"CAN" and hope in 2009

I realized recently that my children's names form the mnemonic 'CAN'. This is interesting in the year that the US elected it's first African American President, Barack Obama, who campaigned on the message, "Yes we can". This word is full of hope...of possibility...

We settled on Collin's name after seeing him. We actually had a different name (Braxon) at the top of 'our' list, but upon setting eyes on him, knew his name was Collin. His middle name is in honor of his Grandpa Ed...and generations of Beduhn men.

The boy's name Collin \c(o)-lin\ is pronounced KOH-lin, KAH-lin. It is of Irish, Scottish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "young creature". Diminutive form of the medieval name Col or Colle, a short form of Nicholas (Greek) "people of victory". In Scotland, it has been used as an Anglicised form of Cailean (Gaelic), popular among the Campbells and the MacKenzies.

The boy's name Edward \e-dwa-rd, ed-ward\ is pronounced ED-werd. It is of Old English origin, and its meaning is "wealthy guard". Used in the royal family by kings of England since before the Norman Conquest. King Edward the Confessor (11th century) was also a saint and came to be venerated in Europe as a model of a Christian king. As a nickname for Edward, Eddie has been replaced by Ted, Teddy, or Ned. Eduard is a French form; Eduardo is Spanish and Portuguese.

We had absolutely no discussion about Aaron's name. Early in the pregnancy, his name came to us, and we knew if we were blessed with a boy, his name would be Aaron. The last time we visited Great Grandpa Bob, Grandpa Ed's Dad, was in the nursing home on Christmas Day of 2006. He was hoping for another Beduhn grandson, so Aaron's middle name is in honor of him. He passed away days after Aaron was born.

The boy's name Aaron \a(a)-ron\ is pronounced AIR-an, AHR-an. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "mountain of strength". From the Hebrew "har-on", or possibly of Egyptian origin. Biblical: Moses' brother Aaron was the first high priest of Israel.

The boy's name Robert \r(o)-be-rt\ is pronounced RAH-bert. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "bright fame". A favorite name for boys since the Middle Ages. Especially favored by the Scots due to 14th-century king Robert the Bruce and to poet Robert Burns.

Nolan's name came to us early, too. It's a good thing this name seemed to suit him, because we didn't have a backup. His middle name is in honor of his other Grandpa, Grandpa Russell.

The boy's name Nolan \n(o)-lan\, also used as girl's name Nolan, is pronounced NOH-lan. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "champion". From Nuallan. Also possibly from Uallach (Gaelic) "proud one". Surname used as given name.

The boy's name Russell \r(u)-sse-ll\ is pronounced RUSS-el. It is of Old French origin, and its meaning is "little red". Also possibly refers to ruddy skin or to reddish hair.

Reflecting on the naming of our children, it seems like Adam and I had minimal conversations about the topic. It was as if they were already named, and we just had to listen...to be attentive. We never consulted a baby naming book...or friends...or family (although it was a lively topic of discussion and supposed debate!)

Hopefully, we did our part listening. It felt like a huge responsibility...and we wanted to get it right.