What's in a name?

There was a time when the choice of a child's name was either prescribed by tradition or intended to reflect the hope (or sorrow) of the parents.  Otherwise, how could one explain the choice of Gladstone for a boy born in the late 1940's or a girl named Prudence in 18th century England?

Of course, some names were chosen for their historical significance, therefore, a plethora of 'Winstons' and "Clementines' immediately following WWII.  I expect there were more than a few Franklins as well.  Elizabeth (the Queen) is a popular choice.  Luckily Attila never caught on.

The Bible has a long list of people who were named for reasons other than the fact that the parents thought it was clever.  Isaac (which means laughter), son of Abraham and Sarah, was named because Sarah cracked up when she heard the prophecy that she would give birth at her advanced age.

Jacob, son of Isaac,  was re-named Israel after his midnight wrestling match with an 'angel'.  Israel became the name for the whole nation which would spring from Jacob's loins in the form of his 12 sons, the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel.  Simon is re-named Peter, the rock and Saul becomes Paul after his conversion.  When Zechariah announced that Elizabeth's son would be named John there was general consternation for no one in the family tree had ever been named John.

Jesus had two names along with lots of titles; the two names  proved to be prophecies..  The angel tells Joseph to name him 'Jesus' or Yeshua (what we would know as Joshua) which roughly means 'saves his people from their sins.'  But there is also a reference to the name "Emmanuel" which means 'God with us'.  It is easy to see how these names designate the role Jesus is to play in the great Divine Drama and the future of creation.

Perhaps, to Mary, there was always a part of Jesus that was simply Yeshua,the boy she carried and nursed and raised.  But for the rest of us, his name is his mission and his future and his gift to all humankind:  he will save his people (who turn out to  be all people) and he will be God among us.

So, here's my question:  if your name was a reflection of your role in God's mission for this world, what would your name be? How do you understand your role in God's great mission?

Personal Disclosure:  My given name is Gail, a shortened version of the name Abigail which means 'my father's joy'.  My dad didn't want the whole name so my parents named me Gail....which when spelled Gale means 'big wind'.  Perhaps there was a prophecy in that too.