Given Name

Some names sound different at home.

In this episode, Naashon (@KingsHomage) reflects on being raised in the Rastafarian tradition, the way her father pronounces her name, and what it means to carry culture through family, stories, and intentional living. A bookseller, mother, and keeper of stories, Naashon reminds us that identity is often preserved in the quietest ways.

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In this special Season 2 finale, I sit down with Joy Crawford— host of What My Grandkids Call Me and lovingly known as Granny Granny—for a warm conversation about motherhood, grandmotherhood, and generational wisdom. We reflect on parenting, loving grandchildren, and the lessons that come with time, including one of Granny Granny’s favorite sayings:
“You can’t compete where you don’t compare.”
Funny, thoughtful, and full of perspective, this episode closes the season with joy and wisdom across generations.

In this episode, I sit with one of my line sisters 💙💛🐩, Cynithis (@cyncynsation), for a reflective conversation about heritage, naming traditions, and the legacy carried through family names. We talk about shared first-name syllables across generations, what it means to continue—or break—those traditions, and how identity stretches beyond what we’re called. Thoughtful, slow, and full of quiet wisdom, this episode is one that stays with you.

In this episode, we sit with Da’Joya Barnes Majors—better known as Joy—a mother, wife, social worker, professor, coach, and someone who truly embodies her name. She shares the story behind Da’Joya, why Joy is the name that stayed, and how she’s grown into a life full of purpose, care, and brightness. A warm conversation about identity, calling, and becoming who you were named to be.

In this episode, we sit with Stacya, a college student and mother whose name carries intention and history. She reflects on the story behind her name, her family’s roots in Ohio, and how those connections shaped her identity. From nicknames to naming her own child, she shares why choosing a meaningful name matters—and how legacy continues through the next generation.

We sit with LaKeicha (@only1Keesh)—an RN and proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho💙💛 —who has always embraced being different. She reflects on what it means to grow up with a name that stands out, the importance of correcting people when they mispronounce it, and why names should never be softened or “white-washed” for the comfort of others. From her unforgettable middle name Korvette to the intentional naming of her daughter, this conversation explores identity, culture, and the power of fully owning your name.

In this episode, we sit with a mother (@tellmetelly) who views her own name as something that moves under the radar—and how that perspective shaped the intentional way she named her children. Through her voice and growing online presence, she reflects on identity, cultural pride, and why we should never diminish the meaning behind our names to make others comfortable.

#BlackNames #NameMeaning #IntentionalParenting #BlackCulture #Podcast #Name

We sit with Joy (JoyyMeetsWorld)—a woman whose life reflects the name spoken over her. Raised in the Bible Belt Midwest, she shares how names can shape identity, becoming a kind of confession we grow into. From her vibrant spirit to her socially conscious work in travel and community, this episode reflects on joy, responsibility, and honoring the spaces our ancestors fought to protect.

In this episode, we sit with a story shaped by love and legacy. Our guest (@Layyy_Lunaaaa) reflects on being named after her father, the deep admiration her parents have for her, and how that same care carries into the way she loves her own daughter. From childhood nicknames to a family business named in her honor, this is a warm conversation about being cherished, chosen, and rooted in family pride.

In this episode of Given Name, we sit with Miles, a soulful, family-oriented friend who believes deeply in staying true to yourself. Miles shares reflections on identity, loving the name you carry, and the importance of doing the work — in school and in life. With honesty and humor, he offers encouragement to young men: stay focused, do your homework, and trust your path. It’s a thoughtful conversation about growth, integrity, and the values that shape who we become.