I wasn’t consulted on the matter. Like most, I labor under the impression that it came from my parents, but for all I know it was just a random person off the streets who scribbled it on the clipboard hanging off the hospital bassinet. If there even was a hospital…
It’s a shortened version of my proper name. I was born before “Weekend at Bernie’s” and before legendary comedian Bernie Mac became a comedian (at least before he became a celebrity,) and so – contrary to popular stock responses upon mention of my name – it derives from neither.
Sam I. Am. It rhymes. It’s easy to remember. It’s short. It’s not pretentious, like Reginald B. Farnsworth IV. What more could one ask for?
Gerard. As far as I know, the only significance is that it met the twin criteria of: a.) there being saints of that name (having been raised in a Catholic household, that’s a must); and b.) having sufficient penetration into Ireland to be considered an acceptable name for one of Irish ancestry. (Though I believe the name’s origins are Germanic.)
Though there’s a good chance I have a same-named ancestor of whom I’m oblivious.
Having been raised in a Catholic household, I wouldn’t have this name if one or more saints hadn’t already. In my case, there are several Saint Bernards, and I don’t know that my parents had any particular one in mind. As far as I know, none were associated with Ireland, from whence my ancestry lies. [St. Bernard of Clairvaux seems to be the most famous St. Bernard – he’s “The St. Bernard,” if you will – excepting of course Chris the St. Bernard dog who starred in the 1992 movie “Beethoven” whose name was actually Chris and his breed was “St. Bernard” so, technically, Clairvaux is still king of the St. Bernards.] I also know that it’s not the first time this name appeared in my genealogical line, but don’t know much more than that.
I understand the etymology of the name is Germanic and that it means something like “Bear Hardy,” with which I’m pleased. (Could have been much worse — e.g. “Squirrel Brave” or “Bear Smelling.”)
If you could have something named after you, what would it be?
Maybe an atomic bomb. It would be nice to get in the last word.
She came to the party joking about her Dick,
And was advised it was time to change up her schtick.
Her husband Richard
Was becoming triggered,
Hearing her tell strangers she just loved her Big Dick.
Apparently, my [first] name is of French / West German origin and means “bear” “hard.” I’m sure it was chosen because it’s a saint’s name — actually several saints, most of whom were French and none – that I’m aware of – was Irish. This is interesting because my ancestral origins are primarily Irish on both sides, though my family name is apparently of Scottish origin. (I was aware some Scottish ancestry was in there, but didn’t know the name came from Scotland.)
This town has known many a name of ancient, medieval, and modern kind. It's known more slurs than names, by far, and yet this people place remains.
Tiger Riding for Beginners 