What's in a Name?

Names are important. They represent your identity. Often, they even determine how people take to you or, apparently, also your success in life (remember Freakonomics?). Well, some Bolivians have taken this apparent relationship very close to heart, purposefully naming their kids with Western (i.e., English) names: William, Walter, Milton, Vivianne are some of the names I have come across so far. I was told that parents (especially those from poorer and less educated backgrounds) really believe that a Western-sounding name (which they equate with a modern name) will make all the difference in their child’s life. Sometimes, however, the search for the Western-sounding name takes on some comical (in the eyes of foreigners) proportions. Meet Usnavy. If you read closely, you will notice that the origin of the name was probably a sign or label that read US Navy. Then we have the successful lawyer, Walker. Apparently, his brother’s name is Johnnie. Last week, I met Pool – his name is simply a transliteration of Paul. That’s how they heard it; that’s how they spelled it. And, of course, every now and then we meet an action hero – in this case, Macguyver.