What's in a Name?

So many people are curious about our newest additions, asking "What Are Their Names?"  That is  a complicated question so I will try to answer as fully as possible for now.  When we first began exploring adoption, I noticed that many parents rename their adopted kids.  I didn't understand at all.  It seems strange to me that these kids have one thing, ONE thing that is THEIRS....a sense of their identity.  So why on earth would anyone wish to change that?!?!?


I now have a little different thought process about it.  What I have learned is that not all children are named by their birth family.  Many times, the name a child is listed with is a name that was assigned by the police or orphanage.  It can even be a name that is taken from the orphanage or province, and it is not uncommon for many children to all be assigned the same name.  Sometimes however a child is attached to that name, as it may have been given by a birth family or foster family or it has significant meaning.  Or maybe developmentally it is important for them to keep that name.  Some children however want nothing more with the name, it holds bad memories or feeling for them.  They would like to begin anew with an American name and to put the past behind them.  It is therefore very important to follow the cues and needs of each child.  So.......

The decisions we have made are not set in stone, and are subject to change at any moment, as I am learning this adoption thing is so full of changes.  We have been told both their Chinese names and what they mean.  Given our sweet girl's age, we are asking for guidance from her orphanage on what they feel her connection to the name is.  For our son, he is older and may be very attached to his name, so we will send some ideas of names and ask what he would like to do.  Of course we support what THEY want to do.  We may be in a situation of not knowing for sure what they prefer before we get there.  As such, we plan to keep part of their names AND utilize an "American" name as well.  That way they can then choose as they grow what they would like to be called.

They were given names by the listing adoption agency, and once we receive the "go ahead" to share their photos, we will share that name with you.  I am not sure when we will know or publicize their full names, this is even more difficult than naming a newborn because these two kids have a personality already.  Praying for wisdom as we navigate these waters, that we foster their sense of identity in whatever way best serves them.  This is so EXCITING!!!




We are so thrilled to have you along for our journey and pray you are blessed by being a part of this with us....

God Bless!