Ever since we found out we are having a girl, many have asked along the way... do you have any names picked out? do you know her name? what's her name? are you sharing her name? Those who know me better and the story behind the names of Hadley and Beckett, along with how much patience, intention and thoughtfulness I put into naming our children, have been even that much more expectant and eager to know.
There were a few names we tossed around among ourselves (spouse and kids) for a few weeks or so, but there was not any one name that we all agreed on - it was usually boys vs. girls, or Danny would remain indifferent and unsure. Several uncommon name choices that I would share with Beckett would often get a "heck, no, is that even a name", or "what kind of name is that?" kind of response. It would make me laugh and ask why he felt that way, and then I would cross that name off the list. Hadley wasn't as picky and tended to like most of our name choices while holding onto a couple favorites.
I searched and chose the names for both Hadley and Beckett - they each have a special meaning and place in my heart, with character/personality qualities and nature/spiritual imagery to go along with it. The same is true for this child. The name needs to speak to me, and even more so, speak of the child in a meaningful and symbolic way. It needs to be somewhat uncommon and not mainstream, yet not too far out there or difficult to say. It needs to have some kind of scripture connection and spiritual significance as well, like a story or illustration. And this time around, it needed to be approved and affirmed by our two older kiddos.
Danny usually warms up to the name choice if he's not sure at first, which is the case with this child just as it was with Hadley (he loved the name Beckett from the first time I mentioned it). However, this time he had even less of a say - for once I mentioned the full name to the kids, mainly to test Beck's reaction, they both fell in love with it before he did, immediately came up with a cute little nickname ("little A"), and would bring it up and practically beg for us to name her that name, the name that starts with an "A" of course, hence the nickname, "little A". It's like it was meant to be, like it or not - kid's choice wins. So, although I searched the name out as an option, it was the kids who confirmed it.
Her name tells a story - her story, and our story, and God's story - all weaving together. Her name has several different meanings depending on the origin or variant, which is actually quite befitting considering the somewhat mysterious and rather miraculous nature of her existence. Two common meanings of her name are - "oak tree" and "halo" (or moonlight - halo of light around the moon, or sun). Another variation gives the meaning - "from a strong and resilient place". And yet another connection can be made phonetically with the word meaning - "breath" or "dawn radiance". I love all of these, for they all describe or symbolize something about her and/or how she came to be.
Still, one meaning of her name stood out above the rest and is one reason why this name found its place on the list and in my heart, for personal reasons. (the unexpected reaction of the kids was the culminating reason as to why this name settled deeper in my heart - sealing its place). It is of Hebrew origin meaning - "doe" or "hind" (female deer). I know, I know - nothing too striking. A deer. A female deer. What's so special about that? Well, it's the animal used in one of my favorite books, a beautiful allegory - with the main character being a female deer on a spiritual journey through difficult and fearful places, yearning to be free from what cripples her, to finally come to a place of healing, love and transformation, with a new name and a new perspective - "Hinds' Feet on High Places".
I would like for you to know that it was my mom who introduced me to the book, both my sister and me, when we were in our youth. I never spent much time reading when I was younger (outside of school assignments or biblical devotions), and neither did I appreciate books like I do now. However, I have gleaned so much from reading over these past 6 years - I have books upon books to show for it and am in the process of finding more space to accommodate them. It was during this time frame that I re-read "Hinds' Feet on High Places". It was so much more meaningful having had more life experience to deeply connect with it. This meaningful and beloved book derives its title and theme from a scripture in Habakkuk 3:19:
I would encourage you to read the whole book or at least the chapter of Habakkuk 3 for fuller context. A similar scripture reading, referencing "hinds' feet", can also be found in Psalm 18. I also read a commentary on these passages - it brought me to tears. It spoke to me. It spoke of her. It spoke of spiritual journey paradoxes. It spoke of God's loving faithfulness. Enough said.
