The first human I knew as mom named me after a famous author and theologian, C.S. Lewis. C.S. is short for Clive Staples. C.S. Lewis’ nickname was Jack—and so is mine. I answer to both Clive and Jack.

One reason why my mom, who writes this blog and adopted me, looks for insights from me about life and God is because of my name.

Because Mom loves me, she has done some research about the man I was named after, and hopes to read more of his books someday. Mom read Mere Christianity many years ago. Dad loved The Chronicles of Narnia and the movies made about them.

According to C.S. Lewis’ publisher, Harper Collins Publishing, Lewis wrote more than 30 books including the ones previously mentioned and other well-known classics such as Silent Planet, The Great Divorce and The Screwtape Letters.

Periodically on this blog, my mom and I may share my thoughts evoked from selected C.S. Lewis quotes.

Today, however, let’s go back and to consider the power and image that names evoke.

In addition to thoughts about the person I am named after, my name evokes other images and actions—much less serious than the ones above:

• My parents start to talk to me in a British accent when they call me Clive. They have fun with their voices even though Mom’s a Midwestern Southern girl transplant, and Dad naturally talks like a hillbilly from Kentucky combined with boarding school charm.

• I sit in a very civilized manner, to live up to my British name. I sit up like a human and, because we Brits can be portly (I am a 23-pound feline hunk of love), I have to let my tummy hang out. All that’s missing is my top hat and round reading spectacles on my eyes.

• I love an afternoon sip of Mom’s tea (or should I call her Mum) followed by a few cat naps—I’m very British indeed—just like my name.

Applications for Business and Life

Do you know who you were named for, if anyone? Have you ever looked up the meaning of your name? It can be give you interesting insights to learn your name’s origin and meaning. It can also encourage you to live up to the aspects of your name that you would like to emulate.

What do your family members and friends think when they hear your name? Have you ever asked them to describe your personality with three adjectives? Try it! It can be fun.

If you have a small business, what impressions come to your audience or clients when they hear your name or your business name? Why not ask them or survey them sometime and find out?

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