The Name Game: Pinoy Style
My name is Gloria. Nope, no second (or third) name(s) and I thank my parents a lot for not being that creative in naming their children. Otherwise, I could have been baptized Ana Gloria, Maria Gloria, Gloria Theresa, or even Gloria Magdalena; the options were just innumerable.
In my generation, parents have a knack in naming all the baby girls Maria-something and all the baby boys Jose-something. Or in behalf of any Saint available.
Back in high school, I know a Jose Randy, a Maria Sharon, a Marie Antoinette, a Maria Jael and a George Marshall.
Later I’ve met some Gemma Theresa, Abigail Gay, Lourdes Pia, Cherry Ola, Anna Lita, Maria Reina, Anna Cristeta, Maria Ymber, Rodrigo Gerardo and even some Anna Marie, Joe Wilson, Jescka Loi and a Grace Lee.
Recently I’ve met some Kathryn Melody, a Kristy Anne, a Jorrel Khalil, an Ana Ma. Melisa, a Jose Ma. Vicente, a Joshua Gabriel, a Daniel Abraam, a Fiona Angela, a Bea Maxene, a Beatrice Anne and a Ma. Therese Yzabel.
(Maria is either used full or shortened to Ma.)
Of course, the old plain Joses and Marias are still abound together with the Johns and Jonathans, not to mention the Antonios and the Anthonys and the Rachelles, Ruthchelles and Rochelles.
Beautiful names and each one as unique: Don’t ask me about the nicknames they go by, you’ll totally lose the connection or lose your head trying to find one.
Anyway, I’ve yet to personally know of strange Filipino names that would really be considered far-out even in the name of being unique.
In the last five years, there has been a couple (or more) of articles (circulating in the emails) written by expats in the Philippines about our strange (but funny) naming game.
I found such kind of article recently:
Beyond food and architecture, religion is one of the lasting influences of Spanish rule. And that is at the root of the desire to have a unique first name.
Getting a bank loan or passport can be a nightmare if someone with the same name is wanted for a crime.
Some of the names are real and some are nicknames, but it is hard to tell them apart.
I’ve great grandparents named Benita and Ramon; grandparents called Maria, Genaro, Donato and Cristina. May parents are Carlos and Imelda. My brothers are called Gary, Geonard and Gerry. My son is named Rainier Brando and my nephew, Glenn Carlo.
Need I go on? I think you’re getting the trend. He he. :))
Most of my friends call me by my nickname Glo. But when I was a child, people used to call me Marie, because I was a replica of grandmother Maria.
Honestly, I would have loved Gloria Marie. (But then it wouldn’t sound good with my odd surname.) Oh well, what’s in a name? :))
Tags: Filipino_namesRelated Stories
POSTED IN: General: Philippine Culture
February 17th, 2006 at 12:51 am
Valentines day is sort of fun. We Filipinos are known to be a family oriented people . We are known to be a loving citizen.
Cebrating Valentines day is one of the most exciting events for us Filipinos.
But I do not agree that if you don’t have money no honey. Nowadays most National Celebration like Christmas and Valentines are being commercialized. And most of us are victimized with that so called regalo.
We can always express our love in a simple way or without even money involve in it. We just have to learn how to value the simple little thoughts from our love ones.
If you follow the system no money no honey …I would say that the thought is no longer valueable.
I invite everyone here to please visit this website; http://www.bangonfilipino.com and here you will know the new ways on how to get the best news all over the world.
See you there and thanks!