Danielle

A Process of Elimination

by Danielle Stassa

Some babies are named after a beloved deceased relative. Some babies are named with an identical name as a parent. Some babies are named after an inspirational person, hoping the baby will have similar attributes. I, however, am in a distinct class from “some” babies. There was nothing spiritual about choosing a name for me. My parents’ sole objective was that my name reflect my individuality and be distinct from my older sister’s name. So, while my name is not meaningful and aspiring, there is logic about how my name was chosen.

When selecting my name, the first criteria was that my name could not start or end with an “A.” Following that logic, my parents ruled out names beginning with “E” and “R,” the first initials of their names. They layered on an additional criteria in order to avoid ridicule, eliminating names beginning with a “B” so that my initials would not be “BS.” Then, they struck names that reminded them of teased kids from their childhood. The final name test was considering how the name might be altered to a nickname. After deliberation, “Danielle” was chosen, perfectly passing all qualifications. Despite its Hebrew meaning of “God is my judge,” I stressed about my shortened name and judgment from peers (Roelofs).

After abandoning preschool nicknames of Dan Dan, Dan-dog and little D, I focused on a more permanent catchy name that would carry me through adulthood. I landed on an abbreviated name that could be spelled two ways: Danny or Dani. Striving for uniqueness, I rejected “Dani” because it was already chosen as a nickname by another Danielle in my grade. Questioning whether other “Danielles” shortened their name to “Danny,” I nonetheless embraced it and insisted on the “Y.” Soon, I began to question my pursuit of originality and whether people would think I was a boy. Ironically, going against my name’s definition of “God is my judge,” I feared what my peers would think (Roelofs). Afterall, switching to Dani would make me a copier and subject me to possible taunting by students. And so, I stuck with “Danny,” which helped teachers and friends in group texts distinguish me from the other “Dani” in my grade. Although I regretted my decision towards the end of high school, I stuck with Danny through low points and unsure moments. 

I decided to capitalize on a new beginning at college with a new name, especially since my friend Dani and I were finally not at the same school. The transition from Danny to Dani was worrisome. Thankfully, not many people knew me before college or that I was previously “Danny.” After a while, I felt like I had established myself as Dani, and there was a sigh of relief. I could finally be who I wanted to be. 

Works Cited

Roelofs, Keshia. “Danielle - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity.” The Bump, 

https://www.thebump.com/b/danielle-baby-name. Accessed 18 September 2023.