In Europe, surnames began to be used in the 12th century… In the 13th century about a third of the male population had a given name of William, Richard or John. To uniquely identify them, people began referring to different Williams as William the son of Andrew (leading to Anderson), William the cook (leading to Cook), William from the brook (leading to Brooks), William the brown-haired (leading to Brown), and so on. Eventually these surnames became inherited, being passed from parents to children.
Broadly, most surnames fall into four categories.
o Surnames derived from given names include Johnson, Williams, and Thompson...
o Occupational surnames refer to the occupation of the bearer. Examples include Smith, Clark, and Wright.
o Locational or topographic surnames are derived from the place that the bearer lived. Examples include Hill, Woods, and Ford. See place names.
o Surnames derived from nicknames include White, Young, and Long.
This is such a seemingly simple explanation for where all those last names may have originated. I found this too easy to accept and I realized why. From my perspective, my last name tells a plethora of information about me. Because of my last name, Butkovic (maiden), most knew me as Thom and Nancy’s daughter, Tommy’s sister (which made me a little cooler in school because he was 5 years older than me), or so & so’s friend. My dad always told me, “your name is a good one, wear it proud.” It was, I did, and still do but my name would soon be embellished by another; ‘LaGra’s Josie!’
My grandfather, Lorenzo (Larry) LaGra is a hard working business man, with over 30 years being spent here in Bedford. LaGra’s is known by many as the name of our long standing jewelry store in downtown Bedford, or as the name of the Sicilian tomato products on many store shelves. Thankfully, my grandfather allows me to run our food division for him, hence, ‘LaGra’s Josie.’ To this day, he is known for being trustworthy, willful, helpful and generous. It is an honor to represent this name and my grandfather, whose legacy is a great one. ‘Butkovic’ and ‘LaGra’s Josie’ defined me for a very long time, but God had yet another name for me. Soon I would marry, take on a new name and lineage. This name is one that intimately tied me to another human being and all that he is connected to, forever; my husband Jason Valley, and I am so grateful. Names have meaning and often define us.
One of the most famous dramas ever written depicts how the power of a name can be defining. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the last names of the characters are extremely important to the overall theme: Montague and Capulet. Their story is based upon the profound question that Juliet asked, “What's in a name?” Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2). Even though their last names connected them to their family, traditions, and lifestyle, they would not let it define them internally or change their love for each other. We know that this story ends tragically, yet they broke free from tradition and societal pressure to risk being together. Names often dictate our actions.
Of course thinking on this would leave me to ask, ‘What’s in your name?’ I often hear people say, well I can’t help it, I am a _______! Fill in the blank either with a last name, first name, ethnicity, position or ‘title’. We sometimes use these ‘names’ as a license or explanation for the way we speak or act. I admit I have used the old, ‘I’m a female’ in defense of my driving, or ‘I’m Italian’ in defense of my need to cook for forty in our home of two! My point is this, our names say a lot about us, but they do not say everything. Does your name accurately depict who you are in your heart? Names can change.
Although I am Josie Butkovic, LaGra’s Josie, and Josie Valley, when I truly let go of my familial traditions, societal expectations and actually decided to have a real relationship with Jesus Christ, my name changed yet again. Why? Because the Bible says, “That anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; and a new life has begun in Jesus Christ!” (2 Cor. 5:17). Oh how His name causes a reaction…and a life change! When you read the name of Jesus, what is the first thought you have? Does it make you uncomfortable or joyful? Something about His name moves us all… Sadly, His name is often a part of a tradition, used in vein, or plain out silenced. When I accepted His name to be stamped on my heart and life, His love and promises overwhelmed me. His name offers more than any other name ever could. What’s in His Name? He Is The: True God, Almighty, Creator of All, Upholder of All, Everlasting Father, Beginning and Ending, Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Eternal Life, and Son of the Highest. He Promises to Be Our: Savior, Hope, Brother, Portion, Helper, Physician, Healer, Refiner, Purifier, Master, Lord, Servant, Example, Teacher, Shepherd, Keeper, Feeder, Leader, Restorer, Resting-Place, Peace, Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and our Redemption. WOW, and that’s just some of them! I am grateful for all the names I treasure here, but they only temporarily tie me to a trait, lineage, or legacy. Choosing His name makes me permanently a part of and accessible to His promises, His traits, and His Home! All we need is in His name.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver.” Prov. 22:1.
His Name, Like His Promises, Never Change.
Watch Worthy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehmv2UObaVs&feature=related
http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/parallel/paral19.cfm
NO NAME DESSERT! (You can name it yourself depending on what fruit you use!)
1 pkg. of Strawberry Jell-O (or whatever flavor you like)
1 pt. cottage cheese
1 c. Strawberry fruit (whatever canned or Fresh fruit you like)
Prepare and cool Jell-O. After Jell-O has started to firm a bit add cottage cheese and fruit. Mix well. Chill. Great as a salad or dessert.
