Day 10: The Meaning of Your Name and How It Fits or Doesn’t Fit You

Day 10Day 10: The Meaning of My Name and What It Means to Me

Mandy, short for Amanda, is my name. I didn’t have to Google the meaning of it because I’ve always known what it means. And I’ve always struggled with it.

Loveable. Worthy of love. She who must be loved.

Sometimes, as a single woman in your 30’s, with no romantic relationship of any kind, it’s really easy to feel unloved. Unloveable. Unworthy of love. Which are all antonyms to the true meaning of my name. And therein lies the struggle.

Getting really, really real (which is what this whole blogging exercise was designed to do)…I can tell you a few of the reasons why I often feel unworthy of love. Both of human love and God’s love.

1)      I messed up.

2)      I disappointed God.

3)      I disappointed my family.

4)      I disappointed my friends.

5)      I disappointed myself.

6)      I feel invisible to the opposite sex.

7)      I’m not where I “should be” in my life.

8)      I’m not pretty enough.

9)      I’m not skinny enough.

10)   I’m not perfect enough.

Some days I carry this list around on repeat in my head. Other days I don’t think if it at all. But every day, I also carry around with me a constant reminder of who I REALLY am. One that goes much deeper than the bad hair days or retaining water days or “I have a huge zit” days: my name. My constant badge of honor that I AM worthy of love, and there’s nothing anyone, including I, can do to take that away. I am worthy of human love, I am worthy of God’s love, and I am especially worthy of my own love.

And so are you.

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55 Responses to “ Day 10: The Meaning of Your Name and How It Fits or Doesn’t Fit You ”

  1. Janette Alvarez
    October 17, 2013

    Why ths is awesome. My name means:God is gracious which is awesome. I often feel unworthy for love. My upbringing did not give me a good sense of feeling secure with love. My dad would cheat on my mom and she would take his abuse. Thru therapy I was able to let myself be loved and married. Then God decided that he needed my hubby in heaven. Seven years later.. not mad at God but ready for my new journey and adventure… I often feel that non love feeling, but when I pray it all comes back to me that God is REAL and that prayer and patcience pay off… One day.. God will have another for me and I will be Single no more..but as you say Mandy.. lets have fun while waiting and be the woman and man needs and alway put GOD FIRST…

    • leizel alipio
      October 19, 2013

      i want to know what is the meaning of my name too 🙂

  2. Janette Alvarez
    October 17, 2013

    By the way today is my birthday and God is great…Single is Great for now.. THIS BLOG IS GREAT…

    • Amy
      October 17, 2013

      Just as someone reading the comments on this blog I would like to say-Your positive attitude is refreshing and inspiring. Thank you.

  3. Amy
    October 17, 2013

    Its funny I feel all the same things as you described on your list. I struggle with my names meaning which is beloved. I am 36 and have been divorced, disengaged, and am now single for quite a few years. My daughter is the only one I ever hear I love you from. I am to the point in my singledom that last week a guy smiled at me at the gym and I looked behind me to see who he was smiling at…there was no one there. Strange it was me and I missed the chance to smile back because of my shock. =)

  4. October 17, 2013

    My name means Song of Joy & because of Jesus I am one

  5. Dawn
    October 17, 2013

    “Dawn”- 1. First appearance of light, beginning of a new day
    2. become evident to the mind; be perceived or understood.

    I use to hate my name. I didn’t like the way it sounded. I tend to like different names (my daughter’s name is Mystery, for example), then I realized my name IS different.

    Dawn bring about new beginnings, a fresh start. The worries and stresses and sadness of yesterday is gone, “dawn” has arrived! “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning”

    Dawn now makes me happy. It is a name of hope, and being single, especially a single mom of 4, I need His mercies every “dawn”. My name reminds me that He’s got me in the palm of his hand and although my weeping may last through the night, His joy will come in the morning..at the first sign of Dawn.

