The World's Best Door Prize

What if every one of us carried a special parcel with us at all times—a marker of who we are, a reminder of our place in the world, and a source of deepening meaning throughout our lives? One that uniquely had the power to nourish relationships, foster belonging, and give comfort and joy to those around us? What if we already do?

Yes, we do. Because you, and I, and just about every human on earth, were given a gift on arrival. The world’s best door prize — a name. And among the many meanings of a name, one is the world’s official welcome greeting, that says “Hello! You are part of the human community. You are here.”

Names are more than just a means of identification—they’re inherently a statement of inclusion. After all, the whole purpose of a name is connection, the ability to be identified by and in relation to other people. If the human community didn’t automatically build connection, no one would need a name. And that purpose is shared across all the different cultures and rich traditions of naming.

Now, near where I live, there’s a food takeout chain called Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Moe’s has made its reputation on making customers feel at home. When you open the door, the staff looks up from taco-making and yells, “Welcome to Moe’s!” It’s a warm, joyful greeting designed to let you know you belong.

Names do this, too. But they’re far more powerful. After you leave Moe’s full and happy, that welcome may fade (at least until your next delicious visit!). But your name stays with you every day, and because of that, you have a durable emblem of welcome right there with you. Oh, you may not like your name, others may mistreat it unfairly, you may even change your name, but the fact of your hearty, official invitation into this world of connection persists simply because you were given a name.

And like a fine wine, that name gains richness and beautiful patina over time. Hopefully it was steeped in love even before it was given – but delicious wine comes from all kinds of grapes. In the case of a name it’s flavored by the interactions you have, the stories you’re given, and the memories you choose to hold closest.

As we walk through life and even beyond, we carry our belonging and connection. Even when we feel disconnected and lonely. Even if we are made to feel alien or strange. Our names are touchstones to remind us – we are one world, in inevitable relationship. Our names are the one universal thing we all share. And they are there with us every moment, to remind us that we are unique and alike, individual and connected, and that our welcome is automatic. It can’t be revoked, we own it. Just like our names.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Has your name felt like an automatic touchstone for you? If not, have you found a way to make it one? Share your story or explore more name stories through the Museum on Patreon—where the conversation continues, the welcome is authentic, and our community explores the richness of meaning behind names every day.