While I have come to terms with being called Olivia, the name never truly felt like mine. I don't even pronounce it the way it's spelled. The name Olivia is a feminized version of the word olive, but in some languages, it can be translated to mean peace (Whelehan et al.). The name Liv simply means to live (Bagg and Bruce). Even though the meaning, to live, is so simple, to me, it has so much more meaning. I choose to live my life to the fullest with every moment that is presented to me. My life is filled with many beautiful people, memories, and opportunities I will never take for granted. The name Liv reminds me that I get to live an extraordinary life where so many doors open to me, and I will forever be grateful for that.

Even though I have strong opinions on my first name, my middle name, Anna, is something I have never wished to change. The story of how I got my first name is not one that is interesting. I was named after Olivia Walton, a character in my parents' favorite TV show, The Waltons. But, the significance behind my middle name is something I cherish. I was named after Anna Rohan, my Grandmother, my Mimi. Growing up, she was the light in my life. My best friend. She was the strongest, most amazing woman I have ever met. She had the kindest heart, the best sense of humor, and the most contagious laugh. With every adversity she faced, she faced it with strength. I strive every day to be like half the woman she was. I am proud to carry my Mimi's name. And even though she may not still be here with me, I cherish the piece of her that I get to carry every single day: her name. 

Olivia is one of the most popular names for girls, and it has been this way for the past 30 years (Popular Baby Names). Even though there are many Olivias out in the world, my name will always hold significance. Not because of the name itself but the memories associated with it. The memories of a spectacular childhood as Liv and the memories of living out my best life in college and experiencing the unexpected ups and downs of adulthood as Olivia.

Works Cited

“Popular Baby Names.” The United States Social Security Administrationwww.socialsecurity.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.

Bagg, Emily, and Bruce Lansky. “Liv - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity.” The Bump, 07 February 2024, https://www.thebump.com/b/liv-baby-name. Accessed 8 February 2024.

Whelehan, Avril, et al. “Olivia - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity.” The Bump, 02 February 2024, https://www.thebump.com/b/olivia-baby-name. Accessed 8 February 2024.

Little, Lindsay. Photograph of Olivia Torchia 10 March. 2024. Olivia Torchia'ss Senior Pictures.