  6. Diana
    October 17, 2013

    My name is Diana and the meaning is “Divine One”. Before my 30´s, I always believed in it. However, after my 30th birthday everything has changed and I have been believing and struggling with it for 3 years now. I used to know all the reasons to fit my name, and now I struggle to barely see them. It is a difficult task and I know the Lord is guiding me with his hand and covering me with his eternal love.

    I just ask him to increase my faith and that my heart gets drawn near his heart. I am just fighting the good fight,

  7. October 17, 2013

    What a wonderful post. I feel unworthy a lot of the time too for many of the same reasons. It takes constant reminding to remember that we are lovable. Thank you for this one!
    My Day 10:
    http://tangentoffthelifeline.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/day-10-whats-in-a-name/

  8. Magnolia
    October 17, 2013

    I just want 2 know what does my name mean, the one thing i know is that it means a pink flower only , so I would like to know more what does it mean.

  9. Jenny
    October 17, 2013

    My name is Jenny, had to look on the internet what it means, and I love this meaning “An amazing, beautiful, caring, creative girl. She is the epitome of a goddess, and anyone would kill to have her. She can do anything she sets her mind to, and she’s wonderful”…sad that I don’t feel the way my name means, I have been abused, and grew up with an emotionally abusive father to my mother, sometimes I feel invisible that Men overlook me. Its only when I pray that God rises my soul up, I feel fearless, I smile hard, I look into peoples eyes. I see that I am not my worries, I’m not my past, I’m Gods loved Daughter. Writting now I’m having an epiphany, I refuse o believe I’m anything less than what God has planned for me. I am Jenny!

  10. Debbie
    October 17, 2013

    My name is Debra, derived from Deborah. The meaning of my name is “bee.” But Deborah was a prophetess in the Bible. Not only known for her wisdom, Deborah was also known for her courage. She is the only woman of the Hebrew Bible who gained renown on her own merit, not because of her relationship to a man. And that, my friends, is pretty darn cool.

  11. October 17, 2013

    How to find out the meaning…..

    • Mandy Hale
      October 18, 2013

      Just Google it! 🙂

  12. Mitos
    October 17, 2013

    My name is Mitos and i dont know the meaning of my name or if it has any meaning at all:) but for me it means “unique, and free spirit”. Being single since birth and never been courted almost dont exist in a world where living in today. Whenever i see couples holding hands or lovers dining in i smile and i try to keep my mind away from comparing myself to other women out there beacuse eveyone is different with one another and i am unique in my own way. Just because i’ve never been courted doesn’t mean im far less than any other women, i like to think that most men these days just prefer the same kind of fruit and im just a not so popular variety and that what makes me unique. But I dont lose hope, i know someone’s gonna appreciate and love me for everything that i am. In God’s perfect time:)

  13. Traycee Frey
    October 17, 2013

    What a great thinking question! I must admit – I have never looked into the meaning of my name! BUT this post inspired me to! Tracie Marqui – researching found that Tracie means brave & Marqui means nobleman. I find it interesting that my name means brave. This is something that I have been referred as by many. Do I personally think of myself as brave, not really – but does seem fitting. I’ve never been one to be held back by something that I wanted to do – such as picking up and moving across the US to a place where I know no one! I’ve actually done this 3-4 times in my life. Last did this 2 years ago when I left Texas for the Arctic Winters of Minnesota. I took a job transfer – moved not knowing a single soul here. I’ve traveled the US (43 states) all while driving – sometimes alone – sometimes with friends. I’ve done the vacations alone – flying off to some cabin in the woods in the Ozark Mountains or some beachy place in Willmington, NC to find some relaxation & rest for myself – I never “needed someone” to go with me – I could do it alone. All my friends, family, & coworkers have also identified me as “brave” to be able to just go and have no fear of the unknown alone. I guess I never really “felt” alone during the times, God was with me.
    When it comes to other areas in my life – I feel so unworthy – speaking in front of crowds – always had the fear of “I’m not pretty enough, or skinny enough, I don’t feel the typical beauty of others”, and I’m insecure in those moments.

