iREPORTERS SIGNED UP
Created May 23, 2010 by
What's in a name? We need your help to find out.
Everyone's name has a story, whether they're the only one of themselves on Earth or one of a million with the same name. We're curious about how our names affect our identities, and we want to hear YOUR personal name story. Here's what you do:
1. Grab a big piece of paper and a marker and sign your name.
2. Get in front of your video camera, hold up your sign, and film yourself saying "Hi, my name is [your name]." Then tell us a story about your name. Anything. Just let us know how it's affected your life in some way -- and try to keep it under a minute. Here are some ideas to get you started, or we'd love to have you come up with one of your own.
--How did your name affect you growing up?
--Is your name really common or really unusual? Do you like that?
--Interview your parents. Why were you (and your siblings, if you have 'em) named the way you were?
--Have you ever changed your name? Tell us why and walk us through the experience.
--Do you have a name that's hard to pronounce? Has that ever led to funny or awkward moments? Do you think it's had an impact on your life?
--What pops up when you Google yourself? Does someone famous (or infamous) share your name?
--Does someone else have the exact same name as you? Have you ever gotten in contact with them? (If you haven't, see if you can find them on Facebook!)
Together, we'll try to find a modern answer to that question of the Renaissance: What's in a name?
NEW: Check out the article and video on CNN.com we produced with your submissions! This assignment is now closed.