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What’s in a name?

Photo: Akhilesh Kumar

All in a name In pursuit of luck actor Imraan is now Emraan Hashmi

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” William Shakespeare, the bard, had said 400 years ago. But things have changed over the years. Try calling a rose with another name and you will perceive that the very essence of the rose vanishes. A name is the first gift you give your child. You want it to be special - to be as unique as your newborn. Hitler, with any other name would not create as much fear and awe as he does now. His name is used as an adjective when someone behaves like a dictator. “Can you imagine different names for Gandhi or Nehru? It would rob them of their personality or their charisma . A name is synonymous with the persona they represent,” believes, Manikandan, a History professor.

“Many a times, like while submitting a job application or seeking admission to college, a name does have a chance to create a positive image. Unlike in the past when classrooms were full of Sridevis, Srinivases, Parvatis or Prasads and teachers could easily memorise students’ names, modern parents are finding strange names for their children making the job of remembering a classroom difficult,” says Sumitra, a teacher.

Like astrology, numerology is the latest craze and it works on the principle of the impact of planets on human lives. The word numerology brings to mind the name of Sanjay B. Jumaani who introduced a new number game in Bollywood and the television industry. If you see a misspelled title or name (E.g. Singh is Kinng), you can safely conclude that it’s a Jumaani’s job. For those seeking extra limelight in success already predicted by astrologers, he prescribes a precise dose of a few stray alphabets. For example, Emraan Hashmi changed the first alphabet of his name from an ‘I’ to an ‘E’ and added an extra ‘A’ to change his fortunes. Shobhaa De now adds an extra ‘A’ to her name and feels good about it.

In Andhra Pradesh it is quite common to name kids after freedom fighters. “If you have a powerful name it moulds your traits, giving you a distinct character. My sons are named as Gandhi, Nehru and Bhagat, while my daughter is Jhansi. A name is a reflection of your personality and I feel they live up to their names,” says the family head Tagore.

A common name like Ravi or Lakshmi might be an advantage. But there are many people with unusual names who do quite well and are never teased for a different name. “Weird names are actually cool these days,” says Akanksha, a collegiate.

Weird names may be laughed at when people first hear them and many may even smirk when children are given odd monikers. But sometimes it is nice to meet a person with an unusual name which stands out from the rest. Lord Mountbatten’s granddaughter was named India and she is instantly related with her famous grandpa and his tryst with destiny.

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