English II: What's in a Name?

In class we discussed that Kino and Juana's baby's name, Coyotito, means little coyote. Why that's significant to the story will become apparent later on. Your name probably means something, too. The purpose of this project is to explore the meaning of your name and how it applies to your life's story.

Collect the following information, then create a poster (8.5"x11" or larger) displaying everything you know about your name. (If you don’t want your poster displayed, write “do not share” on the back.)

1. What does your name mean (first, middle, last) – You may look it up in a baby-naming book at a bookstore or online at a site like Baby Names World. You can possibly get information on your last name from Search for Ancestors. If your family has a traditional crest (coat of arms), it might be found at All Family Crests.


2. If possible, ask your parents why they chose the name(s) they gave you and write down their response(s).


3. How much is your name a part of your identity? What do you feel your name “says” about you? If you changed your name would you become a different person? Why or why not?

Due: Tuesday, May 17, 2011.