What's in a Name?

Jayma
  • 5.0 (9)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ever wondered if there was any meaning in your name? My podcast explores all things onomatology... the study of names!

  1. S5.22-126 - What's in a Name... "Cheridan"

    2D AGO

    S5.22-126 - What's in a Name... "Cheridan"

    Send us Fan Mail What does your name actually mean, and does it fit who you are?  In this episode, Jayma sits down with her friend and colleague Cheridan to find out! Cheridan had no idea what her name meant before this conversation, and let's just say the reveal did not disappoint. A seeker. Bright. Untamed. Sound like anyone you know? Plus, Cheridan shares the wildly romantic story of how she met her husband of nearly 30 years, and it involves a blind date, her brother playing matchmaker, and a wedding just 23 days later. This one is fun, heartfelt, and honestly, it might just send you straight to Google to look up your own name. Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    22 min
  2. S5.21-125 - What's in a Name... "Daithan"

    MAY 15

    S5.21-125 - What's in a Name... "Daithan"

    Send us Fan Mail Your name is the first piece of your identity. And most of us have never thought twice about it. I sat down with Daithan — life coach, photographer, and founder of Future in Focus Coaching — for a conversation that honestly surprised me. Daithan's name means "fountain" in Hebrew. It can also mean life, purity, renewal, divine abundance. And when you look at the work he does — helping people shift their perspective and redirect their lives — it fits perfectly. The business insight? He built an entire brand around a single idea: where you place your focus changes everything. Not just in photography. In strategy, in leadership, in life. "Change your focus, change your life." Simple. But how many of us are running businesses, managing teams, or chasing goals — and haven't stopped to ask if we're focused on the right things? This episode will make you think differently. I hope you will give it a listen. Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    58 min
  3. S5.20-124 - What's in a Name... "Rebecca"

    APR 23

    S5.20-124 - What's in a Name... "Rebecca"

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jayma sits down with Rebecca, an HR consultant and career strategist, to explore the powerful meaning behind the name Rebecca—and how it beautifully mirrors her life and career as a connector. Together, they unpack the Hebrew roots of the name, uncovering themes of connection, strength, binding relationships, and leadership. Rebecca shares how discovering her name’s meaning affirmed what she already intuitively knew about herself: her natural ability to bring people together, remove limitations, and help others thrive—both personally and professionally. The conversation also weaves through nicknames, identity, career titles, and the deeper significance of name changes throughout history, including biblical examples and modern-day relevance. This thoughtful and engaging episode invites listeners to reflect on their own names, the identities they carry, and the roles they step into—reminding us that names, titles, and labels often shape how we see ourselves and how we show up in the world. ✨ If you’ve ever wondered whether your name holds meaning—or power—you won’t want to miss this one. Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    22 min
  4. S5.19-123 - What's in a Name... "Mita"

    APR 16

    S5.19-123 - What's in a Name... "Mita"

    Send us Fan Mail ✨ The Power of a Name — and Why It Matters More Than We Think ✨ In this episode of my podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mita Malik—a marketing and HR executive, author, and powerful storyteller—for an incredibly meaningful conversation about names, identity, and leadership. Mita shared the origin of her name and how her journey with her name has shaped her personal and professional life. From childhood experiences of wanting an “easier” name, to navigating corporate spaces where her name was intentionally mispronounced, her story is a powerful reminder that names are not small details—they are deeply tied to dignity and belonging. One moment that truly stayed with me: “The most basic form of respect is honoring someone’s name.”  We talked about: Why mispronouncing (or renaming) someone—especially from a position of power—can cause lasting harmHow leaders set the tone for inclusion through seemingly “simple” actionsThe courage it takes to reclaim your name and your voiceAnd how knowing the meaning behind your name can actually strengthen confidence and purposeThis conversation reinforced something I deeply believe: leadership starts with respect, and respect starts with names. 🎧 If you’re a leader, a people manager, or simply someone who cares about creating more human workplaces, I hope this episode invites you to reflect—and maybe even ask someone how to correctly pronounce their name today. 👉 I’d love to hear from you in the comments:  Has learning the meaning of your name—or someone else’s—ever changed how you saw yourself or them? #Leadership #Inclusion #Belonging #NamesMatter #EmotionalIntelligence #Podcast #Onomatology #RespectInTheWorkplace Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    30 min
  5. S5.18-122 - What's in a Name... "Steve" - Part Two

