My name is Nhu Phuong Tran, Tran Phuong Nhu in Vietnamese. Ever since I was young, I have always loved my name. According to what my dad has told me, before I was born he read a book called “What To Name Your Kids” and decided that “Phuong Nhu” was the best choice (he also named my siblings based on names from this book). Phuong means candor and Nhu means gentleness and peace. But according to my dad, he chose to name me this because it was straightforward and it did not mean anything heavy or super significant. He wanted me to be seen as a normal person. 

Growing up, I knew he wanted my name to be normal so that my personality would be noticed more. He didn’t want anyone to notice me because of my name. Instead,  he wanted others to focus on my value in being a human. The way my parents raised me teaches me how lucky I am. I have the ability to talk, to walk, to study; I have opportunities to do what I want to. I am so proud to be their daughter. I always wish that I had another life, and that I could be their daughter again to know what they would name me.

And you, what is your name and what do you think about it?