What’s in a name?

“What’s in a name?” You may have heard this quote at some point in your life. Whether you are a lover of Shakespeare or a Romeo and Juliet movie buff, odds are you picked up on this iconic quote. In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Romeo makes the distinction that the name of something (or someone) is insignificant in comparison to the character and quality of the thing or person in question. This quote comes to mind as I anxiously await my first trail name.

The Trail Name

I thoroughly enjoy hearing the stories about how hikers receive their trail names. Over the past few years, I’ve watched dozens of PCT hikers set off on their epic adventures where they eventually receive their first trail name. Trail names can derive from a number of things. Some hikers receive their trail name based on something funny or memorable that they said in the company of others. Some hikers are named after a unique character trait that they possess. Regardless of what or how the name is or came about, the tradition of having a hiker name is meant to be fun. It’s a tradition that I have looked forward to.

Since following PCT hikers on YouTube, I have anxiously awaited my turn to step foot on trail where I too would receive a hiker name. As my time gets closer to starting my own epic journey, I can’t help but to dream of what my hiker name might be. It might be a name that has something to do with my awesome mustache. Maybe I’ll receive a name that is affiliated with my military career? Knowing myself pretty well… it’s possible I say something outrageous that earns me a funny name. The possibilities are endless! But, what about my actual name? Is it not already the best hiker name?

My Name

I have a very common boys name, especially having grown up in the 80’s. I cannot recall a single time where I was the only Christopher in one of my many school classrooms. In fact, the most at one time was five. Five Christopher’s! Having even two people with the same name within a group can cause confusion. For that reason, many people with common first names usually adopt a a nickname or a unique variation of their name. Some people even go by a set of initials. For me, I was called by my last name.

My last name is Smiley. Yes, you are reading that correctly! I love my last name. I suits me very well and it’s been a great conversation starter for the forty-three years I’ve been on the Earth. I go by my last name 90% of the time. Only those close to me (mostly family) call me by my first name. Otherwise, nearly everyone calls me Smiley. It’s not only my name… it has become my identity.

With a name like Smiley… why would anyone want to be called anything different? I’ve struggled with this hiker name for a couple months now. Both excited and anxious… this hiker name better be good, because I’d be giving up an identity that I cherish. I love my name, and I wouldn’t want to be called something with a lesser meaning. I understand that for most, it’s not an issue. But, I really like my name. And for this reason, I have decided on my own trail name. From here on out, I wish my trail name to be: Smiley.

Don’t get me wrong… I am all for the trail name culture and will support it during my own thru hike. I like my name. It may not have a fun story behind its origin, but I think it’s a pretty rad name. So, don’t be surprised if I make it to Canada still being called Smiley.

“A rose by any other name, would smell as sweet.”

– Smiley

One step and a time!