We’re big on the importance of names, and Susanna Helen is named after three specific people, with several additional good associations.
Susanna was the name of my Great-Grandma Churchill, who went by Susie. My first doll (given to me by Peter when he was born) was named Susie, so I guess I’ve been fond of the name for a long time! I find that I’m mostly calling her Susanna, but Derek and Tommy prefer Susie, and Elizabeth can say Susie or Zana, so she’ll probably end up mostly being a Susie like Elizabeth is mostly Lizzie to all but me and a few family and friends. (As you can tell, Derek really likes nicknames ending in a long E sound.) Susanna is one of the women mentioned in Luke 8 who followed Jesus and His disciples and “provided for them out of their means.” I like to think that Susanna will embrace hospitality and generosity as she grows up. The kids have also grown to love the name this past year because of Tommy’s little friend Susannah Hoskins.=)
Helen is the name of both of Derek’s grandmas–better known to the kids as Nona and Great-Grandma Tony! Helen means “bright one,” and all of the Helens I’ve known have been wonderful, Godly women. It’s rare that a name has only positive associations for both Derek and me. We’re looking forward to introducing Susanna Helen to all of the Helens in her life this summer as we move across the country.
I like using her full name, too! 🙂 Susanna. I really like it.