How we picked Ben’s name
This essay appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 1/12/26. Subscribe here!
Three Steps to a Happier Monday
Before we dive into a new week, let’s pause and ask ourselves some simple questions to reflect on where we’ve been, get excited about something today and set a gentle intention for the week ahead.
GRATITUDE: What are three things I appreciated from the weekend?
TODAY: What’s one thing I can be excited about today?
INTENTION: What is my intention for this week?
For me, I’m thankful for time with family, seeing friends met Ben and spending time outside in the sun. Today, I’m most excited to start a new book (just finished The Heir Apparent yesterday!). And my intention for the week is to get back into a meal planning rhythm.
Okay, your turn! And if you want to share, I am all ears. 🙂
Monday Musings: How We Picked Ben’s Name
I’ve always loved hearing the story behind someone’s name. Whether it’s to honor a family member, inspired by a favorite character in a book or simply a name parents loved, there can be so much meaning wrapped up in it.
While there isn’t a short answer for why Matt and I named Ben Ben, there is a longer story – and it’s one that feels especially meaningful to us.
When we found out I was pregnant, Matt and I did what every expecting couple does and immediately started talking about names. I was convinced we were having a girl, so I didn’t pay much attention to the boy names Matt was throwing out (sorry, Matt!!). I was far more focused on getting him on board with my favorite girl names.
Then, we found out we were having a boy, it was back to the drawing board.
His middle name came easily. I really wanted “Patrick,” to pay homage to my dad and my Irish heritage. The first name took a bit more work. Matt and I knew we wanted something classic. And we liked the idea of a name with a built-in nickname. We also wanted his name to feel “original” to him, which is no small feat with multiple brothers and many uncles between the two of us!
We can’t remember who first suggested the name “Benjamin,” but it quickly made its way into our top two, alongside another name we also loved.
For weeks, we went back and forth. Eventually, we decided not to pressure ourselves. We told ourselves we could even go to the hospital with two names and see which one fit him best.
And then something magical happened.
At the end of May, shortly after we moved to Indianapolis, Matt and I were on one of our first walks around the neighborhood. I remember it being hot and feeling especially weary from the stress of our move & anxious about my upcoming 20-week appointment.
The mid-point of pregnancy, the 20-week appointment is exciting and also a bit nerve-wracking. It’s the first time you REALLY get to see your baby, which has the potential to reveal a lot of information. This one would also be the first with my new doctor and health system in Indy. There was a lot riding on this appointment!
As we walked, I shared my worries with Matt, and we did our best to reassure each other.
As we approached our front yard, I stopped and asked, “Wait… what is that?”
Something was lying in the grass in front of our home, but I couldn’t quite make it out.
“Oh my god.” Matt said, bending down to pick it up.
“What? What?” I asked, immediately nervous.
When he showed me what he was holding, I gasped.
Lying in our yard was a small wooden heart with the name “Ben” written on it.
It was likely dropped by someone passing by with a young child (though to this day, I’ve never met another Ben on our street!). But to Matt and me, it felt like so much more than a coincidence.
Right then and there, we decided this baby would be named Ben – and that this little moment was a sign that everything was going to be okay.
Buoyed by that Godwink, we went into the appointment – and the rest of my pregnancy – feeling calmer, more grounded and confident that we could handle whatever came our way.
I’m so grateful I wasn’t too distracted to notice that small object in the grass. And now this wooden heart lives on the bookshelf in my office to always remind me of that. It turns out that even before he arrived, Ben was already teaching me how powerful it can be to pause, notice and trust. 🙂
And as for his name? I truly can’t imagine him being called anything other than Ben. ❤️