Her middle name also tells a story, a layered story. Even though it's often used around Christmas time as a way to announce and celebrate the news and birth of Christ, we connected with it more so because of how surprising, unexpected, and seemingly miraculous her early existence was (which we processed in the months leading up to Christmas, making it that much more relatable). We related to Mary and Joseph in personal ways with the likeness of deep and paradoxical feelings, uncertainties, wonder, worry, awe, and potential speculations or accusations. It also happens to be one of the names that Hadley picked out - without realizing how significant it is. When I shared the name with the kids, I shared both the first and middle name together. Beckett's striking response was... "Woah, I couldn't think of a better name... that sounds sooo good"... etc.
Side note: Since Beckett was the one who prayed for a sibling, it is another sweet part of the story that his surprisingly positive reaction to the name choice would be the first thing to solidify her name (along with Hadley's persistence in asking and begging us to call her that name rather than it being another uncertain option on the list). Even though it's uncommon and I thought for sure Beck would dismiss it like the others - he hasn't wavered in his opinion since he first heard it. And for those wondering, he wouldn't trade her for a younger brother either, for he is her "guardian". They both adore her so much already. It has been such a joy to go through this unexpected journey with them being old enough to be so involved.
Furthermore, her middle name (ending in "elle") shares resemblance with a kindred, best friend of mine, she knows who she is, or she will once she reads this. If our daughter is anything like her, we would be so blessed and honored. The ending also shares the same sound as the beginning of my middle name, a family name, Elizabeth, meaning - "consecrated/pledged to God" and "my God is bountiful". Lastly, according to the Bible, Elizabeth is an older relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who joyfully welcomed, embraced, affirmed, and supported Mary during her early pregnancy. This name is in honor of those who have done the same with me. I appreciate you - the "Elizabeth's" in my life, especially during those first few difficult months after hearing the news. Enough said.
Without going into much more detail about the story, symbolism, significance, and the story behind the choosing of her special and beloved name, we would like to share with you her name...
Ayla Noelle
(pronounced Ay-la, not Is-la; like Kayla without the K)
Isn't she lovely...
beloved and wondrous... Ayla Noelle Slaughter... beautiful girl, you are (so) amazing!
There were a few names we tossed around among ourselves (spouse and kids) for a few weeks or so, but there was not any one name that we all agreed on - it was usually boys vs. girls, or Danny would remain indifferent and unsure. Several uncommon name choices that I would share with Beckett would often get a "heck, no, is that even a name", or "what kind of name is that?" kind of response. It would make me laugh and ask why he felt that way, and then I would cross that name off the list. Hadley wasn't as picky and tended to like most of our name choices while holding onto a couple favorites.
I searched and chose the names for both Hadley and Beckett - they each have a special meaning and place in my heart, with character/personality qualities and nature/spiritual imagery to go along with it. The same is true for this child. The name needs to speak to me, and even more so, speak of the child in a meaningful and symbolic way. It needs to be somewhat uncommon and not mainstream, yet not too far out there or difficult to say. It needs to have some kind of scripture connection and spiritual significance as well, like a story or illustration. And this time around, it needed to be approved and affirmed by our two older kiddos.
Danny usually warms up to the name choice if he's not sure at first, which is the case with this child just as it was with Hadley (he loved the name Beckett from the first time I mentioned it). However, this time he had even less of a say - for once I mentioned the full name to the kids, mainly to test Beck's reaction, they both fell in love with it before he did, immediately came up with a cute little nickname ("little A"), and would bring it up and practically beg for us to name her that name, the name that starts with an "A" of course, hence the nickname, "little A". It's like it was meant to be, like it or not - kid's choice wins. So, although I searched the name out as an option, it was the kids who confirmed it.
Her name tells a story - her story, and our story, and God's story - all weaving together. Her name has several different meanings depending on the origin or variant, which is actually quite befitting considering the somewhat mysterious and rather miraculous nature of her existence. Two common meanings of her name are - "oak tree" and "halo" (or moonlight - halo of light around the moon, or sun). Another variation gives the meaning - "from a strong and resilient place". And yet another connection can be made phonetically with the word meaning - "breath" or "dawn radiance". I love all of these, for they all describe or symbolize something about her and/or how she came to be.
