Do Our Names Shape Our Destinies? Trump’s Might (Its All In A Name Alert)

Slate ^ | 03/14/2016 | Theodore R. Johnson

[goldstategop]

The word trump is defined as a playing card of a particular suit that outranks cards of another suit. And in its use as a verb, it means to outdo or surpass. There is no question that every one of this year’s Republican candidates for president has been trumped. When Trump resorts to name-calling, holds raucous rallies that draw audiences in the thousands, and employs media savvy that makes him the subject of every conversation, he is playing the trump card. It’s a feat that none of the other candidates have been able to match, and not for lack of trying.

While some may consider the aptness of Trump’s name an unfortunate coincidence, there is evidence to suggest that our names do influence how we view ourselves and the world around us.

Aptronyms have long been a feature of mankind’s naming conventions. The ancient Romans used the phrase nomen est omen, which means “name is destiny” or “your name is a sign.” There are rumors that Roman armies would put soldiers whose names meant victory at the head of the formation when marching into battle. Further, we all know people who were named after a family member, religious figure, celebrity, or were given a name because it sounds creative, beautiful, or strong. Our names, either through etymology or association, can commemorate loved ones, evoke certain desirable characteristics, or convey a blessing for future happiness and success.

[goldstategop]

A name can be powerful. My last name is so rare no one else will have it except in a few places around the country. And Trump is well uniquely blessed with a name that's both a playing card in a suit of cards and a verb meaning of course - trumped. A name is one might say, a sign of destiny.

[mylife]

The name is Drumph

[mylife]

The name is Drumph

[exit82]

Actually, it is Drumpf.

[mylife]

Sucks to be named Oliver Boliver Butt LOL

[Smokin' Joe]

A trump is a suit, in cards.

Yep, Trump's a suit.

[libertarian27]

A name is one might say, a sign of destiny.

My destiny is always having to spell it out.
Maiden and married name. :)

[I-ambush]

And to “cruise” is to move easily toward your goalthis is a silly analysis.

[I-ambush]

And to “cruise” is to move easily toward your goal
This is a silly analysis.

[Ezekiel]

Ber 17.5. Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you..

And there's the Divine Providence of

The Name Heard Round the World

[amihow]

Ruz in Espanol is cross. Noun not verb. Probably originally “de la Cruz”

[exDemMom]

My name is a common English word. And, without fail, I have to spell it out. Then people say, “Oh, like the word?” Yes!

[Balding_Eagle]

The name is Drumph

Nevertheless, he's living life, and succeeding, as though it's TRUMP

[Gay State Conservative]

So that would mean that Mohammed Irving Rodriguez would....become Governor of Vermont?

[LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget]

Nope, but he would have a hell of a shot at becoming RedState’s senior editor. ;-)

[buffaloguy]

This guy actually got paid to write this claptrap.
Easy job.

[I-ambush]

Oh, I know. I’m aware of the meaning of his name. But I was going with what we English speakers associate with the name.

[Happy Rain]

As in:

“Ugh! bad burrito! I gotta take a trump!”

[doldrumsforgop]

Sometimes it does.

When I grew up in Texas, a guy named Jesse James was elected and re-elected as State Treasurer.

[Mogger]

A “boy named Sue” becomes tough as nails.