Although Juliet is correct in that a rose would smell as sweet regardless of what it is called, names are an integral part of who we are. Often, even if we’re not fully conscious of it, names affect us in some way.

For example, take the case of deciding on names for your child. Have you ever thought of a name, and because of someone that you had known with that particular name, you had a positive association with it and moved it to the top of your list? Or, you had a negative association and immediately eliminated it as a contender?

Later in life, people define and categorize a person when introductions are first made. First impressions are based largely on the name. This may be why some have changed their birth names—to be more memorable or easier to pronounce, or to evoke a different persona.  Some famous examples include:

• Bob Hope – Leslie Townes Hope
• Chuck Norris – Carlos Ray
• Demi Moore – Demetria Guynes
• Harry Houdini – Ehrich Weiss
• John Wayne – Marion Michael Morrison
• Judy Garland – Frances Gumm
• Marilyn Monroe – Norma Jean Mortenson.
• Natalie Portman – Natalie Hershlag
• Natalie Wood– Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko
• Pelé – Edson Arantes do Nascimento
• Shania Twain – Eileen Regina Edwards

There are many sites and sources for learning the meaning or origins of names. And whether someone realizes it or not, it can’t be helped but to associate a name with the individual. A name is a treasure that helps identify an individual immediately.

Your name is uniquely yours. Why not show it off? Personalization can be done on clothing, art, accessories—just about anything can be personalized.

Consider finding the perfect personalized gift for someone, either with their name or monogram.  Personalized bedding or bath towels are appreciated wedding gifts to commemorate the celebration of a couple’s new beginning.

For something as unique as the name that was chosen, take a look at some samples of Personalized Sketches artwork.  Each drawing is entirely composed of the name of an individual.

Monogrammed clothing is an ideal gift for a child, making that outfit uniquely theirs, without compromising safety by having the child’s name viewed for all to see.

Many things change, but one thing is certain—names are part of an individual’s identity.

-Guest Blogger Maria (http://www.personalizedsketchesandsentiments.blogspot.com)