Pink Think: “I always felt so embarassed by my name. You feel like you’re causing someone pain just by being who you are.” – Pulitzer-prize novelist Jhumpa Lahiri, on why she used her pet name ‘Jhumpa’ instead of her legal Indian name
Unless you are a telemarketer, store clerk or car salesman, you know me by the name Jewel. Recently, the subject of real names came up with ladies I have known for over a decade, and they were surprised to find out that the name I was given at birth, and that I still go by legally, is “Golda”.
So of course I had to explain: When my older sister was born, she was named Gladys after a friend’s daughter. My parents nicknamed her Joy. When I came along, they named me Golda (for Golda Meir, the Israeli prime minister, and for ‘gold’ because they considered me the ‘bonus’ child or the lucky one) and nicknamed me Jewel.
Got it? It’s a little convoluted, I know.
It’s a Filipino thing, being creative with nicknames. I have Filipino friends who go by entirely different names altogether, and there’s usually a story behind it. My brother’s nickname is “Lizor,” which is made up of the first syllables of my parents’ names spelled backwards (Ro-Cel).
To my family, I’ve always been “Jewel.” Up through high school, I went by “Golda,” and the name fit me about as well as a too-tight shoe. It felt like an old-person name, formal and stiff. I may have acted stuffy, too, nabbing the “Most Behaved” award in sixth grade. Since I came to the States, I’ve gone by Jewel. When I did, I think I began having more fun.
I had a chance to change my name when I became a US citizen a decade ago. There was my chance, to put down “Jewel” officially, and to forever put to rest my “Golda” persona.
I held my pen poised over the paper, but at the last second, I couldn’t do it. I wrote “Golda.” I guess, deep down, I really liked the name and the whole history that went along with it.
I still have to deal with telemarketers,store clerks and car salesmen who call me “Golda”. And I smile at the inside joke.
Follow
I think both your names are beautiful and suit you well.
Hey, would you pop me a note at tristi AT tristipinkston.com?
How interesting, and I can’t say Golda fits, but Jewel definitely does. I think it’s neat you kept your real name though. I absolutely hated my name until I was in high-school and realized I was the only Josi, whereas everyone else was one of many. I love learning little tidbits about people.
I had never even thought about you having a different name. It was really interesting finding that out about you. I agree with Tristi, both names are beautiful, just like you.
Nope, sorry – Golda is inextricably linked to an old jewish woman in my mind. It just doesn’t fit you and I don’t think it ever would.
I’ve had a lot of people ask me if my name is a nickname – but it’s not, it really is just me. Although, I used to wish that I had an elegant name – Lydia, or Ursula, or something… Oh, well.
But that must be so convenient–you know exactly who to hang up on just by what name they ask for.
Tristi: Thanks. Is “Tristi” your real name? I think it’s fun.
Josi: I don’t know if I’ve ever met another Josi before; unique and pretty name. I watched Josi(e) and the Pussycats when I was growing up, and Josi(e) was my favorite…
Shari: Thanks!
Weston: Ursula…yeah, I could see you as an Ursula :-).
q: Yeah, it’s like caller ID. 🙂
I love Golda! Jewel works too, but I’m glad Golda is still alive and well somewhere.
Most of my Chinese relatives either gave their kids American names–then Chinese nicknames (Rodney became Foo Foo) or Asian names then gave them American nicknames. (Hanya became Hannah). Confusing, I know.
Jamie: I guess it keeps a foot in both cultures…