by Lindsay Lauria
For the longest time, I thought Louise was an outdated grandma name. When classmates would ask what my middle name was I would shy away and feel the embarrassment of having an old-timey middle name. Why would my parents curse me with such an ancient and lame name? Wondering why my first and middle names were what they were, I decided to ask. My mother told me that she made my first name Lindsay because she thought it had a girly and fun nature and wanted her daughter to share these characteristics. She also explained how my grandma and I share a middle name and how she wanted me to bestow similar attributes with my grandma like perseverance and kindness. Hearing this gave me a new appreciation for what I had been complaining about for the entirety of my life.
The first part of my name, Lindsay, has Scottish and Old English origins. Lindsay is derived from a place name in Scotland, “Lindis,” referring to a “lake” or “pool.” The name symbolizes a connection to water, nature, and life (“Meaning of the First Name Lindsay”). This association with nature aligns with my love of being outdoors and my fascination with traveling. Though the name is fairly popular, it embodies a sense of individuality because it reflects my deep connection to nature which I cherish.
My mother chose the name Lindsay because she felt it was “fun, bubbly, and girly,” which were all qualities she wanted to see in her daughter. This personal connection to the name makes it more meaningful to me. I tend to be a cheerful and outgoing person, and I feel that my name subtly reflects these qualities. Even though many people share my name, it remains distinctly my own because it reflects my identity and energy.
The literal meaning of my middle name Louise is “renowned warrior” which is a great characteristic that my grandma and I share (Green). I was named after my grandmother on my mother’s side, a woman who has always influenced my life. She is a warrior in my eyes in the ways that she has sacrificed for our family and led us through tough times. The name Louise connects me to my family’s heritage and traditions, serving as a daily reminder of the love and strength my grandmother has. The tradition of passing down names is a powerful way to preserve family history, and it holds great sentimental value.
Ultimately, while the name Lindsay may be common, it holds deep personal significance for me. I also came to appreciate my middle name, which I once thought was outdated, as it represents the strong familial bond I share with my grandma. My name's connection to nature, my predicted personality, and my grandmother’s legacy make it an essential part of who I am. No matter how many people share the name, it’s uniquely mine, as it embodies my life experiences, values, and family ties.
Works Cited
Green, Clare. “Louise - Baby Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity.” Nameberry, 15 Feb. 2025, nameberry.com/b/girl-baby-name-louise.
Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
“Lindsay - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity.” Thebump.com, 2025, www.thebump.com/b/lindsay-baby-name. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
“Origin and Meaning of First Name Lindsay | Search Family History on Ancestry.” Ancestry.com, 2017, www.ancestry.com/first-name-meaning/lindsay. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.