What's in a Name? Embracing My Name & Heritage
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My real name is Marilyn (Thanks Mom and Dad!) My parents named me after the iconic Marilyn Monroe, whose real name was Norma Jean Mortenson. In the radiant glow of Hollywood’s golden era, Marilyn Monroe cast a spell upon the silver screen, captivating hearts with her luminous beauty, and the effervescent “blonde bombshell” charm. My name, I feel, is a homage to the iconic starlet whose legacy continues to inspire generations today with Hollywood glamour and sex appeal.
However, most often, I find myself having to correct the spelling of my name. People have often spelled my name as Marylin, Marilen, Maryland, and Marylynn. On top of misspellings, people call me Maria. I waitress part-time at a local sushi restaurant and the family often call me Maria. I just roll with it.
If you look at the roots of the name Marilyn, it is derived from the name, Mary. In Spanish, the name Mary is known as Maria.
Marilyn, a name steeped in rich origins, is a beautiful fusion of Mary and Lynn, derived from British, Welsh, and Hebrew roots (Desai, 2024). According to NameBerry, its English origin suggests meanings ranging from “drop of the sea” to “bitter” or “beloved” combined with “lake.” Additionally, as per Baby Centre, Marilyn can be seen as a variation of Mary with the suffix -lyn, originating from Maria, the Latin rendition of Mariam or Miriam. This name’s lineage traces back to New Testament Greek, possibly hinting at “rebellious,” and potentially reaching even further to its Ancient Egyptian roots, where “mr” signifies “love” or “mry” denotes “beloved.”
As for the Biblical origin, the original Hebrew name for Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Miryam. As language evolved, this name transformed into various iterations, one of which is Marilyn. Though the precise significance of the name remains uncertain, it is speculated to have connections to the Hebrew term signifying “bitterness,” (L. Riley, 2023).
I am no Marilyn Monroe. On the contraire, I am just an average American girl with a mixed heritage who comes from a broken home, and a military background. Growing up as a blend of two distinct cultures can be a journey filled with both challenges and moments of self-discovery. For many individuals, including myself, being mixed with Caucasian and Filipino heritage meant grappling with questions of identity and belonging from an early age.
The collision of cultures, languages, and traditions often led to a sense of disconnect, as I struggled to find my place in a world that seemed to demand clear-cut labels. At times, I felt like an outsider, neither fully belonging to one culture nor the other. This internal tug-of-war gave rise to an identity crisis, as I grappled with questions of where I fit in and who I truly was.
Growing up as a Filipino with features often mistaken for Mexican, I frequently found myself at the crossroads of mistaken identity. People of Spanish-speaking origin would naturally assume I understood their language, leading to awkward moments where I had to regretfully explain my lack of comprehension. Despite this, my affinity for the Spanish language ran deep.
During my four years of Spanish classes in high school, I found myself thriving, with the subject quickly becoming one of my favorites. I excelled in written assignments, even composing letters to my friend Susanna in a blend of Spanish and Spanglish, seamlessly integrating English words when my vocabulary fell short. While my writing skills flourished, my conversational abilities lagged behind, presenting a unique challenge in my linguistic journey.
However, amid the confusion of my mixed heritage and the uncertainty of my future into adulthood, I embarked on a journey of self-exploration — a quest to unearth the beauty and richness of my mixed heritage and what’s in a name while finding my path as not only an Author and Blogger, but an aspiring Serial Entrepreneur. It was through this journey and my journey to heal from mental health challenges that I began to realize the immense value in embracing my unique identity, forged from the fusion of two worlds.
“Give up being perfect for being authentic. Be who you are. Love who you are. Others will too.” –Hal Elrod. A great quote on the importance of knowing and loving ourselves (Sumeeta Seeks, N.D.).
Yet, I’ve come to realize that the journey of self-discovery demands continual growth and introspection. It calls for a commitment to becoming the best version of ourselves each day, cultivating habits that foster self-development and nurture personal growth. It’s a journey marked by humility, forgiveness, and an unwavering dedication to embracing the complexity of our shared humanity.
