What's in a Name

What’s in a Name?
At our birth our parent or guardian gives us a name, a designation that allows us to be identified and, sometimes, categorized by others. We must use it to communicate with people, businesses, and the government, we need it to get an education, a job, healthcare, have a bank account, etc.. We speak and hear our name so often in our lives that we may not even think about how important it can actually be. Whether it is our given or surname, it can open or close doors for us, conjure feelings of warmth/solidarity or shame/embarrassment, and even play a hand in our (perceived) successes or failures in life. For better or for worse, even though we did not choose it for ourselves, it can hold great power over us, though, how much can be up to us.
If you are of the witchy/pagan persuasion, you may have a second name. This name has spiritual context, and may have been chosen by you or have been divinely inspired. It may be created to reflect your spiritual personality, your type of practice, a significant spiritual event, your guides/totem/other creatures you have an affinity for/with, or anything else that inspires you. If you are into numerology, you may choose a name based on the numbers as well, to have a more favourable magical “fate”. This name is used not only during magical workings, but also can be used in witchy/pagan circles, with your coven mates (should you have them), online, as a business name, or it could be kept totally private. Having a magical name is another way you can add to your practice, and your identity/persona as a witch. It can mentally help you more easily slip into that part of yourself, and shed your “every day” persona you share with the world, which adds to the sacred atmosphere during any spells, rituals, or other magical workings, and creates space for this part of yourself to come forth.
Some witches/pagans, if they use one spiritual name publicly, may have a third name that is chosen or divinely bestowed, that is used only when they do magical workings, and is spoken/written only to themselves, or in communication between them and their patron deity/the universe. Having a totally private spiritual name stems from the belief that names have power, and if the true name of something/someone is known, others can have power over it/them. We see this more in talks about energetic/religious workings like exorcisms, where the exorcist tries to find out the possessing demon/entities name to successfully exorcise it from the person. While this is the most commoner example I know of, it is not the only magical/spiritual reason for it. Some also believe that keeping that magical name secret makes it more difficult for others to do magic against you; particularly if someone is trying to work against your own magical workings or against you as a witch. In theory, it is harder to block a person magically if you are working against “person X”, but they are petitioning or manifesting under “secret name Z”. Rather like using a magical decoy. It also can protect the magical practitioner from prying ears. It is easier to talk more freely about someone using their magical name when talking with others “in the know” when out among people who may not be like minded or understanding. While this type of protection may not be as needed in todays day and age, sometimes discretion is important.
While names can have great significance, and they can play a role in how our lives are shaped, it is important to remember that they do not actually determine who we are. We are more than our names (given or surname), we have free will, and are free to change and evolve as we choose (which also includes our name).
So, do you use a magical name? Did you choose it yourself? What was your inspiration? How do you feel it represents you? Has that name ever changed/evolved with you and your practice? How do you feel about your given name? Have you ever looked up what it means? I would love to hear, if you are willing to share.