“Choosing a name for our first son required a value synthesis. Between my wife and I, one of us wanted an African name to link him to our cultural heritage. The other preferred a more culturally neutral name, to shield our son’s resume or school applications from prejudice. The crossroads of class-oriented and cultural values made me seriously question if we had truly become “bourgeois,” or had we become what some African Americans call “bougie” (pronounced with a soft “g”). Finding the answer would not only clarify my professional mission, it would help us chart the course we want our growing family to follow.”
TheStateOf…Black Names. My wife and I recently went through this experience when our son was born 3 months ago. We wanted a name that would not hinder our son’s life choices, but we also did not want to conform or bow to outside pressure. We considered “old-school” names from the Scriptures, west African names, Arabic names, and the names of respected family members. I have always resented carrying a slave last name, as well as an Anglo-Saxon first name, and I’ve considered giving my children a different, African last name. Though I consider myself a Pan-Africanist, I was surprised that none of the west African names moved me. I feared Arabic names would draw him severe discrimination. And my Dad’s name didn’t really appeal to my wife. Eventually, we settled on Isaiah–at my wife’s suggestion–because it embodied the characteristics we hope he will one day possess: old-school integrity, strength, tradition, and, African American-ness (assuming that’s a word). His middle name is Edward, after my older brother, uncle, and great grandfather.
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