what's in a name...

Once again it's Thursday (almost the weekend...just wait for it!) and time for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. Here's the prompt I chose this week:

3.) How did you parents choose your name? What does it mean? What would you change your name to if you could?

Well, to tell you about my name, I must give you some background (which includes my birth story or as much of it as I know). My parents met when they were young (my mom, Fonda, was 19 at my birth and my dad, Randy, was 24). They met at a party. My mom's sister, Karrie, wanted her to give my dad her (Karrie's) number. My mom gave him her own number instead.

Frankly, I think I was conceived a short time later.

That being said, my parents didn't have a name picked out when I came. I was supposed to be a boy (yeah, and you wonder why I NEVER find out my kids' sexes). My dad and his friend (whom we lovingly called Jake the Snake) were out "celebrating" my birth. They came to the hospital (I'm not sure during, before, or after I came into the world).

For whatever reason, my idiot parents asked Jake what to name me (NEVER ask an inebriated person to name your child). He suggested Randi for my dad. I'm not sure how they decided on Lynn as my middle name, but it was my dad's dad's (my Grandpa Larry) middle name. So all my names are men's names.

For those of you with boy names (Randi, Toni, Robin, Jamie, etc etc), maybe you can commiserate with me. I absolutely LOATHED my name growing up. I was the only girl with a boy name in my class (among 2 Megans, Amy, Brittany, McKenzie, Shawna, Michelle - all very girlie names). I was the only Randi or Randy all throughout school except for 1 year in junior high there was a boy named Randy in the grade above mine.

I don't remember being teased relentlessly but I do remember being teased about my name. I got called Randall - a lot. I can't stand that name. Although if my high school science teacher calls me that, I like it (he's one of those teachers you just adore).

Over my years, I met a few other girls named Randi. One was in college. And now there are at least 2 Facebook groups about girls named Randi with an I. And Randi Hiller is one of the most famous casting directors.

I have grown to love my name. And I love being named after my dad, having his namesake.

....and...at least they didn't name me after my mom...

Head on over to Mama Kat's to see other Writer's Workshop prompts and posts.

Comments

Love it! My name is uncommon and spelled different too! It makes us extra-special!
Jen said…
I like your name.
Alicia said…
lol...yeah i'd take randi over fonda! and i love the name randi!! i think its so cute! and what a fun story!
ChickenLittle said…
LOL...My dad made my name up. It's all good. :)
Rion said…
My name is common as anything, and I grew up with me and two other Ryan's in my class! It was SO ANNOYING because I had to write my name: Ryan Ba. on my papers. (Or write out my full last name, but as a 2nd grader, do you really want to do that?) and they ALWAYS put the two Ryan B.'s in the same class. Was so annoying. Thats what I found most annoying growing up.. Now I get a kick out of going to the bank or calling some customer support only to have them think that I am cashing a check/calling for someone else, and then hear their *cough* oh, er, sorry ma'am. *cough* when I tell them that is actually my name.
I love your name and the story! I was going to participate, but did not have time to write up my story. I was also suppose to be a boy, Michael. Well, out popped a little girl (thankfully because my parents already had two stinky boys...lol) so they named me Michelle.

Have a great night!
Erin said…
I like the name Randi, very uncommon which makes it unique!
Me Too said…
I'm a boy name, too - Andi. Always hated it. . . until college, when I finally suspected that I had become who my name wanted me to be. Sporty, perky and just a little bit different. I LOOOVE my name now - and even go so far as to buy movies/books that have a character with my name. (Hello?! How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days?) Embrace Randi - I think its great (but that might be because its just like mine. . with an r.) :)

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