What's In A Name?

My father always said that a person's name is the sweetest music that he or she (just being gender sensitive here) will ever hear. I have to say that its true. Try it out in restaurants or any place where the other person you are dealing with is wearing a nametag. When you call them by their name and not just random, generic and casual designation (i.e. miss, waiter, mr. sir, etc), the person tends focus more on what you are saying and particularly on you. They maintain eye contact longer and generally looks more attentive.

My first name was derived from my paternal grandmother's name, Alejandra. My dad actually wanted to retain it the way it was, but my mom said it sounded so archaic so they settled on a compromise--Sandra. My middle name, Sheila, (yes folks, legally and techinically, a person's middle name isnt his/her mother's maiden name but is literally the name in between the first and last name. Hence the term middle name. But since tradition has held it to be the maiden name of the mother, it has been accepted as the rule of thumb in most cases. Afterall, its tasking to argue with tradition) happens to my mother's favourite name while she was carrying me. Truth to tell, she actually wanted to name my eldest cousin Sheila Marie but since her brother and my aunt has the say on what to name her, my mother conceded. And so I was welcomed into the world as Sandra Sheila (take note, thats with an "ei" not an "ie"). Rolls of the tongue nicely dont you think?

Now, nicknames I think were invented for the primary reason of brevity. Can you just imagine if you had to call everyone you know by their full name? *mental note* thank goodness I dont know anyone with 7 names! Lolz! Poor Camilla...Charles has several!* My names are actaully pretty short, the first being one syllable while the second having two but you know how we are. We tend to jump on the bandwagon just to be in *guilty*guilty*guilty*. I've collected numerous nicknames over the years, mostly by family and friends, the lastest of which is Andykins, while I've come up with only one--Ila The origin of Ila is easy to trace. It comes from Sheila (obviously) where I dropped the 'She' to arrive at Ila. The dropping came about during our retreat in 3rd highschool when we were asked to come up with nicknames to be used during the said retreat. Feeling tired of having been called Sheila since I can recall, I decided to derive a nickname from the name everyone knew me by. I've stuck by it eversince. I've been known by my "academic" friends (friends I've met in college and law school) as Ila for nearly a decade now. I will probably been known as such in practice as well. Andykins, on the other hand, is a little harder to trace. It started out as Andy, which in turn comes from Sandra. How? Well, you know that the cliche nickname for Sandra is Sandy right? But the nick just puts me ill at ease cause it sounds like the adjective to me so I decided to drop the 'S', leaving me with just Andy. The 'kins' was added by a LDF. I'll be celebrating my first year anniversary of being Andykins next month!

With the backgrounder laid down, let's proceed to the main point...(di pa yun ang main point?!) the meaning of my names! I got this from www.bostonuk.com/names/default.asp . The meanings are a bit Tom Clancy-ish being off center but STILL very much on the target!

Sandra

Protector of mankind : Greek

You are charming, talented and have a very positive attitude to life so it is hardly surprising that you attract success and recognition. Focussed and patient you understand that material rewards are a result of discipline. Being so creative and with a need for self-expression you may be drawn towards the arts, travel is also likely to be important. A loyal friend, you are a person who must be allowed freedom and independence.

Sheila

Lily of heaven : Latin

You are fairminded, wise and peaceloving and are always willing to help others. Your mental capabilities and creativity are well marked with wonderful and original ideas which you need to bring to tangible fruition. Perceptive and understanding of others your positive approach to life and influential nature means that you have leadership qualities. There is great potential for success both financially and spiritually.

Andykins

Honest, dependable and practical you tend to have a fairly conservative but determined approach to life. Your intelligence and wisdom means that you are sought out for guidance and advice. Gifted in communication you are philosophical and intuitive and are usually a traveller both mentally and physically. People respect you for your patience, discretion and integrity.

Ila

From the island : French

You are idealistic and intelligent and very much an all or nothing person.Tending to experience constant change in life security is found in your real and abiding values. With great organisational ability, industry and creative prowess you love to build tangible results and are especially gifted at transforming lost causes. Your intelligence is marked with keen perception and analytical ability. A secure home life and relationship are important for you.