A child’s personal development begins the moment they do. It starts with the very first gift their parents give to them; Life, the most precious gift anyone can be given to another.
Shortly after the first, the second gift follows, the gift of their unconditional love; it too is a great and powerful gift.
The third gift bestowed upon a child is their name. It is said that good things come in threes, and I strongly believe that to be true. A name is more than just letters, it carries the identity of belonging, the history of heirship, and meaning as to who the parents wish them to become.
It is the first declaration to the world of who a child is and the legacy they inherit. A name holds power, shaping how a child sees themselves and how the world will address them from that moment on. It becomes a foundation for confidence, pride, and belonging, reminding them they are loved, cherished, and meant for greatness. With every spoken word, their name echoes through time, marking their journey, dreams, and achievements. A parent’s gift of a name is a promise, a guiding light that follows their child through every step of life.
Parents often select names based on three primary criteria, each carrying its own meaning and impact.
The Influence of Popular Trends
Names often reflect the cultural and social landscape of the time. Parents may be drawn to names that are fashionable, inspired by celebrities, literature, or even societal movements. These names give children a sense of belonging in their generation, shaping their identity within a contemporary framework. While trends evolve, the name remains a marker of the era in which the child was born, a time capsule of influences and aspirations.
Honoring Family Legacy
Still other parents choose names that have been carried by cherished relatives, weaving their child’s identity into the family’s history. Whether it’s a grandparent’s name, a beloved aunt’s, or a sibling’s tribute, this practice instills a sense of tradition, respect, and continuity. The child grows with a name that carries memories and values, making them a living connection to those who came before them. It fosters pride and responsibility, reminding them they are part of something larger than themselves.
The Meaning Behind the Name
For some parents, the essence of a name, the meaning it holds, matters most. Names can symbolize qualities like strength, wisdom, love, or resilience, serving as an aspiration for the child’s life. Some cultures prioritize names with spiritual or philosophical significance, believing they shape personality and destiny. Prior to 1983, the Catholic Church required parents to select a name that was from the Bible or was a Saint’s name. Another interesting fact is that King David named his son, Solomon, because he was tired of war. Solomon means “peace” in Hebrew. According to the custom of the times, the child would try to live up to the meaning of their name. When Solomon became king, his forty-year reign is still the longest peace time in the Jewish peoples, nearly six-thousand-year history. A name rooted in meaning serves as a guiding force, encouraging the child to live up to its virtues and embrace its purpose.
Do parents understand the power of the first three gifts they give to their children?
Interestingly, in 2024, when it comes to the third gift, the top twenty most popular names given to newborns, ten were either from the Bible or were named after Saints. So, I guess, about half of them do.
I find it fascinating that the first three gifts, life, unconditional love, and a name, is that they are all meant to be permanent and shape a child’s identity forever. While material gifts fade, these three gifts define who a person is at their core.
Life is the foundation, the sacred beginning of existence. It is the one gift that parents grant without knowing how it will unfold, yet it holds infinite possibilities.
Unconditional love ensures that the child never questions their worth. It is the only force that can truly heal, empower, and protect, shaping every relationship they form in life.
A Name becomes their first connection to the world, their introduction to society, their tie to family history, and, in many cases, the symbol of their destiny.
Each of these gifts is inseparable from the soul of the child, lasting beyond time, shaping generations, and leaving a legacy of meaning.
Isn’t it remarkable how something so simple can be so profound?
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary” and “The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, A Devotional Timeline”