Hello, Ms. Kim?

Every country has its own naming tradition, in which that tradition determine how someone called or referred to. In most case, a person would carry their family name –either in their first or last name, or even middle– followed by their own name. This result in how someone referred to or called, especially in formal occasion, usually the usage of Mr./Ms./Mrs. followed by their family name is how they called. Another result from this tradition is when someone married. In some country, a woman would replace their maiden or given name with their husband family name. But, in other country, calling a married woman with their husband's name would result​ in offense; for example, South Korean woman retain their maiden name after marriage. Naming tradition is unique to each other. Some countries use a family name followed by given name, and other use the reverse version. There are also some countries which do not follow this pattern; Mexican woman who is married retain their name followed by their husband's name. In conclusion, it is advisable to ask someone especially from different country in how they want to be called.

A Name, A Meaning, An Identity

"A name, by definition is a word or a set of words by which a person is known, addressed, and referred to–but, is that the only meaning behind someone's name?" Words are used to define, describe or refer something, some have literal​ meaning while other used as a metaphor and so does a name. Name is not a mere words, it has meaning, hope and prayer within it–even more, name is a person's identity which given to them by their loved one. One should never forget about the true meaning behind their name, as it act as a motivation and a goal for them to fulfill the hope and prayer which tucked into their name. Name is unique to each other, a same name not merely has a same meaning, and vice versa. Name can be derived from a variety of things, events, cultures, languages and et cetera. For example, a name based on a flower language is often has a metaphorical meaning; the name Aster means love and mildness while the name Lily means pure and dignity. There are also some names that affected by cultures and languages, these names often have a literal meaning; the name Arka from Sanskrit language means blessed and the Arabian name, Azka means pure. Although it is common to use those references for naming our children, there are also several cases by which a name–first name, middle name, last name or even all of them–was taken from a spontaneous idea or completely random idea of their parents. In the case of my name –Zildjian Afa– my first name was taken from a brand of musical instrument with a same name; it has meaning? no — but it made my name whole, that is the point. Regardless of its origin, we are all have our desired or favorite name(s), for me it would be Luna and Selene because of its mysterious yet simple meaning and its relation with celestial aspect. Related to our desired name, our view to our name will change a bit, little by little until we reach a conclusion and actually a question, "Why my name isn't «my desired name»? instead my parents gave me this weird name?" and eventually the urge to change our name will pop out. It is considered as normal, and even there is a phase where we will hating our given name–usually because of trauma of being teased– and willingly want to change our name. But, there is actually no need to change our name, instead we should find beauty behind our name, because it was our identity since we were born. "It were not you who made your name. But it was your name which made you to became a person you really are today."