My name is Nevada. I do not particularly care if you pronounce it “Nuh-vah-duh” or “Ne-Vaa-Daa” or “Neh-vah-deh” like my Spanish friend, Rosilio. Speaking of Spanish, my name is the Spanish word for “snowfall”. I was born on a day that was “asshole deep in snow.” Or at least, that’s what my mother tells me. She also tells me that, but for the small matter of gender, I would have been John Wayne.
Nevada is not typically the kind of name one might saddle a child with. For one thing, it’s strange. You can tell by the way people ask “What’s your real name?” And I don’t mean interesting like Elsbeth, or Ginger. But strange, like Chlamydia or Dorestine. It also gives people the irrepressible urge to give you tourist items from the state of Nevada, and perpetually call you “Dakota” or “Montana” or “Ne-Vegas” or “Reno”, and ask if you were conceived there, as though it were any of their business. … For the record, the answer is no.
It also gives you a personality you’re not born ready for. No one expects a “Nevada” to be boring. The only other person I’ve met with my name is actually much better at encompassing this personality than I am. The Other Nevada is vivacious, tan, brunette and enthusiastic. She punched me in the arm when she learned my name. She has a sister named Sierra. I am doughy, pale, grievous and severe.
At least I don’t have a sister named Sierra.
This is so strange but I’m having a baby girl and we really like the name Nevada Ashlyn. So do you not like your name?
I grew up with a different name too and got tons of t-shirts and such with the word Summer on it. I also was teased being called Winter, Spring, Fall, etc. Anyway, just wanted to get your personal opinion if we should think of something else to name our daughter.
Oh by the way…I do have a sister named Sierra! haha Isn’t that funny?