Norah Jane...What's in a Name?

 

Some have asked us why we chose to name our daughter Norah Jane, and if there is any significance to it. In choosing names for our kids, we gravitate toward ones that have meaning associated with the character we pray they would grow to display. For Charlie Jude, that meant a "strong, free man of praise." And we continue to pray that is just who he would become by God's grace. We also usually choose a scripture or two that go along with the characteristics of the name. Charlie's verse was Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."

Norah happened to be one of the names I had had on my list of favorites back in college, I believe. I knew if I ever had a girl, I would use this name for sure. Thankfully, Dan agreed. I guess I started liking the name as my appreciation grew for singer/songwriter Norah Jones, though we did not name our daughter after her, exactly. We loved that the name Norah had a meaning that we could pray for her to become. Norah means, "Woman of compassion, honor, and shining light." We pray that through the grace of God, He would someday give her a new heart, full of love for Him, and that she would be known for her compassion, honor, and as a shining light for Christ. The two verses we chose for her are Ephesians 5:8, "...for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light," and Numbers 6:25, "The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you."

Her middle name, Jane, was chosen to honor both of our moms. My mom's name, Janice or Jan, shares a meaning with Jane, and Dan's mom's middle name is also Jane. Jane means, "God is gracious." We certainly experienced His graciousness in a new way when He gave us a little girl whom we had prayed for long before she existed. 

Since Norah's birth 7 weeks ago, many have told us how popular the name Norah (or Nora) is becoming. Just for the record, I chose this name like 8 years ago, so...  ;)