“I felt my heart crack slowly like a pomegranate, spilling its seeds.”― Trebor Healey

My full name, Alexandro Granados, has always been a sort of mystery to me. Ever since I was little I never took any interest in where my name came from or any other details about its meanings. I never particularly liked my name; thus, I always made people call me by the shorter version of it, Alex. In all honesty, I have always preferred my mother's maiden name, Lira, and always questioned why I didn't get that last name instead of Granados. It wasn't until time passed that I learned to accept my name, especially my first name, for what it was and even went as far as to embrace it. I can remember the amount pride I had for it during my middle school years, knowing that I am the only one I've ever directly known to have the same first name as I.

                In my opinion, high school was pretty interesting for me whenever the time came for my teachers to take attendance at the start of the class. This was usually interesting for me due to every single teacher getting my name wrong, pronouncing it as Alejandro or even calling me Alejandra or Alexandra. I've always known that they didn't have any bad intentions though; my teachers were simply just dazed by the odd spelling of my name. However, I can’t say that I didn't get irritated at times because of the constant mispronunciations or gender switches. I've caught myself in certain occasions going as far as raising my voice saying, “a-lek-SAN-dro!” at the poor teacher or substitute teacher. Even though I was extremely passionate of correcting those that would pronounce my name wrong, I had no idea what my name even meant. It wasn't until my junior year of high school that I started to have interest on where it came from or what it symbolized. That’s when I finally gave in and decided to do some research.

                As I did some research on my name, I started finding that my first name, Alexandro, meant something that I didn't expect at all, it meant “defender” and “protector of mankind.” I also found that my name is of Greek origin. However, I did have trouble finding any more information other than the origin and meaning. I have also done research on my last name, Granados. I've only been able to find that my last name is of Spanish origin, with “pomegranate” being the most stand-out meaning to me. My last name is actually the inspiration behind my blog name and most of my social media usernames. Besides “pomegranate,” I've also found that my last name holds other meanings such as these found on http://www.kabalarians.com/Male/granados.htm:  

• The name of Granados has made you rather reserved and, at times, secretive about your personal affairs.
•  As a result, people find it difficult to understand you and you suffer through loneliness.
• You are interested in understanding life along scientific and philosophical lines.
• Also, you derive much enjoyment from reading and from being out in nature.
• At times, you find it easier to express your thoughts in writing, rather than verbally.

 As for heritage, I have not been able to find much information or clues as to the roots of the name within my family. I have assumed though that my ancestors came from Spain or other parts of Europe. My parents have also hinted that there is possibly Italian within our ancestral roots; nevertheless, that is debated. Looking back though, I don’t think that I would change my name for any thinkable reason. I feel like it gives me some form of innate uniqueness in my life, especially my first name.

     - 2014, A&G