This Nicki Minaj lyric is possibly only the 2nd time I can remember hearing my name in a song. The first time was Mambo #5 .**
I was always jealous of the Sarahs, Jessica’s and Kathy’s with their short non-three syllable nine letter names. I also have never really been a fan of shortening my name to “Steph” either.
Interesting thing the naming convention is though. Like I think most people expect there to be some sort of meaning behind your name. Such as being a junior, third, etc. Perhaps your named after a grandmother, a hybrid of your parents’ names combined or other significance to the ones that named you.
People love that type of backstory stuff. I mean that’s why we complete a bio on social media platforms. It allows people to get to know you. You can’t just post funny memes – I need to know if I like how you present yourself just like a blind date. A name without significance is almost like a bad omen.
In my immediate family, everyone has family names. That is everyone except me.
All three of my siblings have variations of our parents’ names. Our parents were creative too. Maiden names re-purposed as first names, my father’s name changed to the female version – you know really thought out naming. As for me, well I was named after a girl that went to the same high school as my mom. Now we are not talking like her BFF or anything I mean, a name she heard on role call at an assembly – no affiliation whatsoever. To add insult to injury I’m the eldest, so this seems carefully orchestrated. Like if I had a ‘trial run’ kid I’m definitely not giving them the family names. Thanks Mom and Dad.
Not to worry though, I fully embrace my outsiderness. I just made my daughter’s name unique as well though I did spare her the additional letters. I mean people are out here naming their children “abcde”. Can you imagine having to explain the backstory on that or worse having to cover for your parents and make one up each year school starts even the truth seems unlikely to fly over with your classmates.
**After writing this I googled and Stephanie is in fact NOT one of the listed names in Mambo #5 ?