Rehearsal Break: What’s in a name?

What’s in a name? We all have them. Maybe you wear comfortably the name you were given at birth, or maybe you have adopted a childhood nickname or other chosen handle. Perhaps you know the story of the beloved family member or literary character who is your namesake, or how your name’s etymology reveals something your name-givers wished to carve into your identity. My name, Stuart, is related to the word “steward,” or servant. I never had any say in the matter, but I always have felt some small sense of responsibility to that label—like an assignment I was given, a task designated for me.