Beginning of Seas: What’s In a Name?
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.”
We’ve all encountered those inevitable icebreaker sessions where we’re prompted to share a fun fact about ourselves. Over time, I’ve compiled a handful of go-to facts to rotate whenever it’s my turn. One of those intriguing tidbits is that I belong to the select few who had the privilege to choose their own given name. When the moment came to become a naturalized citizen, I seized the opportunity and selected the name “Chloe.” Curiously, there are instances when my name feels like more than just a label—it transforms into an alter ego, a public identity. Yet, this “alter ego” remains an integral part of who I am. After all, the term “alter ego” is simply Latin for “other I” or “second self.”
Throughout my journey, I’ve assumed a few different “egos” through various name changes. Even my transition to the United States included the Anglicization of my Korean name, creating a distinctive contrast. My family name shifted from its original context to become a last name, and my given name, when spelled using the Latin-script alphabet, doesn’t invite the same pronunciation it does in Korean. Additionally, upon marriage, I embraced yet another name change, following Western tradition.
Each alteration was the result of a meticulously considered major life decision. This is evident in the case of immigration—a monumental choice made by my parents—and marriage, where I even delved into the rich history of my husband’s family name. The decision to choose my own name, however, was not impulsive. Perhaps it was, as I draw inspiration from the character Chloe in the Christian apocalyptic fiction series, “Left Behind” (though this choice does not fully represent my personal eschatological view, as I lean toward partial-preterism and amillennialism). The allure of the name also lies in its meaning, “young, green foliage” or “shoots of plants in spring.” It’s worth noting that the name holds a brief cameo in the New Testament:
“For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.”
This verse offers only glimpses into Chloe’s Corinthian background or role. What can be deduced is that she was a devoted Corinthian Christian with a connection to Paul. The singular use of her name suggests familiarity, likely within the local Christian community and potentially even in a leadership capacity. Paul’s letter underscores the virtue and wisdom of her family, highlighting their unwavering faith. Chloe and her household demonstrated discernment, identifying the rising dissension within the Corinthian church. They acknowledged the urgency of addressing the tendency to prioritize individuals over divine principles. By seeking Paul’s counsel through a letter, they epitomized the qualities of peacemakers, aligning with the teachings of Matthew 5:9. Chloe’s example profoundly impacted me, especially as I made the choice to adopt her name.
Of course, my Korean name holds a special place in my heart as well. It is the name thoughtfully chosen by my parents, signifying “beginning of the sea”—an homage to the Genesis creation account and the inspiration behind naming this very blog. Rooted in faith, my parents aimed for my name to reflect God’s creative and redemptive work, emphasizing His sovereignty over all facets of existence, including the names we bear.
Each of my names serves as a poignant reflection of who I am, where I come from, and where I am headed. They resonate with my family of origin and my future family, reminding me of God’s ongoing work and His purposeful calling. Ultimately, every name I’ve embraced has been ordained by His divine will.
So, what’s in a name? Juliet, a name transcends mere labeling. It encompasses a gateway to identity, a vessel of meaning, and a bridge to connections. It encapsulates heritage, culture, and familial bonds, intricately shaping the core of who we are and influencing how we engage with the world. A name carries echoes of the past, aspirations for the future, and a distinct symphony that embodies our individual existence. It represents an untold narrative, a testament to the intricate facets of human experience, and a reflection of the boundless complexities that define us. In the grand tapestry of God’s divine plan, our names are intricately woven, signifying our unique roles within His kingdom. Just as God called individuals by name in the Bible, He knows each of us intimately and has purposefully ordained the names we bear.
