Hello, lovely readers!

It’s Tina here—or should I say Chinyere? Today, I’m diving into the story behind my name, a tale filled with cultural richness, a dash of rock ’n’ roll, and a whole lot of love. So grab a tea or coffee and settle in for a journey filled with humor and heart.

Let’s start with my full name: Chinyere. It’s a beautiful Igbo name that means “God’s gift.” I’ve always loved the depth and significance it carries. However, as you might imagine, it’s not the easiest name for everyone to pronounce. Cue the countless mispronunciations and creative variations I’ve encountered over the years. My personal favorite? A barista once wrote “Chandelier” on my coffee cup. Close enough, I suppose!

Growing up, my father was a huge fan of music—his vinyl collection was legendary, and Saturday mornings at our house were soundtracked by the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and of course, Tina Turner. My dad admired Tina Turner not just for her incredible voice and stage presence but for her resilience and strength. So, when it came to choosing a nickname that would be a bit easier for people to handle, “Tina” was the obvious choice.

Now, adopting Tina wasn’t just about practicality. It was like a secret nod to my dad’s love for music and a way to carry a piece of his passion with me. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be named after someone as fabulous and fierce as Tina Turner? It’s like I get to channel a bit of her energy every day, which is handy when you need a confidence boost.

Of course, there are some humorous downsides to going by two names. I sometimes feel like I’m living a double life. At home with family, I’m Chinyere, the proud bearer of a name rich in heritage. Anywhere else, I’m Tina, the rock ’n’ roll-inspired version of myself. It’s like I’m part superhero, switching identities depending on the situation. Where’s my cape when I need it?

There have been a few mix-ups along the way. Like the time a new colleague found out my full name and spent an entire meeting calling me “Chinyere” in a very exaggerated accent, trying to impress me with their linguistic skills. Bless their heart, they tried.

But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Having two names is like having the best of both worlds. I get to honor my cultural roots while also celebrating a connection to something my dad loved dearly. Plus, it’s always a fun conversation starter. People often ask, “Why Tina?” and I get to share this little piece of my history and my dad’s love for music legends.

In the end, whether I’m Chinyere or Tina, I’m just me. A blend of cultures, stories, and a bit of rock ’n’ roll flair. So, here’s to all the names we carry and the stories they tell about who we are and where we come from.

Thanks for joining me on this little exploration of my identity. I’d love to hear about your names and the stories behind them!

Until next time, keep rocking your unique name with pride!

With love and laughter,
Tina (or Chinyere)