuddled and loved him throughout his life. Of Israeli, Hebrew and Spanish origin.
All these wonderful names. All these beautiful blessings we are not reaping. Everyone should look up and live up to their name. There is power in your name. Harvest it.
Research and Information taken from www.meaning-of-names.com/ and Wikipedia (Gladys(given name)).
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