Still, one meaning of her name stood out above the rest and is one reason why this name found its place on the list and in my heart, for personal reasons. (the unexpected reaction of the kids was the culminating reason as to why this name settled deeper in my heart - sealing its place). It is of Hebrew origin meaning - "doe" or "hind" (female deer). I know, I know - nothing too striking. A deer. A female deer. What's so special about that? Well, it's the animal used in one of my favorite books, a beautiful allegory - with the main character being a female deer on a spiritual journey through difficult and fearful places, yearning to be free from what cripples her, to finally come to a place of healing, love and transformation, with a new name and a new perspective - "Hinds' Feet on High Places".
I would like for you to know that it was my mom who introduced me to the book, both my sister and me, when we were in our youth. I never spent much time reading when I was younger (outside of school assignments or biblical devotions), and neither did I appreciate books like I do now. However, I have gleaned so much from reading over these past 6 years - I have books upon books to show for it and am in the process of finding more space to accommodate them. It was during this time frame that I re-read "Hinds' Feet on High Places". It was so much more meaningful having had more life experience to deeply connect with it. This meaningful and beloved book derives its title and theme from a scripture in Habakkuk 3:19:
The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me walk (setteth me) upon mine high places.
I would encourage you to read the whole book or at least the chapter of Habakkuk 3 for fuller context. A similar scripture reading, referencing "hinds' feet", can also be found in Psalm 18. I also read a commentary on these passages - it brought me to tears. It spoke to me. It spoke of her. It spoke of spiritual journey paradoxes. It spoke of God's loving faithfulness. Enough said.
Her middle name also tells a story, a layered story. Even though it's often used around Christmas time as a way to announce and celebrate the news and birth of Christ, we connected with it more so because of how surprising, unexpected, and seemingly miraculous her early existence was (which we processed in the months leading up to Christmas, making it that much more relatable). We related to Mary and Joseph in personal ways with the likeness of deep and paradoxical feelings, uncertainties, wonder, worry, awe, and potential speculations or accusations. It also happens to be one of the names that Hadley picked out - without realizing how significant it is. When I shared the name with the kids, I shared both the first and middle name together. Beckett's striking response was... "Woah, I couldn't think of a better name... that sounds sooo good"... etc.
Side note: Since Beckett was the one who prayed for a sibling, it is another sweet part of the story that his surprisingly positive reaction to the name choice would be the first thing to solidify her name (along with Hadley's persistence in asking and begging us to call her that name rather than it being another uncertain option on the list). Even though it's uncommon and I thought for sure Beck would dismiss it like the others - he hasn't wavered in his opinion since he first heard it. And for those wondering, he wouldn't trade her for a younger brother either, for he is her "guardian". They both adore her so much already. It has been such a joy to go through this unexpected journey with them being old enough to be so involved.
Furthermore, her middle name (ending in "elle") shares resemblance with a kindred, best friend of mine, she knows who she is, or she will once she reads this. If our daughter is anything like her, we would be so blessed and honored. The ending also shares the same sound as the beginning of my middle name, a family name, Elizabeth, meaning - "consecrated/pledged to God" and "my God is bountiful". Lastly, according to the Bible, Elizabeth is an older relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who joyfully welcomed, embraced, affirmed, and supported Mary during her early pregnancy. This name is in honor of those who have done the same with me. I appreciate you - the "Elizabeth's" in my life, especially during those first few difficult months after hearing the news. Enough said.
Without going into much more detail about the story, symbolism, significance, and the story behind the choosing of her special and beloved name, we would like to share with you her name...
Ayla Noelle
(pronounced Ay-la, not Is-la; like Kayla without the K)
Isn't she lovely...
beloved and wondrous... Ayla Noelle Slaughter... beautiful girl, you are (so) amazing!
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