Monson (Meaning; Greatest Son)

Monson (Meaning; Greatest Son)

Family.

Hi!

Today I am going to write about my family, the Monsons. We just had a family reunion, and so I figured that a blog post was in order. So today, it's all about my family's reunion, and all the names (And their meanings!) there.

First of all, let me say a little on the history of the last name. The last name has not been around forever. It began in the roman empire, and spread outwards from there. As the concept arrived, local villages adapted the way their last names were used, many coming up with names that said where they lived, like Garland (Meaning; From the Spear Land). Others chose to use their profession as a last name, like Walker (Meaning; Worker of Cloth). To us, other cultures have very strange name customs, like in Iceland where there are no family names. Ingrid is the daughter of Viktor Jonsson Her last name is Viktorsdottir, and her brother's last name is Viktorsson. In Iceland, your last name is the name of your father and then Son or Dottir is added on. A last name doesn't go down through the centuries. It's probably impossible to track your ancestors there!

Now about my family. They are the best in the world. Most live far away from me, but I always feel at home with them. They are so nice, and are some of my favorite people. I think this would be my third reunion, but it's only the second I can remember, being one year old at the first. On this third reunion, my sister, brother and I traveled to Wenatchee, where it was being held, with Grandpa Chuck and Grama D (and Sophie! (Meaning; Wise)) in their huge motorhome aka the Monsoon Mansion. That was the first time I've every traveled in their RV, and it was great! I rode there and back without a seat belt, because there were five people in the RV and only four buckles. It was lots of fun sitting at a table, and looking out at the cars that seemed so small. That alone was worth it! 

But, there was more. At the reunion itself I met a lot of people. There was Dan (Meaning; Judge) and Nancy (Meaning; Grace), as well as Marilee (Meaning; Wished for Child) who my family and I have spent a few Christmas' with. Then there was Debi (Meaning; Bee), who we're related to, but not sure exactly how. I got there and had a nice talk with Paul (Meaning; Small) about genealogy. I met lots of new people, like Brooke (Meaning; Living by Water) and her husband Rob (Meaning; Famous). I got to know more of my family better, like Marcia (Meaning; Strong) and Beth (Meaning; God is my Home). I met relatives I didn't even know I had, like Fred (Meaning; Peaceful Ruler) and Tina (Meaning; Divine), who are from England. It's amazing how much family you can have, and not really know! It's also amazing how many names there were too.

So many names in the world, so many families, with names belonging to each one. These are the names of my family;

Chuck (Meaning; Manly), my Grandpa

Doris (Meaning; Gift), my Grandma
Marijka (Meaning; Wished for Child), my mom
Madison (Meaning; Daughter of a Warrior), my little sister
Mason (Meaning; Works with Stone), my little brother

Nancy (Meaning; Grace), my great aunt

Dan (Meaning; Judge), my great uncle
Kyle (Meaning Victorious) my first cousin

Pershette (Meaning; Loving Heart) my first cousin's wife

Kailee (Meaning; Pure) my first cousin once removed

Casey (Meaning; Brave)  my first cousin once removed

Marilee (Meaning; Wished for Child) my other great aunt

Bret (Meaning; British) my "cousin"

Heather (Meaning; Pure) my other cousin
Karen (Meaning; Pure) my cousin twice removed
Joe (Meaning; Jehova Adds) my cousin's twice removed husband
Brooke (Meaning; By Water) my first cousin once removed
Rob (Meaning; Famous) my first cousin's once removed husband
Fred (Meaning; Peaceful Ruler) my cousin twice removed
Tina (Meaning; Divine) my cousin's twice removed wife
Kate (Meaning; Pure) my first cousin once removed
Jessica (Meaning; Rich) my first cousin once removed
Phil (Meaning; Lover of Horses) my first cousin's once removed boyfriend
Thom (Meaning; Twin) my first cousin's once removed boyfriend
Marcia (Meaning; Strong) my cousin twice removed
Len (Meaning; Loin Hearted) my cousin's twice removed husband
Judah (Meaning; Praised) my first cousin once removed
Alyssa (Meaning; Good Humor) my first cousin's once removed wife
Peter (Meaning; Stone) my first cousin once removed
Beth (Meaning; God is my Home) my first cousin once removed
Lars (Meaning; Crowned) my first cousin 's once removed husband
Debi (Meaning; Bee) my cousin twice removed (finally found out how we're related!!!)
Mark (Meaning; Warlike) my cousin's twice removed husband
Mariah (Meaning; Bitter) my first cousin once removed
Jesse (Meaning; Gift) my first cousin's once removed husband
Zach (Meaning; Remembered) my first cousin once removed
Jacob (Meaning; Supplements) my first cousin once removed
Vicki (Meaning; Victory) my cousin twice removed
Paul (Meaning; Small) my cousin's twice removed husband

There are so many names in a family. Each of us have three names, three meanings that define us. One is our name, and ours alone, another to honor others before us, or add to our uniqueness, and then one that belongs to our loving family. I couldn't be happier with the last name of Monson (Meaning; Greatest Son). The meaning of Monson is technically Magnus' son, and Magnus means greatest. So, the deepest meanings of the Monson's are the greatest sons. To me, that meaning is one to keep. I like it because it's so true. All of my family are great people, to me and others. But, for me, the name Monson, above all, means "Family."

What is the meaning of your last name? What are the names of your family? What does your family mean to you. Tell me in the comment section below. I would love to hear of the names that you know to mean, above all, as "family." I want to celebrate your amazing, beautiful, unique family, and all their names. I want to celebrate the meaning of your family.

Until another name pops up!

Maximilian M. (Meaning; Greatest in a Multitude)