Many have asked where we came up with the name. It was chosen at the initial thought of parenthood. When we'd talk about the possibility of children, we figured we'd need to be prepared to name boys. I've alluded to this before when sharing about Vanessa's name. My sister-in-law Jenni reminds me that I made small talk about it at Adam's college graduation, before marriage, and on a most miserably hot day. (Wonder if I had a feeling back then that the time for growing Zane would coincide with another very, very hot summer . . . ? Probably not, but funny how that worked out. Thank God for A/C!) So at least 12 plus years later, we finally get to use it.
His name has special meaning for a few reasons.
Zane:
1) Considered a variant of John, it means "God's Grace," or a variant of a Scandinavian surname, meaning "godly light."
We like both ideas but choose to lean on the first variant -- John -- since that was also Zane's maternal grandfather's name. It's cool to think we're carrying something on for him, and although he was nicknamed "Tommy" growing up, John was his given name. He was so proud of his name he begged his stepmother at a very young age to name his new little brother after him. He was honored . . . (and the little brother bears a striking resemblance.)
Then additional notions became apparent once we named our little guy.
2) Cousin Zach could now share a name beginning with "Z" -- it's not often "Z" is used, so that's really pretty cool. And Zach is the one who pointed this out, leading me to think he's okay with it. :)
3) Then check this out: Zane Gibson BetZ
How cool is that? Our friend Heather pointed this out immediately -- his name has matching letter bookends. Adam thought that was obvious when I shared. I hadn't realized it. :)
And a musing:
The idea of a new little life came soon after I signed a work contract with Zaner-Bloser. Funny to think about. Perhaps the water warning is a good idea here -- "Don't drink the water!"
And so Gibson . . .
He is extending his great maternal grandmother's maiden name -- Evelyn Lorena Gibson Lumbard (sitting on her father's lap.) With her being one of two children, and the other being a sister, this will be the only branch going back to his great-great-grandfather's immediate family for continuing the name.
This name was also my very dear auntie's last name -- Helen Louise Gibson -- who passed about a month before this guy came into existence. Wish we could've shared the news with her in person, but I'm certain she knows. :)
So although it is obvious to us that his life was intended, without all the above mentions, it's neat to think about how it all comes together. We feel so very blessed . . .
