Someone famous once said that “a rose by any other name wouldn’t smell as sweet.” I believe it was either Shakespeare or Eminem, but I’m too lazy to look it up right now. Bottom line is names are important – They influence, somewhat, one’s ability to succeed in this world. (Read the book or see the documentary “Freakonomics” if you want to know exactly how much a name can help or impede your child’s success.)

So to be clear – On this baby, I’ve had to assert myself a little bit in order to have some influence over my child’s name. As you may have guessed from previous posts, Baby’s Momma is pretty headstrong and stubborn, so if you have issues with the names we’ve chosen, you can blame her – I really have had little say in the naming department. If we have a boy, you will be hearing about my son, “Greyson Russell Burdick” and if we have a girl, you’ll be hearing more about my daughter, “Reese Mom’s-Last-Name.” I’ve had to push a little bit just to get my last name on one of these babies, and I’ll have six more months to try and negotiate some influence over my girl’s last name. Currently our verbal agreement is that if it’s a boy, he can carry my name, since I’m one of the last male Burdicks in my family line (true). If it’s a girl, it will carry her family name.

Now, after saying all that, I must admit that over the last few weeks these names have grown on me and I’ve come to accept and embrace them. Reese Witherspoon is a gorgeous, smart, and talented woman. That’s a great name for a strong and beautiful little girl. And my business manager during my years of touring, Mr. Ken Gray, is still one of my closest friends, so Greyson works there too.

As I’ve started researching these names more closely, it struck me that these names are actually names derived from my heritage and my people. I’m around 70% Danish/Nordic and maybe 10% Welch, so maybe (just maybe) these names have been inspired.

Reese (Rhys): Welch origin meaning “great intensity, warmth, and enthusiasm.”

Greyson (Grayson): Nordic origin meaning “son of the steward*.”

*One who manages another’s property, finances, or other affairs.

In two weeks we’ll all discover if we’re having a Greyson or a Reese. I’m hoping for a Greyson, but deep down, I just want a healthy baby and if at the end of the day I’m holding a happy and healthy Reese, I will love her with all my heart.