The trouble actually started with Kid Simpson's last name, believe it or not. And although I admit that Kid Klu sounds way cooler than Kid Simpson, I clung tight to my Middle-Eastern cultural roots and insisted that the Kid carry his father's last name. Heather had me on the ropes for a while, pointing out my politically incorrect adherence to paternalistic, outdated, and sexist traditions. I was so desperate to put the argument to rest, that I considered giving the Kid a hybrid last name, but the names Klusimpitz and Simpsaritz were too hideous to contemplate. I immediately rejected hyphenating the Kid's last name too, because a) who's name would come first, and b) who the heck wants a 5 syllable last name? Not since Gozilla went toe-to-toe with Mechagodzilla have two tougher opponents squared off for rights to a legacy. In the end, Heather acquiesced, showing that she was the better person. That and she gets to name the next kid.
After the last name was decided, things really got painful for the first name. We consulted baby books, baby name websites, family members, friends, and astrologers. Big mistake, all of it. We quickly realized that the right name could not be found by throwing 10,000 Baby Names onto the wall to see which one would stick. We needed proper inspiration, and it had to come from within. As we approached the delivery dates, our top names were Gabriel and Nathaniel. Some honorable mentions were Simon (after my Grandfather), Elijah (Megan's favorite), Winston Rodney (my early favorite), and Hrothgar (I believe that was Heather's favorite...I may be wrong). Herman, Heather's Grandfather, was really pulling for Nate, but in the end we felt Gabriel had the edge when it came to provenance and ease of spelling. Besides, we had no intention of calling the Kid Nathaniel unless it was in anger or exasperation. Why give a child a name that no one will ever use? [p.s. I caught some grief for omitting some of the other name suggestions we received...my bad. We have rectified the situation since this posting...see above.]
Gabriel is well known as the name of one of the archangels. Not just any archangel, but the very mouthpiece of God, according to wikipedia (thanks to my brother-in-law Eric for sending me that link). It is a beautiful name and an ancient one, too. Heather and I liked it immediately. It is also a reminder to me of values I want to teach the Kid. Above all I want him to understand the power of his voice, his opinions, and his ideas. I want him to never be shy about speaking his mind (in a polite and respectful fashion, naturally). I had a problem with this as a child, and often kept quiet when I should have spoken. I suspect, and those of you who knew Heather as a youngster may confirm, that Gabriel's mother never had this kind of problem. Heather's voice is confident, strong, and clear. It is what makes her a brilliant teacher and leader. With the name to guide us, and Heather's example, I have high hopes for Gabriel to find and use his voice properly in life.
And that brings me to Gabriel's middle name: Tosh. This name is borrowed from one of my very favorite reggae artists, Peter Tosh. Peter Tosh was one of the original Wailers flanking Bob Marley, but went on to have succesful, albeit tragically short, solo career. He is an inspirational figure to me because he was, moreso than any other reggae artist in my mind, a vocal and direct critic of corrupt authority. He did not pose or seek adoration. He was simply was an intelligent, utterly fearless, and confrontational speaker of the truth. He paid a dear price for this throughout his life, but still adhered to his message of social justice until he was murdered. His music is beautiful, but never abstract. He liked to get his message right up under your nose. And to top it all off, Peter Tosh's given name was Winston!
Tosh and Gabriel complement each other as names with an important message. It just felt right from the very get go. It is our job as parents, now, to be continually inspired by Gabriel Tosh's name, and to make it mean something. I should probably stop calling my son "Dirty Little Monkey" now.
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