What's in My Name?

What's in my name? Perhaps you've wondered how I received the name Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir. Read the entry of August 12, 2006, or enjoy this, a shorter version, in which some new facts are brought to light.

The breeder who sent me across country to Mama et Papa had named me "Ellie Mae," a ludicrous name and yet a fortunate one. For Mama was drawn to me as we shared the same first name [although spelled differently].

Mama et Papa knew that Ellie Mae would certainly never fit my personality; it struck them as both silly and undignified. And recognizing my heritage, i.e. French, Irish, and Persian they considered deeply and well.

Murphy, of course, reflects my Irish background and was chosen in deference to my Grandpere's wishes. Roushanzamir,obviously, my family name.

Freddie Mercury , of Queen, was the inspiration for my given name. For Freddie Mercury was a Persian, grew up in England, and was bravely creative, becoming a world renowned musician and artist.

Multi-cultural, highly creative, and equally productive, an artist of great talent, an iconoclast, these characteristics describe Freddie Mercury, just as they dovetail with my own intellectual and psychological circumstances.

Faithful Fans & Friends, I hope you will take a moment to explore the link highlighted at Freeddie Mercury's name above. He was a hero to many and I am his namesake.

For the longer story of the origins of my name, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir, click the keyword Freddie Mercury [below].

Named: Mercury Rising

What's in a name? Plenty. This entry explains how my Official AKC-registered Name, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir, came into being. Sit back, relax, & follow the links; you'll be rewarded with a world tour through geography, history, society & cultures.

Mercury: For a number of years, Mama has been fascinated with the biography of Freddie Mercury. His life history is poignant & powerful, tracing an early example of what is now the not uncommon experience of serial global emigration. It is also a sweet story of how a lost soul found confirmation of his most magnificant dreams & in so doing made musical history. Follow this link for more about Freddie Mercury:

http://www.freddie.ru/e/bio/

Mercury is also the name of the winged God, messanger of Zeus in ancient Roman cosmology [Hermes in Greek--another positive association for Mama].

And the mid-20th century American dime displays a pastiche of Mercury [pictured as a woman with a winged cap]. For a history of the Mercury dime see:

http://www.limunltd.com/numismatica/articles/mercury-dime.html

Also planet Mercury, called "a planet of extremes;" This seems to fit with Mama's personality and the projection of her persona onto me-- a Dog. [Often, as I've observed, humans want to endow other life forms & even inanimate objects with "personalities" & other human characteristics. The word "anthropomorphizing" means attributing human qualities to objects.] In any case go to this website

http://www.solarsystem.org.uk/mercury/

for information about the planet and a scale map of the solar system!

Roushanzamir: In the early 20th century Persians didn't use last names. But when the Father of the Shah reigned, all Persian men were directed to choose last names & enter a system of state registration. Many chose the names of their city [e.g. Shirazi/Shiraz] or their profession [Najar/carpenter]. Papa's grandfather, true to his philosophical & poetic approach to life, chose a name with more abstract/metaphorical meaning: Roushanzamir. Roushan means godly light; zamir, human consciousness. Together they encapsulate a profound concept: a fusion of the heavens with the ashes, the bipolar opposition which is humanity.

And then there is:




Murphy:

Mercury suggests the artistry of Freddie Mercury, information & speed associated with the mythical Roman God, & the extremes of the planet closest to our sun. Roushanzamir, aside from its metaphoric nuances, is the surname of Mama & Papa. But Murphy? Alas, this whim arose in conversation between Mama et grandpere [pictured above left]. The latter, on learning of my first name, insisted that was absolutely incorrect.

"Her name is Murphy," he said.

Mama responded, "No, she is Mercury."

Grandpere dit: "Murphy."

Mama, ever gentle, kind, respectful & loving, suggests a compromise: "Murphy shall be her middle name," said she.