The Life Through Her Eyes: A House on Mango Street Memoir

The Naming Days

The Naming Days

 

Many people say “Yeah, my name was passed down to me by my grandmother,” or grandfather. Where as, my name was formed around my personality. My mum would tell me that she almost named me Bailey, or Hailey. Which honestly, I wouldn’t mind, I’ve always loved the name Bailey. Though, when she saw my ultrasound, she knew instinctively, she’s a Brooke.

My name came to me because, as I was told, I looked like a “babbling” brook. My mouth was opening and closing repeatedly.

To me, my name isn’t just a body of water. It’s much, much more. I look deep. My name is what forms ME. My name describes my personality. My crazy, hyperactive, silly personality. It comes from Old English and Old German. That’s where my name originated. Two actresses, that I know of, share my name, Brooke Shields and Brooke Adams.

In the United States my name was most popular in the 1960s. Though, it may not be a popular name, I do know one Brooke, other than myself. She’s my best friend’s older cousin. It may be her name as well, but when Brooke flows through my ears, I think that is MY name. It will always be that way. That is MY name.