  14. October 17, 2013

    I am a single South African, Tswana speaking woman. My name means “They are beautiful”.

    I often feel unworthy of love too. However, I’ve realized that when you learn to accept yourself for who you are, flaws and all; when you understand that you are human and were never meant to be perfect; when you see that loving yourself allows the opportunity for you to give love AND for others to love you will be the point that you’ll be freed from needing others to accept you.

    My name suits me. And the good people around me. I am beautiful, my dreams and ambitions are beautiful, my family and truest friends are beautiful and so is my God.

    Like you, Amanda, I strive to live up to my name: to induce and produce the inner beauty that is within me and influence others to release their inner beauty too.

    With Love,

    Didintle – “They are beautiful”

  15. October 17, 2013

    My name is Ifeoma . It means Good, or Goodness, something Good. This reminds me that no matter wat comes my way God made me good. Doesn’t matter if someone cannot see the good in me. It’s inside, its a light in me that shines bright and one persons perception cannot make me feel less blessed.
    I am Ifeoma – someone good.

  16. A Barry Manilow Mandy
    October 17, 2013

    It’s as if I wrote this myself. Every single word. I’m glad I’m not alone. Thank you for what you do.

  17. susan
    October 17, 2013

    my name susan means “lily” in Hebrew, in Southern French… it means “higher”.. my middle name Elizabeth in hebrew means “god’s Oath; dedicated….or consecrated to GOD….. i never knew what my middle name meant til right now..cool….

  18. Andrea
    October 17, 2013

    Yep, your post pulled me in.

  19. Eya Dollente
    October 17, 2013
  20. October 17, 2013

    i can’t believe you feel that way about yourself, mandy. you’re gorgeous! well, i think it really is human nature to sometimes feel inferior, empty and inadequate. i totally understand. it is a struggle, and i’m happy to know that you never forget your worth in God’s eyes. continue to shine!

  21. October 17, 2013

    I struggle with that same laundry list of negativity so often in my life too. I recently found something that I am forcing myself to repeat in my head every time that list starts creeping back in: http://instagram.com/p/fh-a70tDEj/

  22. October 17, 2013

    Thank you for being so candid about your broken record list. Mine sounds very similar. My name is Bree, which is short for Brianne and they mean…
    http://www.breething.com/1/post/2013/10/whats-in-a-name.html

  23. Natalia
    October 18, 2013

    Wow, this one actually hits me, because I just realized something. My name means “she is born”. I always was like ‘yeah I did so what’. But now I realize something. My mother gave birth to me at age 16 and during her pregnancy she has thought of abortion, but she and my dad decided that the wanted to keep me. Through my life (i’m 25 now), especially during puberty, I struggled with this, because I always questioned myself if they didn’t regret their choice or that I did messed up their lives. Since a year I actually realize that this was my own insecurity and they are happy that I am a part of their life. To come back to the meaning of my name “she was born”, I did that and it is awesome!

  24. Julia
    October 18, 2013

    Julia: an orange and black American butterfly with long, narrow forewings, found chiefly in tropical regions.
    Julia \j(u)-lia\ as a girl’s name is pronounced joo-lee-AH, zhoo-lee-AH. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Julia is “youthful; Jove’s child”. Feminine form of Julius.
    Read more at http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Julia#UGJIGPvwoXYBJvjs.99
    OR in some instances, downy haired one…

    WELL…after all that I would have to say that some days I feel old LOL Seriously old but that is only because I really think about everything I have experienced and that is how I measure time. For the most part I tend to be youthful. I can usually be seen with a big smile on my face humming some random tune or made up tune…hair up with something of a butterfly or some kind of shiny or frilly girly thing in my hair hahahaha

    Thanks for this post Mandy! 😀 I feel the same at times too but then I remember something I read once “Don’t let fear or your own perceived disabilities cloud the fact that you are a great miracle.” 🙂

  25. Oluwatobi
    October 18, 2013

    My name is Oluwatobi, a Nigerian name from the yoruba land. My name means God is great, and really God has always shown up in my life at times when i had even lost hope. Through the years in the middle of my storms i have learnt that he is never too late and that he is always on time. When am going through any storm in my life, i take succor in his promises that at the right time he will show up.

