My Name, Zaroga

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Some of you have asked about my name. I usually start by telling people that I have weird parents.


Both of my parents came from large families. My Daddy was one of 13 children and my Mama was one of 11 children. There was also a slew of cousins. Both my parents had brothers named Ben. Then there were Williams and Marys.. so many names were repeated throughout the family. It was sometimes hard to figure out who the rumors were about amongst the family. My parents wanted their children to have unique names so they would know if their children were the ones being talked about... just kidding, but they did want their children's names to be unique and they did that.

I am the fourth of five Zs. That is why you will see me sometimes listed as FourOf5Zs. I have three older brothers; Zoral, Zane and Zarone. Zoral, pronounced Zōr-əl, was actually suppose to be Zorro, but Daddy or Mama ,,, I cannot remember which way the story goes...messed up the spelling. My Daddy was a fan of the Zorro movies. My Daddy was also a fan of Zane Grey books, so my next eldest brother's name comes from Zane Grey. It used to be an uncommon name, but now it is a common name for both males and females. My brother Zarone... his name is taken from Aaron and is pronounce Ză-rŏn. I'll skip to my sister, Zawanda, pronounce Ză-wŏn-də. Well... the story goes.. it "was a wonder" she was here at all. There is three years difference in my and my sister's ages. My Mama had a hard time with my birth and was not suppose to have more children. My name is pronounced Ză-rō-gə.. the family slurs it to Zrō-ger. My parents just made my name up.

Some people want to call me Z. I prefer no nickname, but if you address me as Z I won't holler. Just don't be surprised if I address you in response with the first letter of your name.

I usually get asked the question "what is your middle name?" My middle name is Clora, pronounced Clōr-ə.. rhymes with Flora. If someone calls me Clora I won't answer. Clora is my Mama's name.

Over the years my name has been a pain at times, but I'm glad my parents named me Zaroga. I don't really think my parents are weird.


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A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. -- Proverb 22 - 1