Analise D Mello MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB

I love my name. It’s beautiful and somehow reflects my personality—as per my mother, who picked the name, she had a teacher with a similar name and absolutely loved it ever since and decided to name her girl child, and so I was named Analise!

I have heard variations of the name in various forms and kinds that I respond to anything that sounds phonetically similar out of habit! I don’t bother correcting some stranger who says it all wrong and definitely don’t respond to the follow-up question—are you Indian? Are you Anglo? !!!!

But as a young adult living in a country where naming a child is always with a word with meaning—sun, moon, light, stars, or spark– in Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Konkani, Portuguese, and often in Christian families, biblical names—Peter, Paul, Simon, or after saints—Alex, Michael, Francis, Xavier, etc. My name stuck out like a sore thumb—they were the ANALISA while I was ANALISE… I was searching for the meaning of my name—as everyone would like to know—and my mom picked it, and it would not suffice in my country!

  • Origin: Hebrew, German, Scandinavian.
  • Combination: It’s a blend of
    • Anna: From the Hebrew “Hannah,” meaning “grace” or “favor.”
    • Elise/Lise: From Elizabeth, meaning “my God is an oath” or “pledged to God.”
  • Overall Meaning: A devotee graced by God, consecrated by God, or graceful satisfaction. 
  • Variations
  • Annalise, Analeese, Annaliese, Analisia, Analiz. 
  • Usage
  • Primarily a female name.
  • Associated with Christianity and divine favor. 

So indeed I found God in my name through his grace and favor!

When the angel spoke to Joseph today and specifically said

and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

I felt the same sense of familiarity! Although Shakespeare’s famous line, “What’s in a name?” from Romeo and Juliet, suggests that names are arbitrary labels that don’t define a person’s true essence, as a rose would still smell sweet by any other name, the play ultimately shows how powerful these names (like Montague and Capulet) are in shaping destiny and conflict.

Jesus is a name we call upon now with respect and immense love! Because He is the son of the man, and God gave Him to us to be with us! I’m sure St. Joseph was stunned and shocked on hearing the news! Not only does the Lord decide the pregnancy before marriage, but the Holy Spirit ensures the name is picked!!!

Name and meaning affect a lot of our personality as we shape into adults—so while each of us is picked by the Lord, I’m pretty sure the angel visits our parents and helps them pick a name—a fond relative they have or some sporting legend—it doesn’t matter. What matters is the Son of Man is born and will be with us! Have we lived up to our name!? Have we helped ourselves understand if we live up to the expectations of the creator with or without our name?

If not—think about it, and if you are in doubt, always google it!

AMEN

p.s. The next few weeks through the new year I am busy with my final examination, which begins from 29th December till 7th January, followed by a practical exam (date not announced), following which I will live up to my name and be awarded a degree in gynecological oncology—women’s cancer specialist!!! (All prayers and blessings are appreciated.)

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency.

I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke’s Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.