The Importance of a Name

So, we have still not decided on a name for the new baby. I have promised Ericka that we would give this child a traditional Hispanic name. I did this for five reasons. First, as you all know Ericka is Mexican, not just Mexican por dicho, but was born and raised in Mexico. Justifiably Mexico is an important part of her life. Second, as of yet her children have been given the following names: Carl, Emma, and Joseph; clearly there is nothing Latin about those names. Third, none of her children even remotely appear to be Hispanic. Fourth, her children prefer to speak English. Fifth, it is nearly impossible to truly share the Mexican culture she came to love while growing up in Puebla. Thus, I promised her we would choose a traditional name for our fourth, and hopefully not, but possibly last child.

Choosing a Latino name has not been easy for us, primarily because all of the names we picked out where feminine; we were certain we were having a girl. The only name we could decide upon was Miguel Santiago, but neither of us are really excited about it. Then Ericka found a web page with names in the indigenous languages of Mexico. She was so excited about it and we decided to choose a name off of the list. We have narrowed our choices down, but would like some suggestions. Here are the following names along with their meanings in English.

1. Arhirani--To Direct
2. Irepani--The Founder
3. Taiyari--Our Heart
4. Chanteco--Man of the House
5. Tapuyeri--Vigilant from the West
6. Rayénare--Sun
7. Papekori--Eagle
8. Arihuá--Soul
9. Kakayari--Ancestors
10. Yaitowi--Creator of Man

We believe that naming children is important. We have tried to give names to our children that would provide them with a sense of purpose in life. Thus, we named Carl after my paternal grandfather, a man who perfectly resembled everything that we find good and holy in life. We named Emma Ruth after the Prophet Joseph's wife and after my paternal grandmother, two wonderful women. We named Joseph after the Prophet Joseph, next to the Savior the most important man to have lived. Thus we hope that by giving this child a indigenous name he will always carry with him Ericka's Lamanite heritage. A heritage that he should be proud of. Tell us what you think.