Growing up I remember thinking my name was so masculine. It was absolutely clear to me at the time, that it was a name that a boy should be labeled with. I genuinely couldn't stand it. Of course now I realize what I didn't like was the nickname 'Chris' that seemed to naturally come to mind for anyone trying to tease me somehow, because I have yet to meet a boy named Crystal.
I once asked my mom why she named me that, but all I got was what I thought was a cop-out: "I just liked the name Crystal!" Really?? You liked a name that's meaning is a clear rock? Not even a diamond or precious gemstone, just a clear rock?? I remember as a kid saying at one point that I was named after a famous movie star, to make my friends all jealous. I wanted some claim that my name was more important, more special.
Eventually I realized though that Lynn, my middle name was truly a treasure. I share my middle name with my grandma, my mom, and now my own daughter. And though it is a common name, I knew more girls with the middle name Lynn then I can remember, it was special to me just because of who I share it with.
And as for Crystal, I can't say I am thrilled with it anymore then I was as a child. But I definitely don't hate it, I no longer view it as masculine and I can't say it sounds bad, especially coming from the mouth of the man I love, who funny enough can't stand his own name (which of course means I love it).
I just hope someday my own children will treasure the names I have picked out so thoughtfully and lovingly for them, as I now realize my mom did the same way for me when I was still a baby kicking her from inside her belly.
This is the 1st in a 15 week series I am doing to record my youth with other woman. Check it out at
I remember giving my mom a really hard time about my name - Lisa-Anne. I told her she simply picked the two most common names of the time and gave them to me. ;-) Now that I reflect back on it, I realize that wasn't the case but there were many times when I was younger I did NOT want my name or I wanted at least an unusual spelling to it or something to make it unique.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like my name when I was a kid, but I've grown to like it as I've gotten older.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like the name Crystal--its' not too common but not too out there. Glad you've grown to appreciate it a little more, thanks for sharing! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal! Thanks for sharing your name and I liked this part...especially coming from the mouth of the man I love, who funny enough can't stand his own name (which of course means I love it).
ReplyDeleteahh!
Please email me at jannajoy25@hotmail.com with an email address I can use for you so I can send you some more info and put you in a group for next week. Thanks!