  26. Sarah
    October 18, 2013

    Wow!! When I read your blogs, I feel as if I’m writing it myself! My first name Sarah means princess and ironically my middle name is Amanda. I have all of those same insecurities at times. And it seems crazy to feel that way after being told my entire life how pretty I am, etc. It’s just something about being in your 30s and still waiting on God to bring Mr. Right that makes us insecure some days. Other days we are strong and enjoy our single life. Thanks again for sharing! 🙂

  27. erin
    October 18, 2013

    I enjoyed this post. Well my name is Erin and I think it means Peace and it also is a poetic name for Ireland. I was named after one of the girls on the tv show The Waltons 🙂 . I really have enjoyed reading this blog and get excited when a new day is posted :). I have to agree with a lot of comments on here .. there is something about being in your 30s and still waiting on God to bring you Mr. Right that makes me feel insecure and unlovable , but then there are other days when I really enjoy my single life and I am feeling confident and strong 🙂 . I feel like lately the Lord has led me to some great guys that seem great at first and then they are not so great. I keep waiting for the one that the Lord has for me and I know he is out there and he will be better than Great 🙂

  28. Amanda
    October 18, 2013

    My name is also Amanda and the things you talked about above…well it’s like you took the thoughts right out of my head. But no matter how we FEEL, we know that who we ARE is found in Christ. That our identity is in Him…not in how the world sees us, how the opposite sex sees us-or doesn’t see us. We are His.

  29. Lebohang
    October 19, 2013

    Loving this blog

  30. Gaby
    October 19, 2013

    My name is Gabriela and it means God is my strength. I believe this to be true. God has always been by my side and has been my strength for the last couple of years. I lost my only brother a year ago and that same year I was diagnosed with diabetes. That same year I also found my boyfriend now ex boyfriend gave my an STD. I felt hopeless! But God was there all the time giving me the strength to continue on. I’m strong and that’s all because God is my strenght.

  31. Ngoni
    October 19, 2013

    My name Ngoni means “Mercy of God”. It is African. Does it fit me? Yes. I am merciful to people who have hurt me, friends who have deserted me, and a past love who never got to know me. I know that if I don’t show mercy to them, God will not be merciful to me when I mess up.

  32. Rebecca
    October 20, 2013

    Rebecca, and I found many meanings for my name:
    – Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names and the NOBS Study Bible Name List suggest the name means “snare”, “noose”, “tied up”, “secured”, and even “beautifully ensnaring”.
    – Truly beautiful, both inside and out. She laughs a lot and is always there for you, willing to listen and help. Rebecca is someone everyone likes from the beginning. You just have to look at her and you know she’s an interesting and friendly person. She’s very determined to make the best of her life and is charmingly competitive at certain things. She’s great fun to be around and always makes you feel happy. Rebecca is the best friend anyone could have. Once you get to know her you hope she’ll be your friend forever.
    – *Beauty Bestowed upon her, Favored by the Lord, To mend, To bind, To tie, A snare, Enchantingly Beautiful, Pretty, Shy, but confident with friends, A smart, kind, honest, loving person, Servant of God, House built with love, her heart is pure. She gives to those who are in need, and seeks for the good in all

    I did not realize that what my name meant, really reflects who I am. I do have to admit it is pretty accurate 🙂 It really made me feel better about myself, and now I want to strive to reflect more of what my name is.

