How to interpret your name as a compass for life.

Hello, I'm copywriter Hirotaro Abe. Out of the blue, but have you ever heard from your parents about the origin of your name?

It's often said that "a name is the first gift to a child." In other words, could it be that the very first thing we receive in life is our "name"? In this series centered on the theme of " interpretation," I want to encourage you to think about your own name without taking it at face value.

By deeply understanding the origin of your own name and adding your own interpretation to it, I believe it can become a compass for your life.

You've written your name tens of thousands of times—why did you get that name?

"Let's research the origin of our own names."
"I want you to thoroughly research the character origins/etymology of your name."
"Then, summarize it so it can be conveyed on one A4 sheet."

I host a series of workshops called "Word Projects." Participants tackled a task called " Name Introduction."

This "Name Introduction" was slightly different from a "Self-Introduction." Like putting up a sign, why is my name what it is? What's the origin behind it? We've written it tens of thousands of times, yet we surprisingly rarely think deeply about it.

Ask the person who named you about its origin. Then look up the character roots and etymology yourself. Learn and interpret the meaning behind your name. Above all, this was an assignment designed to help you learn how to introduce yourself to others.

Feel free to add your own new interpretations.

Let me tell you about my name, "Abe Hirotaro."

What thoughts were there when naming me? I vaguely remember asking my parents as a child, but the memory had grown hazy. Setting aside my embarrassment, I asked again why they chose "Hirotaro"...

Apparently, my parents discussed it together. They decided they'd rather think it through themselves than ask someone else. My father, who reads a lot, came up with many candidates. After examining the meanings of the kanji and the stroke counts, they narrowed it down to two options: "Hirotaro" and "Shintaro." In the end, they chose "Hirotaro."

Shintaro...⁉ It was a fact I learned for the first time after living over 30 years.

It felt strange. What kind of life would I have lived if I had become Shintaro? While I'm sure I'd be living a life fitting for Shintaro, I can't help but fantasize about that other life.

True to the saying "the name reflects the person," living as "Hirotaro," I now work in advertising. I remember my mother saying this when I got the job at the ad agency:

" You know, the 'hiro' in your name comes from 'advertising' (kōkoku). Work hard, okay? You're Kōtarō after all. "

I knew the real reason was her wish for me to have a heart as vast as the sea. But hearing that added a fresh layer of meaning—it felt like a surprise , like I could add new interpretations later! That's why I still remember it so clearly.

It was as if she were saying it was inevitable, topping it off with a new interpretation. I was happy to hear my mother's words encouraging me, "You're Abe Kōkoku Taro," as I was about to enter the workforce and embark on a career in advertising.

In my second year at the company, when I transferred from HR to the Creative Department, I even created an ad for my seniors based on that very story.

"The name you received × the will you discovered" helps you find "This is how I want to be!"

The reason your parents gave you your name is important. But I strongly want to say it's just one reference point.

The one who will live with the name you received for the longest time is none other than yourself. What will you discover in that name? That is what matters most. By adding your own interpretation, I believe the name can become one you cherish even more.

Personally, because I have the character "広" (hiro, meaning "broad"), I constantly strive to maintain a wide perspective, not limiting myself solely to the advertising industry. And because I have the character "太" (futoshi, meaning "thick"), I aim to build a robust way of life—one that prioritizes stability while also being capable of making bold moves when the moment calls for it.

Yes, it's about finding that " This is how I want to be! " feeling, using your name as your anchor.

Since you are the one who nurtures your name, infuse it with your own hopes.

Some say a name is a curse. Certainly, the feelings passed down from parents can sometimes become pressure. It's like a heavy "curse" pressing down on both shoulders and the back.

But remember, the characters for "curse" (呪い) are also read as "spell" (お呪い). It's nothing less than relying on mystical power to make wishes come true. Would any parent name their child hoping for misfortune?

So naturally, we can also say this: A name is a prayer. We understand the expectations and wishes of the person who named us. What matters is what comes next. How do we personally receive our name? How do we interpret it, and what will do we find within it?

I believe you should decide that for yourself. It's a curious thing—we become people who resemble our names and live lives that mirror them. So, let's infuse our own hopes into them. After all, the true nurturer of your name is none other than yourself.

If you absolutely cannot accept your given name, I think it's perfectly fine to rename yourself. You can make the decision to legally change your name on official records, or you can simply choose your own online handle. Making the name you'll live with the longest one you're truly satisfied with is incredibly good for your mental well-being.

"That Might Just Be Your Assumption? Practicing 'Interpretation' Unbound by Someone Else's Answers"
Discover Twenty-One, 288 pages, ¥1,650 (tax included), ISBN 978-4799327371

The stories of three people who interpreted their own names and found their core values are featured in my book, 'Hey, That Might Be a Bit of an Assumption, You Know? '. Please check it out.

Reaching out to your parents again to ask about the origin of your name might feel awkward or embarrassing. If that's the case, I'd be happy if you could use this as an excuse, saying something like, "I came across this article..."

To love your name and take pride in it, why not embark on a journey to discover your name's story? I sincerely hope you'll look into the origin of your name. You're sure to find something new and meaningful there.