What's in a name?

I wish I could figure out how to make this post look like a postcard that says "I'm in North Dakota! Wish you were here! One thing that I did not know is that ND produces the most sunflower seeds and related products of any state. On my drive from Fargo to Bismarck yesterday, I was completely in awe of the thousands of gorgeous sunflowers tilting toward the sky. It was also good that I was in awe of something, because there is not much on that drive between Fargo and Bismarck and I would have fallen asleep, otherwise. Yes, they really do look like the picture.

As expected, the word Dakota means "friendly" in Sioux. I would agree that everyone that I met here has been extremely friendly. I woke up this morning to find my hotel bill under the door (very nice service, walk right out the door when I'm ready)... but my name was spelled wrong.

Now, most of you may find this to be a fairly insignificant rant. And I agree that, on the scale of things I care about, this runs pretty close to the "I don't" range. However, as Geneaology.com notes, names are not given lightly. They are full of meaning and represent years (maybe hundreds of years) of family history. Araltas lists my husband's surname descended from Conchobhar (Ireland) in 1002. On the Ireland Information website lists my husband's last name as meaning "patron of warriors". Not a single O'ConnER listed.

Of course, if I had time on my hands, I'd be like a few of the old crazies I worked with in the State Library of Florida who came in looking for an obituary notice of someone named Marks in 1942 (no month known). Of course, the name was actually Markis and it was 1943, but that was irrelevant!!

Next time, front desk personnel, pay attention to the driver's license. Or the credit card. Or any of the other thousands of documents that we have proudly displaying our surnames for the world to see.