What's In A Name?

A name is much more than just a couple words thrown together; they also help identify and distinguish people from others in society. Names can give people a greater sense of individuality, link them to their ancestors and even be a source of strength, comfort and pride. 

In celebration of some unique names with special backstories attached to them, umterps.com sat down with a few members of the Maryland Men’s Basketball team to hear about the origins of some of their names.

Jahmir Young

Loyal, Trustworthy, Lives Life Day-to-Day; Jah means Gift of God

Young’s name has no family history to it, but—with the first three letters meaning ‘gift of God’--- it was a name his mom knew was meant for him. As the point guard, Young has shown his trustworthiness every game and his decision to return to Maryland for his senior year illustrates his deep sense of loyalty. 

Knowing what your name means, how do you think it best describes or fits you as a person?

I’m a very loyal person to people I love, to people I’m close to. I take that very seriously. And then everyday I just live and am thankful and grateful to God for giving me each day. Everyday when I wake up, the first thing I say is, ‘Thank you for this day.’ I just live day-by-day and try to make the best out of each day. 

Does the name help remind you of your background, family history or family values?

For sure. Family comes first, so being loyal, sticking by your family, and having a close relationship with each other is something we all take pride in.

How do you hope your name helps you connect with others?

When you can recognize names, it just furthers that connection. It makes you want to get to know that person more, especially if you already have something in common with them. 

Does the meaning of Jahmir’s name match his personality? 

Jahari Long: “I see that in him. He’s loyal to what we have going on in Maryland. He’s back home. He was loyal to come back home, when he could have gone anywhere after entering the portal. I trust Jahmir to play hard every game, so he’s also trustworthy.”

Hakim Hart

Wise, intelligent, learned

Hart’s name comes from his father of the same name, though their middle names are spelled differently which kept him from being Hakim Hart, Jr. Hart has been lauded for steady veteran presence all year, with Willard often saying he needs Hart on the floor as much as possible to steer the ship. Among a team full of several new faces, Hart’s intelligence both on and off the court have been vital to the Terp’s success. 

How did your family decide on Hakim as your name? Does it have meaning or a history within your family?

I got it from my dad; his name is Hakim too. 

Knowing what it means, how do you think it best describes or fits you as a person?

I think it fits me for sure. I act way older than my age a lot of the time and I’m able to connect with a lot of older people. I have a little brother who I pass a lot of things to, just to make sure he’s good in the future. 

Does the name help remind you of your background or family history?

Everyday I wake up and I look at my name, I think about my dad. He was a college player too and he taught me so many things. He’s wise too in a sense. 

Does the meaning of Hakim’s name match his personality?

Jahari Long: “Yes, Hakim is very smart. Just being around him so much, you see how intelligent he is. Whether it’s making a big defensive play on the court or just talking about sports, video games or anything, you always notice he’s very smart.”

Patrick Etienne Emilien

Garland, Crown, Honor, Renown

Emilien says Etienne is a family name connotating his French/Haitian heritage. Throughout the year, Coach Willard has said Emilien is the unsung MVP of the team for his hustle and toughness, certainly a high honor for the graduate student. And while everyone knows him as Patrick or Pat, the meaning of Etienne certainly describes the impact he can have on the team.

How did your family decide on Etienne as your middle name? Does it have meaning or a history within your family?

It’s my grandfather’s middle name. I was given it to honor him.

Knowing what it means, how do you think it best describes or fits you as a person?

It’s pretty interesting—especially with the “honorable” part. My mom always raised me to do the right thing, and I think that’s reflected really well. And then with my French heritage and Haitian heritage, it’s really important to me to be able to keep that part of history. I’m very happy that I have a French and Haitian middle and last name.

Does the name help remind you of your background or family history?

I’m immediately recognizable for my last name. I’ve had a bunch of Haitian people reach out to me on social media just because of it. They see Emilien and they know I’m probably related to someone they know. It’s the same with French-Canadians. Emilien is not a typical English name, so on the basketball court I’ll talk to some guys with French last names and we’ll immediately speak French. 

How do you hope your name helps you connect with others?

French is not the primary language, especially in America, so whenever I see someone with a French name or who speaks French, I feel a sense of community with them. Arnaud Revaz on our team has a French last name as well, so we instantly connected the second I saw him and we’ve continued to bond because of that connection through our names.

Jahari Long

One that has youth, strength and power

How did your family decide on Jahari as your name? Does it have meaning or a history within your family?

It was one of my aunties on my mother’s side that gave me my name. I’m the first one who had the name and then one of my younger cousins was named after me. 

Knowing what it means, how do you think it best describes or fits you as a person?

I think the name fits me well, just in terms of being strong and persevering through everything I’ve been through. Whether it’s been school, basketball, a lot of other things, any time there’s been adversity, I’ve been able to power through.

Does the name help remind you of your background or family history?

I just think it’s very unique. Not a lot of people have the name and I take that to heart. I want to make it something special. That’s why everything I do, I try to be the best at it. 

How do you hope your name helps you connect with others?

I think any person’s name is special; I think it’s unique. Any name that’s normally used, I think it’s special. When I hear a name I’ve never heard before, I find it special. 

Does the meaning of Jahari’s name match his personality?

Jahmir Young: Yeah, Jahari is sneakily very strong and powerful. I guard him in practice a lot and he might not look like the swole-est guy out there, but he’s sneakily strong.”