My Name
The name "James" contains biblical roots from the prophet St. James. Many have told me that I share a name with the brother of Jesus. The name means "supplanter" which, in a biblical context, means a usurper or replacement. Nonetheless, my parents likely did not have this meaning in mind while naming me, as I do have a namesake who passed long before even my parents were born. James Orson Wilkins was the first in my family to immigrate to the Western U.S. as well as the first in my family to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
If names determine destiny (which I don't believe that they do), then I am curious as to what title I am one day foretold to usurp. I do hope that it's something cool, or at least something that fits me, like some musician or author somewhere. Although, "James Wilkins" doesn't quite sound like the name of a rockstar to me. When I was younger, I used to go by my middle name, Andrew, when I would go to extracurricular classes. To my young brain, Andrew just seemed a lot sharper, like someone who could be a rockstar. However, since those days, I have grown to enjoy the name given to me, especially paired with my initials, which spell "J.A.W." Jaw. That sounds sharp enough for me.
I would not say that I resent my name, nor would I choose another if I could. At some point in my childhood, I decided that I would define my name, not let my name define me. I want people to meet someone named James and think, "I know a James. He's a cool guy." That being said, a rockstar nickname would be nice to wear on a nametag like "Bono" or "The Edge."
If names determine destiny (which I don't believe that they do), then I am curious as to what title I am one day foretold to usurp. I do hope that it's something cool, or at least something that fits me, like some musician or author somewhere. Although, "James Wilkins" doesn't quite sound like the name of a rockstar to me. When I was younger, I used to go by my middle name, Andrew, when I would go to extracurricular classes. To my young brain, Andrew just seemed a lot sharper, like someone who could be a rockstar. However, since those days, I have grown to enjoy the name given to me, especially paired with my initials, which spell "J.A.W." Jaw. That sounds sharp enough for me.
I would not say that I resent my name, nor would I choose another if I could. At some point in my childhood, I decided that I would define my name, not let my name define me. I want people to meet someone named James and think, "I know a James. He's a cool guy." That being said, a rockstar nickname would be nice to wear on a nametag like "Bono" or "The Edge."