What is in a name?

Where does the significance of a name come from? Names have meanings, but are they able to define a person? Are you able to say that because my name is David and David means beloved, that I must be a beloved person?

I think not.

In fact, I think it is the opposite.

People define the name. Who you are and how you live creates a certain affiliation with the words [names] that identify you. I frequently hear the phrase "Oh, that's just [John Doe] being [John Doe]."

Out of context it makes no sense. Why would that story make you say THAT? In the context of knowing [John Doe], however, it makes perfect sense. People involved in THAT conversation nod and are completely on the same page...THAT IS SO [John Doe]. 

The crazy thing about name association is that for people who don't know you, your name can be tarnished with one outlier action. One seemingly innocuous act that doesn't live up to your character can change the opinion people who don't know you well have of you to, "[John Doe]: he's the guy that did *the seemingly innocuous act.*"

photo from bleacherreport.co

Since this sometimes happens, people sometimes change their names. There is a basketball player formally known as Ron Artest. In 2004, his actions played a major part in one of the most horrific scenes in sports history; fans and professional athletes at odds. He was banned from the NBA for a year.

A few years later, Artest decided, I assume, because of the negative connotation derived from his name, to change his name to Metta World Peace. Until a recent mishap in his attempt to change that connotation he was on the right track. Since the mishap, members of the media have once again started referring to him as Artest.

So quick recap:

• Artest started a fight. Perception of Artest was that he was a "bad man". 
• Artest changed his name to World Peace. World Peace changed the way people viewed [the person] Artest (now viewed as a "good man").
• World Peace threw a wicked elbow to another man's head. This was a "bad man-type action."
  
• People now call him Artest once more. 

Your words, your actions and the things that you do with your life on a second to second basis are constantly defining who you are and what your name really means.  This means that you frequently have an opportunity to change perceptions, add alternate definitions, and erase outdated information (though it will remain in the history of the origin of your name).

Every moment of your life is literally a defining one.