I recognized that my mixed heritage was not a source of conflict but a tapestry of strength and resilience. Each cultural strand contributed to the vibrant mosaic of my identity, shaping the way I viewed the world and interacted with others as I struggled to find myself through adolescent challenges into adulthood while learning of my family lineage, and understanding who I am as a Christian, a military veteran, and humanitarian.
Over time, I discovered that my mixed heritage was not a limitation but a source of empowerment. It allowed me to bridge divides, forge connections, and foster understanding in a world that often seeks to divide us based on arbitrary distinctions.
Today, I stand tall in my identity, proudly embracing the complexities of my mixed heritage, and my name. I no longer see myself as torn between two worlds but as a harmonious blend of diverse influences, each contributing to the richness of who I am.
I am not the archetype of a blond bombshell or a Miss America; instead, I am the epitome of the average American girl — relatable, down-to-earth, and unapologetically authentic. Yet, within me lies a complexity that defies categorization.
With a military background and upbringing in liberal California, coupled with my experiences serving in various parts of the world during my military enlistment, my worldview is shaped by a unique blend of perspectives. I find myself navigating the delicate balance between femininity and fortitude with ease. Transitioning seamlessly from indulging in girly pursuits to embracing the disciplined rigors of military life, I discover a harmonious fusion within the juxtaposition of these seemingly contrasting elements.
My journey is one of balance — a delicate dance between the allure of femininity, faith and beliefs, self-awareness, open-mindedness, and the strength of military tradition. I navigate this terrain with confidence, knowing that my identity is not defined by checkboxes or societal norms but by the authenticity of my experiences and the richness of my character.
I am just a girl with a military background, but I am also so much more. I am a testament to the power of embracing contradiction, of finding strength in vulnerability, and of celebrating the beauty of being uniquely, unapologetically myself. And in this journey of self-discovery, I find my truest expression of style and grace — a reflection of the multifaceted woman I am proud to be.
To anyone navigating a similar journey of mixed heritage or in an identity crisis, I offer this advice: Embrace your identity with unwavering courage and confidence.
Your distinctiveness isn’t a blemish to conceal but rather a treasure to cherish and honor. Embrace the splendor of your mixed heritage, for it’s within the amalgamation of cultures that the genuine richness of human experience thrives.
“The greatest discovery in life is self-discovery. Until you find yourself, you will always be someone else. Become yourself.”–Myles Munroe
Practicing self-love holds immense power. It is so important to our overall happiness and well-being. It allows us to genuinely appreciate our journey, embracing our past, present, and future with gratitude. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, finding moments for self-reflection can prove challenging. The demands of work, school, family, and daily responsibilities often pull us in various directions, relegating our own needs and desires to the sidelines.
In the midst of life’s chaos, it’s crucial that we carve out time for self-love and introspection. Even amidst the busiest of schedules, dedicating a mere 10 minutes to immerse ourselves in uplifting content can work wonders. Whether it’s reading self-love quotes, confidence boosters, or practicing gratitude, these small acts can profoundly impact our relationship with ourselves. So, take a moment now to explore these resources, quotes and content dedicated to self-discovery and self-love to elevate your confidence and deepen your sense of identity and self-gratitude.
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha.’
Resources for Self-Discovery:
- A Guide to Self-Discovery (With Definition and Benefits) https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/self-discovery
- Love Yourself Journey https://www.sumeetaseeks.com/health-and-wellness/self-love-journal-prompts
- The Ultimate Guide to Self-Discovery and Personal Transformationhttps://medium.com/illumination/the-ultimate-guide-to-self-discovery-and-personal-transformation-2ca0e5ce5e9a
References
Desai, M.A. (2024). Title: Marilyn — The Bump. URL: https://www.thebump.com/b/marilyn-baby-name
Riley, L. (2023). Title: Marilyn Name Meaning — Name of the Year. URL: https://www.nameoftheyear.com/marilyn-name-meaning/
Sumeeta. (n.d.). About. Sumeeta Seeks. Retrieved from https://www.sumeetaseeks.com/about
Title: Marilyn — BabyCentre UK. URL: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/babyname/1007623/marilyn
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