The Story Behind My Name

My mom named me after the woman who sponsored my family to come to the US in the late 1950s. This woman was married to a man who owned an oil company. They had four boys, the youngest one was about the same age as my brother who was three years old at the time. They needed live in help to manage the boys and their mansion.

Traditionally, my mom would have named me after herself. My brother is named after our father. However, my mother felt that if she named me after her, her “bad luck” would follow me. She went through a lot in Cuba, and she viewed her trials as bad luck. She did not want me connected to her past.

As it happens, I was born in the US about 10 years later. My mother felt that there was more opportunity for me being an American citizen by birth. (I am using a pseudonym for this blog and do not wish at this time to reveal my real name.) However, the meaning of my name is noble woman. This was hard to live up to especially during my childhood and adolescent years. Now as I am all grown up, it is a little easier. At least I aim to be noble on purpose.