Would a rose by any other name still smell as sweet?

Names, whether names of places or names of individuals, there is meaning behind the name. Take my name for example, Alexandra Victoria Mauro. Trust me it's a mouthful. At the same time I cannot imagine having any other name. Alexandra is inspired by my mom's side of the family. My great grandfather, was Alfred, also known as "AL." As a result my parents created an name in which the nickname could be Al, hence the Alexandra. My middle name was also inspired by my mother's family, as my mom is in fact Victoria. Finally, my last name emphasizes my Italian heritage. By dad's family can ever be traced to Naples and Positano, Italy.

I always imagine what my life would be like if I was named something else. Initially, I was supposed to be named Francesca. But I feel no meaning behind that name and no connection to my family through my name. My slanted opinion is mostly a result of eighteen years of being known as Alex. Furthermore, I have come to accept the history of my name. However, if I was never known as Alex would I still be me?

I question if I would feel the same about family history if I was in fact Francesca. Oddly enough, if I were born Francesca I would probably resent the idea of being named Alexandra. Furthermore, if i were told to change my name I would still resent changing it to anything other than MY name. Whether the name be Alex or Frankie it is still MY name. A name has significance, history. For this reason, I disagree with changing the names in the County of Donegal.

When the maps are made, the value, history and meanings the names are forgotten as they are placed in "The Name Book." Owen and Yolland try to determine the "official" name for the river. “Bun na hAbhann” is the first name of the river. Followed by, "Banowen." Finally the river is recorded as "Burnfoot" (39-40). The widely excepted name for the river is lost. There is a strong possibility, that the members of the county will resent the name change just as I would. The heritage is gone and overtime will be forgotten.