What’s in a name?

Names are exceedingly important. They may be a symbol of who we are, who we were, or who we hope to become.

In my novel, The Pilgrimage, Rachel comes to understand the meaning behind the two names her parents have given her, their importance to her growth and maturity in becoming a woman of excellence.

Rachel is a Hebrew name that means “ewe” a sheep. Her middle name, Arielle, is the French form of the word Ariel; it is also Hebrew and means “lion of God.”

In the story, Rachel learns from her grandfather why her parents chose these names for her. They gave her the name Rachel because they wanted their daughter to have a meek and quiet spirit; to be harmless and gentle like a lamb. They also gave her the name Arielle because they hoped she would grow to develop inner strength and fortitude that would help her withstand any storm.

My desire in giving Rachel Arielle Todd these two names, which are extreme opposites, was to show that it is possible for the flesh and spirit, represented by the lion and the lamb, to live together in peace and harmony in one soul if that soul is fully submitted to God. Jesus Christ is both the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the Lamb of God; He is our ultimate example.

To find the meaning of your name, check out BabyNamesWorld or YeahBaby. You will find their web sites listed on my links page.