what's in a name?

Having now received some pretty solid evidence that we'll be welcoming another boy (he was not shy during the ultrasound!), we've spent the last few days consumed with name brainstorming. In the process, we looked up the meanings of our other boys' names, and were surprised at how well they actually do fit the three who wear them.

Garrett Blake
Garrett means "powerful with a spear," which doesn't translate the best to his personality, except perhaps in that he occasionally takes his position as the oldest child very seriously. Blake, however, means "pale" or "white," which fits him very well indeed!

Caleb David
According to one site, Caleb means "dog," and on another it means "devoted and whole-hearted." Both work well together, as dogs are often very devoted creatures, and both fit Caleb incredibly well. Not only is he quite attached to his stuffed toy dogs, but he is devoted to every endeavor he attempts (he's the only one in our family, with the exception of his father, who will patiently stick with a difficult puzzle or challenge until he's seen it through), and he sincerely and thoughtfully shares his whole heart with others by observing and acting on the needs of those around him. David means "beloved," which, despite his quick temper, accurately describes this not-forgotten middle child of mine.

Matthew Wiest
Matthew means "gift of God," and he is truly just that. His sweet, mellow, and easy-going personality have made him the ideal third child, and he is an absolute joy to be with. Wiest is a family surname, and one website gave its meaning as "a habitational name for a place named Wiest or Wieste, near Meppen, in northeast Germany." I'm not sure if that's the region of Germany my ancestors hail from, though I suppose it's likely that at least one branch did at one time in history. At any rate, though, with his fair complexion and hair, he most definitely looks like he descends from that part of the world!


Baby Boy #4 is as yet still officially unnamed, though I think we may have settled on one we really like. Which is a relief, seeing as our well of beloved boy names, while never very full, was running particularly dry this time around. Watch for an announcement of his name in the spring once he's born.