Monday, May 22, 2006

My Life Monday 4

My parents named me Gina because . . .

My dad's sister's name was Regina and they called her Gi Gi. Her full name was Mary Regina. In 1963, she was hit by a car and died at 11 years old. My dad was 9 years old at the time. She was crossing a busy street from the neighbors house coming back home when it happened. My dad says that his poor brother witnessed the whole thing. So sad...

Because my dad loved his sister and liked her name, he and Mom decided "Gina" would be more appropriate than Regina. He thinks Mom wanted something more original than borrowed. Anyway, they both liked the name Gina. My middle name, Christine, just came out of the blue. It just sounded good with Gina they say.

My mom swears she wasn't over protective of me when I was 11 years old, but I remember her being very careful that year.

I have always loved my middle name and wanted to name my first girl Cleo Christine. Also, when I was in grade school and middle school we moved around a bit. Each time we moved I said I was going to tell people my name was Christine. I always forgot or got nervous and didn't end up doing it. My dad has always gone by his middle name and apparently my Aunt Gi Gi did too! I wish I could have made "Christine" stick back in the day... I think I look more like a Christine than a Gina. All the Gina's I have met are brunettes.

As for my current last name, I got that from a really hot guy named Ian. Not so original, but it works well with my first 2 names.

9 comments:

Robin said...

That is a sad story, and a good way to get a name. Powell is pretty original too.

Katie said...

I can see you as a Christine, but since you're the only Gina I know, I think it fits you perfectly.

Blackeyedsue said...

What an honor for you to carry on a name. Your story touched me.

Mall Worker said...

Such a touching story! I'm glad you shared it!

Rachelle said...

What a touching story of how you got your name. Cam's middle name is after his brother who died at age 4 (my stepson Tyler). I think it is a great way to honor somebody special like that.

Tori :) said...

Touching story... Isabel's middle name is Nicole- named for my sister who died when she was 18. I agree with Rachelle- it is a great way to honor someone.

Nettie said...

What a neat way to have received your name! Makes it more special than just a name "cause they liked it".

Nichole said...

I agree - very touching indeed.

Gina is also a great name to play the name game with: Gina Gina bo-bina! My name has never been suitable for it, and that always made me feel...left out. (I shoulda put that in my blog!)

Diana Mancuso said...

Thanks for the sharing the story behind your name. It was so nice of your dad to honour his sister by naming his daughter after her.