Bernard Walter

Tag: Names

  • January 21, 2024

    Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

    My first name is Aly. It means “the exalted one.” It’s a good name. Most often, you’ll see it spelt with an “i” but I spell my name with a “y.”

    The name comes from Hazrat Ali, the cousin of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). In the Shia sect of Islam, it is believed that Hazrat Ali is the first Imam. In the Ismaili religion, it is believed that there have been 49 Imams, each guiding contemporary murids. Shah Karim al-Husayni, Aga Khan IV, is the present-day living Imam. You may have met someone named Karim.

    My name is often mispronounced. I, myself, mispronounce it more often than not. It depends on who I’m speaking to, really. I correct myself when saying my own name. That’s been a difficult thing for me to wrestle with. The pronunciation has become Westernised, giving it a crisper inflection.

    I’m working at presenting myself correctly…from on high.

  • A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, except, in this case, if that name is “Al”

    A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, except, in this case, if that name is “Al”

    I’ve never really had a nickname that’s stuck. In elementary school, there was a kid named Gurtej who kept calling me “Al”. I hate being called “Al”. Isn’t the name somewhat anachronistic? I have nothing against the name, in fact, I attach a certain affection to it, but it’s not my bloody name. My name is, just, Aly. Three letters, two syllables, and spelt with a “y”.  (more…)

  • The Angry Buddhist – 2

    The Angry Buddhist – 2

    I haven’t forgotten about this friend of ours, who I have created. When given a moment, I often think about her, and wonder where’s she’s been and where she might be headed.

    I’m at the laundromat, so I’ve got some time. (more…)

  • Protected: My Middle Name is My Father’s First Name

    Protected: My Middle Name is My Father’s First Name

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  • I Prefer to Pronounce it “Ber-nerd”

    I Prefer to Pronounce it “Ber-nerd”

    I like the way the English speak. For whatever reason, I’ve come to enjoy the British temperament. My favourite comedies are British. Besides, what man, in his right mind, wouldn’t want to be swooned by a beautiful British woman? Or, at least listen to her while she speaks to another man, and dream it were him? (more…)