Names are a reflection of one’s identity, often chosen by our parents and family, forming an integral part of who we are and a crucial amalgamation of our personality and our physical self. A question that often intrigues me is the influence of a name on a person and that idea creates a complex interplay between identity and societal and personal perceptions. The name Rishika originated from India and its primary meaning was saintly and knowledgeable (Chakraborty), which encompassed me perfectly as a child, according to my parents who picked the name because of its meaning. However there have been extensions to this definition over time. In Hindi, a commonly spoken language in Mumbai where I live, etymologists believe my name means trustworthy (Chakraborty). Other meanings developed by researchers have connotations of “pious,” “learned,” “divine worshippers,” and “silken” (Chakraborty). Rishika is not a common name, which I consider a big advantage as there are no other societal perceptions to create preconceived notions, pressures, and norms. My last name is even more unique, probably the only family in India to have “Tannan.” My grandfather often tells me that during the British Raj, my great great grandfather was appointed to the Order of the British Empire and he changed his very common North-Indian name “Tandon” to an anglicized version we follow, “Tannan.” 

Personally, I love my name and believe it perfectly defines who I am while reflecting my family’s history. As I looked into the name numerology for Rishika, the personality number described it as one who is friendly, unpretentious, patient, and understanding, which are some of the terms my friends commonly use to describe me (Chakraborty). The so-called “soul number” identifies this as a person who is independent and has a desire to be a leader in their field (Chakraborty). And to me, being a leader and independence are active roles and qualities that I would like to develop over time. My name also gives me a sense of pride, and a desire to portray the qualities from my name's meaning.

“Saintly” to me is the constant existence of an “inner calmness” at any stage in life, even though I went from a shy, meek girl to developing a quiet confidence over time. This “saintliness” in me has shaped my reactions to actions in various situations, holding me in good stead. My name will always be a special part of me and be the one constant throughout my life. 

Works Cited

Chakraborty, Trisha. “Rishika - The wisdom of the ages echoing in serenity.” Mom Junction, 6 Mar 2024, https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/rishika/#origin-meaning-and-history-of-rishika. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.

“Popular Baby Names.” Social Security Administration Baby Name Database, SSA.gov, n.d., https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.

“Rishika - Baby girl name meaning, origin, and popularity.” BabyCenter, n.d., https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names/details/rishika-33285. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.