Finding Your True Name

One of the most powerful things a person can do is to rename themselves (even if only privately) to reflect more of who they truly, deeply are. Shakespeare’s Juliet, when she thought about her Romeo, may have asked herself “What’s in a name?” but there is great power in naming, especially since our given names often do not reflect our true selves, and are not truly fitting for who we are.

It can be very magical and empowering to discover your true name. Find out how:

1. Give some thought to the following questions: How do you see yourself? How would you describe yourself? How do other people see you? How would you like to be seen? If you could rename yourself with any word or phrase that best fits you as a person, what would it be?

2. Think of animals, objects, or anything in your familiar environment. Focusing on these, generate a few ideas for names that might be a better fit for you, and that makes you feel better about yourself.

3. Now think of personal characteristics or personal achievements or experiences that have helped to define the person you are. What personal quality or experience might you want to have reflected in your name?

4. After you have mulled over these questions, try closing your eyes and relaxing into a deeply centered state. Ask your Deep Self for guidance, and see if one or more of the words you thought of appears as your name.

Read more: Spirit, Guidance, Self-Help

Adapted from The Cherokee Full Circle, by J.T. Garrett and Michael Tlanusta Garrett (Inner Traditions, 2002). Copyright (c) 2002 by J.T. Garrett and Michael Tlanusta Garrett. Reprinted by permission of Inner Traditions.
Adapted from The Cherokee Full Circle, by J.T. Garrett and Michael Tlanusta Garrett (Inner Traditions, 2002).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Beata R.

12:11PM PDT on Mar 24, 2012

well, everyone say that my name is beautiful, but I'm always shortening it, because it sounds better, as well as easier to remember, especially for foreigners:) thanks:)

send a green star

Taylor i.

7:24PM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

I legally changed my name - my given name was pretty but so not me. It was empowering to become "Taylor" instead.

Warren H.

4:40AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

In my childhood I was always called by my first and middle names, at some point fewer people called me by those two names...especially at school. For a long period most people called me by my first name only. I have gone back to using both my first and middle names in recent years, I think they have a ring to them. So just call me Warren Keith please...

Danuta W.

1:35AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Good article, thank you

Jana R.

12:58AM PST on Jan 8, 2012

interesting....

James B.

12:45AM PST on Dec 25, 2011

Search goes on...

Sarah n.

11:31AM PST on Dec 23, 2011

I think we get the name that we are meant to get, how can it be wrong?

Caroline C.

11:12PM PST on Dec 22, 2011

I don't usually use my given name. Many years ago, I've been using Caroline and have been happy with it. :)

Alicia N.

9:48AM PST on Dec 22, 2011

mmmm ... interesting tips.

People sees me as exotic looking - I've been called extravagant, very funny,loner, animal lover and sometimes a " cold person " Do all of this matches my name? Alicia
I do like my middle name Sonja

Past Member .

4:56PM PST on Dec 21, 2011

I like my name. =)