The Name Above All Names

First impressions can be very important in a variety of situations. When arriving for a job interview or when meeting your significant other’s parents, it is best not to smell like unwashed gym socks or expired gorgonzola. If invited to meet the president of the United States, I wouldn’t suggest donning a suit of fur and acting like a cat. Well, unless you are a cast member of the show “Cats” and the president’s staff suggests that you stay in character in order to fit the president’s request. Finally, if you are looking to meet that special someone, make sure your name isn’t George or Ann. Wait… What?
According to a study by Professor Richard Wiseman of Hertfordshire University, “we might subconsciously associate names with those of the rich and famous.” (dailymail.co.uk) People with traditional names that can be associated with powerful individuals like royalty are viewed as successful and intelligent. The way a name sounds also seems to have an effect on one’s perception as female names that are “soft-sounding and end with the ‘ee’ sound” are thought to be attractive. For Wiseman’s study, 7,000 volunteers were given a list of 20 male and 20 female names. They were asked to identify who they thought would be most successful, attractive, and lucky. Fittingly, I am at the bottom of the lucky ranking and near the bottom of the attractiveness standings.
The names of God in scripture have more significance than association with fame or the way they sound. Elohim (Isa. 54:5) means “strong one.” Yahweh (Ge.4:3), or YHWH, comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” Through this name God expresses himself to be self-existent. Adonai (Gen. 18:2), like Elohim, is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.” The Greek word Theos is translated “God” and teaches that God is the only true God. (Matt. 23:9) God’s character is multifaceted. He is more than a supreme being. He is our Lord, father, and everything else we need.