When I was a kid, I hated my name. I even remember incessantly suggesting to my Mom a “cool” nickname they could use to call me. Later on, she got mad at me for being such an annoying brat, which ended my attempt to push the issue. Heh.

It’s true that I used to hate my name (and my Chinese name!), but I’ve always been happy about the meaning of my name. Joni means God’s gracious gift or God is gracious. But it’s also because of that fact that I sometimes wonder how a flawed, pasaway person like me can be a gift from God or proof that He is indeed gracious, but oh well. Let’s just hope that at least I am one in the eyes of my parents. lol. My mom used to boost my ego when I was younger by telling me how happy they were when I was born. I think that’s the kind of joy an unica hija (and the youngest child at that) brings to the family. But I don’t think they’re still fond of me now. :D

Today, I no longer hate my name. But I hate it when somebody I just met asks me this question, “Isn’t Joni a guy’s name?” Grrr. Obviously, they don’t know who Joni Mitchell is. More importantly, Joni Eareckson Tada, the American Christian author who broke her neck when she was 17 which left her quadriplegic. And — okay, fine — the “Don’t Cry Joni” song too by Conway Twitty and Joni Lee. :P

And look, I’m the third Joni in Google! (…uhm, so?)

On the website mentioned in Tina’s post, I looked up the hidden meaning of “Joni”, and this is what it says,

God’s gift “Hebrew”.
You are charming, talented and have a very positive attitude to life so it is hardly surprising that you attract success and recognition. Focused and patient you understand that material rewards are a result of discipline. Being so creative and with a need for self-expression you may be drawn towards the arts, travel is also likely to be important. A loyal friend, you are a person who must be allowed freedom and independence.

The “hidden meaning” of my name according to that website is too positive, too good to be true, too ironic that I refuse to believe it. Haha.

So what’s the meaning of your name? :)