My name is just an assortment of 6 random figures from the Latin lexicon—but it is also so much more than that. 

Austin is a smooth and graceful name. Mainly in pronunciation. The first two letters come from the back of the mouth. Then there is a gentle s sound, almost like the rustling of leaves. There is only one hard, and oft’ neglected, letter. A hard t. But I’ve noticed people usually skip this, or at least soften it. Like padding a hard object in an otherwise soft room. This leads to the end. A gentle “eh”sound and ending with a short, soft n.

There are few words or names in any language as smooth as Austin. Yet I am anything but smooth. While Austin is easily pronounceable, I often find myself struggling to fit comfortably into a desk or to simply walk and pick something up at the same time. Austin, a name that feels smooth and flawless. Placed upon me, a bumbling oaf who has had his fair share of injuries.

Because of this—and a few reasons besides—Austin is not a name I like for myself. It doesn’t properly reflect who I am. 

I prefer the name Doty. My last name. A name as rough and basic as I. With sharp edges and no soft points.Harder to get right. Doty, a name that almost hurts the mouth. It confuses many people. Only after an explanation does it make sense. Only after can people understand how to say such a simple 4 letter word.

Doty comes from ancient anglo-saxon culture and means brave or strong. Plenty of other Dotys have showcased this. The first being Edward Doty, who sailed to the Americas on the Mayflower to an uncertain fate. The second being James Doty who governed Wisconsin when it was still a territory, before moving out west to help develop the Utah territory in the mid 19th century. Both of these Dotys properly reflected the name as brave men who headed into uncertain futures.

Austin also has history and meaning. It means great or significant. But, ironically enough, there have been no significant persons named Austin. There have been Augustines (Roman Emperor)  and Augustuses (Catholic Saint), the precursors to the name Austin, but no one named Austin.

Maybe I, with a combination of these two meaningful names, will be able to achieve greatness myself. Perhaps I can find a way. A way to explore a new frontier. A way to lead others. A way to be not just important, but significant. A way to finally put an Austin in the history books. To have an Austin live up to their name.