Shoshana Yosefa. The Rabbi granted me my Hebrew name after I was born, and it holds so much importance to me. I was named after two of my late relatives: Sue, my great grandmother’s sister, and Joseph, my great grandfather. Through my Hebrew name, I feel a strong connection to my religion. I never looked into the translation of my Hebrew name, but it turns out the meaning of Shoshana is quite beautiful. Shoshana means “rose.” In “Shir Hashirim," from the Torah, “G‑d refers to the Jewish nation as a Shoshana” (Davidson). Yosefa means “God will increase” (Moss). It is nice knowing that my Hebrew name has such a powerful translation. It's unfortunate that no one really hears Shoshana Yosefa. 

Courtney is what my parents decided on. In 2004, when I was born, my name was ranked #121 in popular female names (“Popularity”). It was relatively common at the time. “Why Courtney?” Shoshana Yosefa is a much more unique name. I never really understood why my parents gave me my name aside from coinciding with my sisters’: Mallory and Natalie. By default, my name had to end with the “-ee” sound.

Initially, I was upset when I found out my English name didn’t have any significant meaning. Technically, it means “short nose” (Desai). Clearly, that is not why my name was chosen. For a while, I did not feel as special as my sisters. Their English names both derive from late relatives. At the time, I wished I had that same familial connection to my English name, but I came to realize that I had that connection with my Hebrew name. 

Growing up, these two names have provided me with separate experiences. My English name is merely routine. My day-to-day interactions happen through the eyes of Courtney. Through my Hebrew name, I have more religious, sentimental memories, like my bat mitzvah. It is not used as often, making it even more special.

People don’t have to be limited to the name that their parents give them. My Hebrew name is unique. However, I still love the English name my parents gave me. Courtney. It’s more than just a name. It’s who I am. Even though it doesn’t have any meaningful translation or origin, I give my name meaning, just by being myself.