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National Name Yourself Day: History and 5 rarest names with their meanings

Native Americans held names in high regard and certain tribes conducted naming ceremonies as a rite of passage, basing names on nature, animals, etc

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have a different name, this would be the day to find out. April 9 is celebrated as National Name Yourself Day. Whether you like your name or not, this day is about having fun with a unique name. 

You can celebrate this day by giving yourself a new name or maybe a unique nickname. Some can make a name tag while some can introduce themselves with a new name. You can share your results using #NationalNameYourselfDay on social media.

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History of National Name Yourself Day

A lot of care goes into a name, and cultures show appreciation in different ways. Native Americans held names in high regard and certain tribes conducted naming ceremonies as a rite of passage, basing names on nature, animals, weather, and plant life. Names were often chosen based on the features of the baby, such as gender and birth position. A user on Twitter wrote, "I’M SURE YOU KNOW Today is National Name Yourself Day Question: Would you rename yourself? And if so what would it be?"

Names changed from being about principles to being more about the appeal of the celebrity, indicating a move to a pop-culture-focused mentality. In much the same way as in the past, names themselves are respected today.

Individuals are still given names that are inspired by famous people and fictional characters, but many people now pick names that are more creative or organic. Identity is also considered an evolution as the globe modernizes and gains a greater understanding of the concept of the self, which makes National Name Yourself Day.

5 unique names with their meanings

1. Khaleesi

All credit to George R R Martin for this one. In the author’s fictional language Dothraki, Khaleesi means “queen."

2. Paityn

Paityn is a gender-neutral English name with American spelling, alternatives include Payton and Peyton.

3. Vida

Translating to “life” in Latin and Spanish, this unisex name is a celebration of potential and possibility.

4. Evalyn

Evalyn has Hebrew roots, stemming from Eve, “to live.” 

5. Zuri

Zuri is a unisex Swahili name meaning “beautiful, good.”