(Erin in Runes)
My name has always been, and will always be, Erin Judith Mulligan. After asking my parents why they decided to name me Erin, they told me there was no particular reason except it wasn't "foofy" and it went well with Mulligan. Since they didn't have a particular reason for giving me my name, I decided to do some research.
The name Erin is of Gaelic and Irish origin (there was a reason it went well with my last name). Erin is a derivative of the Irish word "Éirinn" and it is the dative case of the Irish word for Ireland. It was used mostly in the phrases, "go hÉirinn" "to Ireland", "in Éirinn" "in Ireland", "ó Éirinn" "from Ireland". Poets and nineteenth-century Irish nationalists used Erin in English as a romantic name for Ireland. It is actually still used today in some poetry. It is unfortunately a very generic name, used by both sexes. The only really good part about it is that no one can make fun of it, or give me a crazy nickname.
I think it is quite interesting and neat to be named after a place, but It doesn't define who I am, I can make my own decisions on who I want to be and how I want to be perceive by others. My parents did put a meaning behind my middle name though. Judith is actually my grandmas first name, and I personally find it to fit an old lady's, which I sometimes get made fun of for. I would never change it though because it makes my grandma really happy and it's nice knowing she'll always be with me.
I decided early on that when I get married I'm sticking with Mulligan. My mom actually stuck with her last name as well, Gurak, and I think it's perfectly fine to do so. A women shouldn't have to take on her husbands last name if it doesn't please her to do so or because it is seen as "a stepping stone in life". Personally I like the lineage connection to my family and birth, and the paper work that comes along with changing your last name isn't worth it. I feel like if a women wants to change her last name or doesn't want to, it's entirely up to them and what they want. In society today more and more women are keeping their maiden name because of reasons like mine or it could be reasons relating to feminism. Either way I decided to choose this route because it's practical, not political.
In reference to Anna Quindlen's essay "The Name is Mine", she talks about having "two me's", the me who is the individual and the me who is a part of a family of four". There has been moments where I have experienced both. A time where I feel like a part of a group is during college applications. I'm fighting to be recognized through my essays and grades. I have to make a name for myself and show that I'm not any teenage but that I'm someone of importance, someone to look at. I have to pour my individuality into my essays and make them my own. I have to make my name standout among thousands. I can't be seen as another senior applying. I have to be seen as Erin Judith Mulligan, a girl that is different than any other. This is why I agree with Anna Quindlen. You can be two different Me's with two totally different personalities.
I really liked how you looked up your name and analyzed how its origin makes you feel and you expressed yourself from that. Additionally, I find it really cool how you plan on sticking with your last, which shows you find your last name special enough to keep.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, I really liked how you approached the second question, relating yourself as a part of a whole when your doing collage applications. I can relate! I liked how you explained how trying to make a name for yourself makes you want to seem as different as others as much as you can.
Erin, I've always thought it was such a unique and cool name. There is something about it that sets it apart and is engaging. Yet I think your second two names define you more so than your first. I think it is really cool that you are willing to keep a seemingly older women's name for the value and connection it gives to you and your grandmother. I also found it really interesting and understandable that you wanted to keep your last name one day. I've always wondered how women felt giving up their name and potentially ending a lineage but the ties to your family make a ton of since and the way you value your families name is really special and unique. This was a great post that really showed us who you are and what you value.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your perspective on having "two me's". I agree with the experience of having to make your individuality stand out in the college application process. I think that was a great way to make the concept more relatable to high school students. I also think it's so cool how you have decided to keep your last name it makes me think about doing the same.
ReplyDeleteI like how you said that your name does not define you and you decide who you want to be. That is a very good way to be. I also really like how you have decided to keep your last name when you get married. This is not something that is traditional and it is nice that you love your name so much and that you won't let anyone take it from you. I relate to what you are feeling regarding college applications!
ReplyDeleteI liked that how throughout this post, you stayed focused on the title "Story of My Name". It is interesting to know that you do not want to give up your last name due to the heritage and value it has to you, which I applaud. Many women fall into the "tradition" of giving up their last name, not realizing they actually have a choice. Your passion for your family history, the name you have, motivation for making yourself stand out, and relating Quindlen's essay to college apps are all interesting to read about and can be inspirational to many.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you went to your parents directly and asked them their reasoning for naming you Erin (I also liked their response). I also liked how you did research on your name and found out its meaning in many different cultures. It's ironic that your name is Irish and your heritage is Irish as well; maybe your parents were aware of that, maybe not.
ReplyDeleteI can also relate to your interpretation of your two "me's". When applying to college you want to look your best, and maybe that means changing your personality to seem more sophisticated, or to make it seem like you have different interests. This creates the two me's of the normal high schooler, and the "scholar" applying to college.
GOOD LUCK ON COLLEGE APPS!!!!!!!
This was super interesting to read. It's really funny how your parents claimed that they only chose Erin as the name because it fit well with the last name Mulligan but there is actually so much background information about the name that is coherent with your family and your background. Also, I completely understand your definition of having two versions of yourself. I feel like people often assimilate their personalities to their environment. For example, in a work setting, you would act and present yourself differently than in a situation around your friends. I like that you also examine the meaning of your name involving other origins as well.
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