If I Were A Boy

Daily Prompt
Say Your Name

Write about your first name: Are you named after someone or something? Are there any stories or associations attached to it? If you had the choice, would you rename yourself?

My name has long plagued me.

Jessica.

Plain. Simple. Boring. Jessica.

I have always longed for a romantic name like Charlotte, Grace, or Miranda.

To have a double first name like Emily Anne, Rhonda Lee, or Rebecca Jane, I always thought would suit me as well.

But I am Jessica.

Unromantic. Common. No Pizazz.

Jessica

However, when I learned what the alternative could have been I am grateful for my common, boring name.

Originally my parents were told I was to be a boy, so they decided to name me after my two grandfathers. Jessie and James.  You read that right.  I could have been named after the famous western outlaw.  Providence smiled down on me and chose fit to make me a girl.

So for 41 years I have been Jessica Lea. While I have fussed and whined, I have come to find, that my name does not make me who I am. It is me who makes me me. If I had been named Tiffany, Amanda, or Cherie, I don’t think it would have done at all.

So I guess I’ll just stick with what works.

Plain ole Jessica

Of course those who know me, know there ain’t NOTHING plain about me.  🙂