My name is very biblical. Like every name in my family. White or gold in color. It is a cathedral. Sunlight filtering through stained glass windows. I always imagine the texture of my name being like a feather. Light to the touch. Angelic. Holy. Hearing bells every time I hear my name. 

My name is Abby. A simple name. Two syllables. Easy to pronounce, but the religious meaning behind my name is more complex than the simple two-syllable word seen on the surface.

In German my name means noble strength, father of light. In Hebrew it means cause of joy. In Greek my name means gives joy. In english it means my father. No matter where you are in the world, my name has a meaning of religious background.

I have many siblings, Ashley, Krista, Joseph, and Kayla. Ashley was always upset that my name means ‘father’s joy’ and her’s means ‘ash tree.’ When I was little and would start crying, she would always say “Dad, Father’s joy is calling you!”

At home I am always given nicknames. Most of them are longer than my actual name. Like Abbs, abby-dabby-doo, abbylicious, abercrombie, and absterdoodle to name a few.

My name is bright and happy. Very cherry, like the rising sun. Bright and beautiful. Abby would have a soft feeling. Like a beam of light through the clouds. An image of a bright, sunny afternoon. Butterflies and birds chirping. Very calming.

I like the history of my name. I like how people can easily interpret my name for themselves. It is easy to define. A likeable name. It describes my personality well. A simple, happy person. 

What can I say? I think simply. I don’t need more than I am given. A calming personality. I spread joy by making some good jokes— and some of the cheesiest jokes ever. I am always bright and happy. Always soft. One might just say that my name explains who I am in one word.