What’s in a name?

People always point out that I have two first names. Three including my middle (Samuel).

Here are my discoveries about their origin and meaning.

Ethan

Ethan wrote Psalms 89 in the Bible. He was a symbol player in the court of King David. The name means strong and optimistic.

People named Ethan whom I admire:

• Ethan Allen
• Ethan Hawke
• Ethan Nakamura

Samuel

Samuel, another Old Testament name. Samuel was one of God’s judges. The name means “God has heard”.

People named Samuel whom I admire:

• Samuel Adams
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Samuel Walton
• Samuel Clemens
• Samuel Morse

Benjamin

Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob in the Bible. The name means “Son of my right hand”.

People named Benjamin whom I admire:

• Benjamin Franklin
• Benjamin Graham
• Benjamin Wallace