What's in a name?

So many people are having crazies of their own! I am excited that so many women I know are having babies, and I love hearing the names they pick, along with the reasons or meanings behind their names. So, while I don't share Pander, Fia, Moo and Noodle's real names, I thought I would share the meanings of their names and why we chose them.

I chose 2 names for Pander and let my husband choose from them. The name we didn't pick was Owen- in the end, we both didn't like the idea of having a short first name with no nickname options. As you can tell, we are really into nicknames! The name we decided on was my favorite of the two anyway. It means "Stands in the place of those who defend men." It is one of my greatest prayers that my eldest son will stand up, take a place as a defender of those who cannot defend themselves. I want him to be strong, to protect the weak, to do right when others do not.

Fia's name was also my choice. I wanted a fancy-sounding, beautiful name for my first little lady. We don't use many nicknames for Fia, because we love her pretty first name! It means "God is gracious and wise" and I pray she will grow in faith, knowing that God is indeed wise and always gracious in his love and forgiveness.

Moo's name was chosen by Jeff. We actually chose a nickname for her, and then searched backward for a more formal, longer, first name. Her middle name is a combination of her grandmothers' names, Linda and Kathleen. Her name means "Pure work of God." She is certainly an original work of art by the Creator, and her pure heart is full of joy.

Noodle's name was a combination of the first name we liked had Moo been a boy, and the middle name I had chosen to go with Owen for Pander. It also happens that Noodle's first name is the middle name of his uncle on Daddy's side. Together his names mean "Gift of God, bearer of Christ." He is certainly a gift from God, and I pray that he is a bearer of Christ throughout his life.