Fernando

This reminds of my first assignment in elementary school, when I had to ask my parents why my name was given to me and research what it meant.  When I was born my mother named me after my father, Fernando Mendoza. They both come from a Hispanic culture and it’s sometimes tradition to be named after one’s dad at birth, but my mom claimed that wasn’t the case and simply liked the name.

            The Dictionary meaning for Fernando is “adventurous” and “Brave Traveler”. The denotation behind my name fits into my life style of exploring and living dauntlessly. However having a Spanish name sometimes has its downfall. Dave Mosher’s ideas in “Easily Pronounced Names May Make People More Likeable” are about having a pronounceable name that makes a person easier to like you. That was never the case other than people wanting to call me “Francisco” or “Nando” for a short or easier way of pronouncing my name. I never understood because to me the name “Francisco” can be interpreted in English and Spanish as easy as it is to pronounce mine.

            My dad’s family has a Spaniard origin, so our last name Mendoza comes from Spain. It’s not a common last name and everyone in my family take pride for us being a big family. Although I wasn’t given a middle name, I would have liked one.  I remember growing up with so many people that had a middle name that I felt left out for some time wishing I had one. My answer to those who asked why I didn’t have one was simply that one wasn’t given to me. If I had to choose to get a middle name the following day, it would have to be Cam. It doesn’t really have any remarkable meaning to it, I just like to keep things simple and short.

            Many people have told me that my name doesn’t fit my appearance. When someone hears my name they expect a Hispanic that speaks Spanish but as soon as I’m seen I’m like a polar bear that belongs in Antarctica. If I had the chance to change my name I would kindly decline the opportunity. Although my mom claims my dad wasn’t the reason for my name I was glad it was. He’s always been my role model growing up and I only learned from the best. Even though I learned to like it throughout the years I don’t think I’d be naming my child that. I enjoy short simple names with the best last name I know out there.