    APR 12

    S5.18-122 - What's in a Name... "Steve" - Part Two

    Send us Fan Mail In this special Part 2 episode, I’m joined once again by Steve, one of my earliest podcast guests, for a deeper and more reflective conversation on the meaning of names and the role they play in identity, respect, and connection. We explore why getting someone’s name right is far more than a courtesy—it’s a signal of care. Steve shares personal stories from both his professional life and his work as a sports announcer, showing how pronunciation, curiosity, and intentionality can transform everyday interactions into meaningful connections. This episode goes beyond definitions. It’s about slowing down, asking better questions, and discovering the “rest of the story” behind the people we meet—whether at work, in our communities, or in our personal lives. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations, subtle mindset shifts, and practical ways to connect more deeply with others, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen in—and you might just see names (including your own) in a whole new way. Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    13 min
  6. S5.17-121 - What's in a Name... "Tiffany"

    APR 11

    S5.17-121 - What's in a Name... "Tiffany"

    Send us Fan Mail What’s in a name—and how much power does it really carry? In this episode, host Jayma dives into the fascinating world of onomatology—the study of names—with a deeply reflective and inspiring conversation featuring Tiffany, an award‑winning HR executive, leader, and creative visionary. Together, they explore the meaning, history, and lived experience behind the name Tiffany, which originates from Greek roots meaning “manifestation of God” or “revelation of the divine.” Through thoughtful storytelling, Tiffany shares how discovering the meaning of her name later in life became both affirming and eye‑opening. From career success and creativity to faith, leadership, accountability, and the idea of continual “rebranding” as we grow, this conversation reveals how a name can shape identity, mindset, and purpose. You’ll hear reflections on: How names can influence confidence, leadership, and self‑perceptionThe connection between manifestation, intention, and turning vision into realityFaith, accountability, and what it means to be a “manifestation of good” in the worldWhy names matter—especially when naming the next generationThis episode is a powerful reminder that our names hold stories, meaning, and potential—sometimes waiting for us to discover them. Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    27 min
  7. S5.16-120 - What's in a Name... "Amber"

    APR 3

    S5.16-120 - What's in a Name... "Amber"

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sat down with Amber to explore the meaning behind her name — and what started as a conversation about a name that is a "color" turned into something so much deeper. The name Amber traces back to Arabic origins, signifying warmth, natural beauty, and even fierceness. In certain Indian languages, it means the sky. What really stuck with me was her reflection on personal evolution — the idea that expanding your perspective and giving yourself permission to grow doesn't change who you are at your core. It shapes who you're becoming. 🎧 Give it a listen — and ask yourself, do you know the meaning of YOUR name? Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    21 min
  8. S5.15-119 - What's in a Name... "Francois"

    MAR 28

    S5.15-119 - What's in a Name... "Francois"

    Send us Fan Mail What if you've been carrying the meaning of your name your whole life — and didn't even know it? In my latest episode of the podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Francois — a musician, software professional, and free man in every sense of the word. His name, rooted in French and Latin, means "Frenchman" or "free man" — and honestly, it couldn't be more fitting. Francois describes himself as a wandering soul who doesn't feel tied to just one place, someone with a deep longing to explore, expand, and absorb everything life has to offer. That kind of spirit? It came through in every word he shared. Born in South Africa and now living in the US, Francois became an American citizen in 2024 — and he also happens to be the third guest on my podcast from South Africa 🇿🇦 (shoutout to Cassy and Elzette!). There's something special about that country's people — they just show up with so much warmth, openness, and authenticity. What I loved most about this conversation was how open-minded Francois was. He approached every question with curiosity, even turning the mic around and asking me thoughtful questions in return — including whether I truly believe a name shapes the way we see the world. (Spoiler: after 115+ interviews, I have some strong thoughts on that. 😊) Whether you're fascinated by onomatology (the study of names), curious about identity across cultures, or just love a genuinely real conversation — this episode is for you. 🎧 Give it a listen and let me know: do YOU think your name reflects who you are? And if YOU would like to be a guest on the podcast, my DMs are open. I'd love to explore the meaning behind your name.  Support the show Connect with me on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/whats_in_a_name_podcast?igsh=N3F0NjQ3bnduc292&utm_source=qr Refine your purpose and leadership skills by joining the Intentional Leadership Network: https://www.intentionalleadernetwork.com/a/2148165226/4EW66BNT

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Ever wondered if there was any meaning in your name? My podcast explores all things onomatology... the study of names!

Information

  • Creator
    Jayma
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 What's in a Name?
  • Show Website
    What's in a Name?