Christian means “follower of Christ ''. It’s the world’s largest religion. A Christian is someone whose behavior and heart reflects Jesus Christ. I sit here puzzled. My family is not religious. Neither am I. 

I’m an atheist. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been to church. So why was I given this name, follower of Christ? 

My name seems wrong, like I’m backhand slapping Christianity in the face. I wish I could go by a nickname but how can I? Chris means “Christ within”. It almost seems unfair. 

I asked my parents why they named me Christian. They replied by saying “we just liked the name Christian”. I was hurt. all along I thought there had to have been a reason I was named Christian. That’s when I realized that not every name has to have the meaning given to it.

I can control what my name means. What emotions and memories people have of me. What people say about me when I’m brought up in conversation. Everything I do puts meaning towards my name. 

To me Christian feels like the ocean breeze on a warm summer day. Christian is the color purple and the number 9. Christian smells like vanilla and tastes like red wine. Christian sounds like a wave crashing. Starting off hard then slowly and softly fading. 

Christian reminds me of my family and friends. Reminds me of my mom and dad saying my full name when I’m in trouble, or playing with my siblings. Reminds me of hanging out with friends and just having a good time.  

To me Christian doesn’t mean follower of Christ. it can mean whatever I want it to. Now, that’s something I can believe in.