What's in a name?

We've been asked by many people where Sophia's name came from. Naming is very important. Names give personality, individuality, and character. Sonja and I spent many days over the last 9 months thinking about names, ending up with lists for both boys and girls. Who would this new little person be? How should we name her? We never decided on one set name in advance, but when the doctor plopped that new beautiful baby on Sonja's chest and asked if she had a name, without question Sonja replied, "Sophia." And it was perfect.

The following is a fitting poem called "Special Names" that my mother sent me recently:

You can name your kitten. You can name your cow. Your can name your puppy. But the question is how?

How do you think of A really good name? Do you write it on paper? Or on a picture frame? / Naming an animal Is lots of fun. But naming a baby Is so specially done! / For babies grow up And don’t stay small Every day children Grow oh so tall! / They go to school They go to soccer games And everyone knows them By their special names. / Mommies and Daddies Take lots of time … and lots of love To name their babies Sent from God up above. / So remember when you hear Your very own name It was given to you For there is no one the same… / No one at all, Is quite like you You're a special gift from God And He loves you too!

Copyright 2005 Karen A. Lech, Author 51 POEMS FOR CHILDREN

Sophia: Sonja is actually a derivation, I think originally in Russian and Scandinavian, of Sophia. Sonja has always thought of naming a child after her in this way, so in a way Sophia has her mother's name. Sophia is Greek for "wisdom." It is often used biblically to contrast the wisdom of God with human wisdom (sic). And so we hope that Sophia will be guided by the wisdom of God throughout her life.

Rose: Rose is a name that is in both Sonja's family and mine. Especially important in 2005, my grandmother RosaLee Doerfler died and entered the Church Triumphant. If Sophia Rose gets any trait passed on from her "great ma," she will be very blessed.