  33. josephine
    October 20, 2013

    i didn’t know the meaning of my name until today. i just googled t and oh my, it’s wonderful. it means, ‘God Increases’. My life, am constantly feeling most of the things Mandy has mentioned and i have never gotten a chance to talk about them until this blog. so thank you Mandy for this blog and thank you Jesus for leading me to wea U wanted me to go! i have come to realise that God is constantly adding something to my life, He makes all my dreams come true. i don’t mean to brag but it’s such a good feeling when u realise that u now have something u dreamt about years ago even when u had forgotten about it. A ye ago, i saw this dress in a magazine that was really beauriful, i wanted it for my graduation but i couldnt find it anywhere. i tried tailoring, but gave up wen i realised it would be costly. i gave upon the dress. Just2 days wen i was doing my shopping online, my friend sent me a link and to open, it was the same dress i wanted a year ago but had completely gien up on. i ordered my dress and it will be arriving soon. Isn’t that just amazing?! I could go on and on about the things God has done for me which is everything. i lost 2 of my memory sticks recently and i wanted a new but didn’t have the money to buy and i won an 8gb memory stick yesterday. God is amazing! so yes, am living my name, i didnt know it but now that i do, it’s more ama

  34. josephine
    October 20, 2013

    ….ts awesome. Yes, amsingle, i feel unworthy of love sometimes, i feel unoticed by people, i am short with a small voice But God increases my life, and one of these days, h’s going to increase it with my prince Charming!

  35. October 20, 2013

    “Fallen from the sky” and my day is today! 🙂 Thank you for giving us a place to be us… a non-judgmental voice!

  36. October 20, 2013
  37. Crizzy
    October 26, 2013

    I am CRISSELLE CASSANDRA.
    My first given name is a combined names of my parents, MariCRIS and NoEL.
    Meanwhile, CASSANDRA means “inspiring love”.
    I honestly love my name and yes I pretty guess it fits me too.
    Because it simply shows how my parents really love each other and they also had my brother have their names on it too which is MAROELLE.
    “Inspiring love”…
    Well with that, I still couldn’t figure it out…
    I’ve been through a lot of relationships, had admirers and suitors but I still don’t think it’s a pretty good thing to inspire a lot of men.
    I mean, I just want to be loved for who I am and not to be fantasized at all.
    I still love it too because of God’s love.
    And I believe that God isn’t done with me yet to show me the meaning of my name and to inspire more people.

  38. October 26, 2013

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article
    and the rest of the website is extremely good.

  39. LeAndrea
    January 8, 2014

    LeAndrea. meaning “Lion-Man.” how it contrast, I am most certainly not a man… But I new my name was lion for along time and that was kinda difficult to believe. Sometimes I feel like the cowardly lion for sure, or Simba (proud, and ignorant, then defeated, and scared) Yet, just like Simba Im learning how to become the lion prince [princess] that my Father [God] is trying to groom me into, and walk in victory on Pride Rock [life]
    BOOM disney movie for every walk of life!

  40. March 9, 2014

    http://charmdogma.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-single-woman-30-day-blogging_9.html
    Here’s mine. And I love Mandy’s blog/reflection by the way.
    Thanks!

  41. […] my other name Amanda I can tell you a few of the reasons why I often feel unworthy of love. Both of human love and God’s […]

  42. Kuda
    November 26, 2014

    My na me is Kudakwashe meaning God’s will,i love it especially in moments were i feel unlovable and that everything seems not to fall into place and at the end of the day i jus tell myself it is the will of God that i am here.love yo blog Mandy and am always on the lookout of new posts.

  43. Stephanie
    December 28, 2014

    My first name is Samantha which means Woman listen to God but since I was born I have been called Stephanie which is my second name and which means Crown. A friend told me the meaning of my name first and I did some further research. I have never comtemplated the importance of living your name until now when i read this post. Thanks for this blessing and I will start living up to my name because I am a Crown. A crown is a representative and a symbol of royalty and I will be God’s representative of his beauty, his love, his peace, his joy in all sense his kingdom.

  44. […] my other name Amanda I can tell you a few of the reasons why I often feel unworthy of love. Both of human love and God’s […]

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Something wonderful is on the horizon
Life doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
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Something wonderful is on the horizon
Turn Toward the Sun CoverLife doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only