What’s in a name? (Agus putra gowa)

Recently, a horrendous news surprised social media users by the emergence of some unique, silly, and a bit out of mind names. Wether it is intentionally used or not, but their names are really unusual in the societies. Some of them even name themselves  “Tuhan and even syaiton”which raise pro’s and cons’ in the society. This paper will discuss whether or not names psychologically affect the owners’ social life. 

William shakespeare had said “what’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. Shakespeare’s statement probably indicates that name is not really important. The name occasionally does not represent the attitude of the person. Good name does not guarantee that the given name will be in line with the attitude of the owners. It might be true. As we look at the reality, criminals and obviously corruptors in this country have beautiful names. However, their names do not reflect their attitude.

            However, Shakespeare’s statement is not in line with Islam perspective. A name according to Islam, is a pray in which it will bring positive values to the owner. Every Parents will try to give the best name for their children in order to wish their children to be good either in the family or in the society. The use of initial “Muhammad” for example, means the parents aimed to have “Muhammad” character to their children. The use of good names also aimed to develop the children’s self confidence when they are socializing in the societies. 

A research done by Northwestern University experts found that names are much more important than any people thought before. According to those experts, having beautiful names do not only increase one’s confidence but it will also encourage other people to see it positively. David Figlio, the team leader of the research said, “names are like a name/identity card, which introduce and express our spiritual character. The meaning of our name has direct influence towards the attitude and assessment from others”. therefore, to have beautiful names is important to our daily life.

If a kid has a unique or even ridiculous name, then he/she has to be ready to get bullying or mocking by his/her friends. This is happening to one of SMP students in Palembang, south Sumatera. The problem is not about his name, but it is about his father’s. His name is Saiton. Really unique, isn’t it? Due to this name, He feels irritated when his friends mention his father’s name. According to his father, this name was given because his father’s parents did not want his son behave like a devil. His name is a reminder to keep warning him from doing bad things. Therefore, He never change his name eventhouh his son keep complaining. 

  Another unique name is Tuhan. This name raises polemic in the societies, especially the Indonesia Islamic Council (MUI). According to KH Abdusshomad Bukhori, the MUI regional head of East Java, the word “Tuhan” is not compatible to use by a human being and considered disobey the etics of religion. Furthermore, He suggests Tuhan to change his name or add another initial. 

Beside two names above, there are some other names spreading and rising various opinions, such as AntiDandruf, Superman, Royal Jelly, Selamet Dunia Akhirat, Dontworry, Dono Kasino Indro, Entah A, Ultramen, Minal Aidin Wal faidin, Loe Yakin Untung Luganda, and Batman bin Suparman. Whtether those names are true or not, but the emergence of those names have surprised the Social media users. They probably do not care of their names. However, they have to think about how to deal with their children’s complain in the future. 

To sum up, having good or beautiful names is a pray for us. Eventhough some people show different act between their names and the attitude, but the use of beautiful names are able to improve the owners’ confidence and perception of other people.