Name Me

            My name in full is Daniel Magana. My first name is Hebrew, which means, “God is my judge”. Based on the meaning alone, its origins become almost too obvious, which is the bible. In this book, there came a prophet who would interpret dreams and visions for kings of his era. Most would come to recognize the name, Daniel, from his encounter in a lion’s den. Miraculous as it sounds, he managed to survive this ordeal unscathed.

         Unlike the character in the bible, I am unable to interpret dreams. Though, I do have the ability to watch lucid dreams that I can recall in detail, which I find to be remarkable. It’s a close correlation, but not exact. I do fell as though the name I was given aids me in this phenomenon. Who really wants to remember their dreams play-by-play anyhow?

         Being that my mother was a devoted Christian, she chose to adorn her three sons with biblical names. The oldest bears the name David, and the youngest sports the name Thomas.  Popularity aside, it was though God had assigned our names specifically for us. Our names were an indication of our mother’s faith that would later instill morals and values in years following. With that said, Daniel seems to suit me well.

         Next, we move on to my surname, Magana. This name, in particular, doesn’t have a specific meaning. It does, however, derive from a small town in Spain. Knowing both my parents are of Mexican decent, I was thrown for a loop. Come to find out, somewhere along my lineage, I have Spaniard ancestors.

         To which conquistador that fled to America to gift this name has yet to be uncovered, the name, Magana, sure gave my childhood teachers a run for their money. At one point, it irritated me, but soon I learned to let it roll like water off a ducks back. Just hearing, “Daniel Ma…Mag-a…Mag-anna,” was enough to know my last name wasn’t as traditional as Smith or Washington. There was a uniqueness to it that separated myself from the rest of the class.

         I couldn’t think of a better name to call myself. It’s short and to the point, which is the best way to describe me.  I’ve always thought about what it would’ve been like to have a middle name, but then maybe I wouldn’t have the same personality as I do today. Besides, the name, Daniel, has more than one name in itself such as: Danny, Dan, or just plain “Dee”.  It also has cool nicknames like Daniel Son or Dan the man. Whichever variation you choose to use, I know my name is strong.

         I do believe the name chose me. In some way or another, everyone’s name can define who he or she is. If you think about it, do you look like any other name than what you were given? To me, names are what forge your paths in life. I wouldn’t change my name for anyone. I’m blessed to have been given such a name as Daniel.