Giving Your Name Meaning

In times past, family crests were often displayed in people’s homes. A last name wasn’t irrelevant. It meant something. Not just for an individual, but collectively for the family.

Some take great pride in their family name and all it represents. For others, there can be shame or a need to distance themselves from the past. And for many, there’s no real thought given at all to a last name.  

No matter where you are on that spectrum, it’s okay. When you become a new creation in Christ, the historical meaning of a name or past family beliefs no longer reflects you now. Throughout scripture, God renamed people or gave new meaning to their names as they followed him.  

In that spirit, my wife and I decided to create a family crest that defined what the name Arnold means for our family. You can see the fruit of that journey in the attached image. The main visual represents a tree of life…with roots that go deep not in the ground but in God. Each shield contains a letter that represents a unique trait we hold dear. The scripture verse chosen reflects how we want to practically live this out.

An artist friend took our rough sketch and brought it to reality. The original painting has been in the entry of our home for more than a decade now.  

I encourage you to consider your name and what it means. Start by asking yourself what you want your family name to stand for. As you do, be sure (to use the meaning of the D in my last name) to dream big. There are no limits to what God can do in and through your family. Put words to that desire. Doodle what the crest might look like.  

Savor this time of new creation, make it all joy, and see where God takes it from there.

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