Maya Angelou, who was born as Marguerite Annie Johnson, chose to change her name in her early adulthood. There are a few primary reasons why she chose to make that transition. She felt that the name ‘Marguerite’ was far too common and, at the same time, felt that it just didn’t fit who she was. The name ‘Annie’ reminded her too much of her father who had abandoned her and her brother at an early age. The name ‘Johnson’ was also a reminder of her father and neither of these fitted with her new identity.
Angelou chose to change her name in order to gain a greater sense of identity for herself. By changing her name, she was able to create her own identity and come into her own power. She was also able to leave behind any connection to her father, helping her to fully forge ahead without any lingering remnants of her difficult childhood.
The name Angelou comes from the Greek ‘aggelos’, meaning ‘messenger of God’ or ‘angel’. She chose a name that would reflect her faith and her beliefs, which were always incredibly important to her. She could also take comfort in the fact that the name was still linked to her past; the fact that her grandmother had given her this name when she was a baby. Even then, the name had clearly followed her for her entire life.
Whilst choosing to change her name was undoubtedly difficult, it served an important purpose for Angelou. It allowed her to fully create an identity for herself that was truly an expression of who she was; her beliefs, her faith and her dreams. In changing her name she was able to start a new life that held the potential to become whatever she wanted; it enabled her to grow and to flourish, no longer defined by the struggles of her past.
The Importance of Naming in African Tradition
Naming has always had a huge importance to African tradition, with names reflecting personal qualities, family connections, spiritual beliefs, ancestry and even geographical locations. Names have traditionally been considered to be significant for recognition, protection and memory. Therefore, for Angelou to change her name, she was truly celebrating her African roots and recognizing the importance of naming in the African tradition.
Changing their names has often provided members of the African diaspora with a chance to express their own identity and ancestor’s legacy in a way that allows them to step fully into the legacy of their culture. Angelou’s choice to take on the name Angelou was a powerful statement of her own identity and culture, expressing her ongoing links to her African heritage.
Angelou chose the name Angelou in order to mark her own personal power and journey. Her name choice was by no means random, providing her with a powerful connection to her faith, her family, and her culture and was a conscious choice to fully embrace her African roots and all the potential that the new name represented for her.
In changing her name, Angelou was by no means abandoning her history and family legacy; she was embracing and celebrating it. The name change was a powerful statement of her cultural identity, allowing her to create an identity that was true to her values and beliefs.
The Significance of the Name Change for Angelou’s Career
Her name change was significant for her career and for her identity in another way. As an accomplished poet, author, playwright, dancer and actor, the name Angelou enabled her to stand out. The name was recognizable and connected her to her work. It enabled her to be remembered and identified.
Furthermore, Angelou’s name also held a certain weight, a certain respect as she was becoming more accomplished. The name Angelou represented something more than what Johnson had previously stood for; it represented the accomplishments and accolades she had already achieved and gave her the necessary power to gain even more success.
It took a great deal of courage for Angelou to make the transition, mutually acknowledging her African heritage whilst also breaking away from her difficult past and deciding to forge forward. It was a powerful move and one that allowed her to claim her own space in the world.
Angelou’s name change was far more than a simple name change; it ushered in a new era of her life. It represented the start of her journey away from her past and her difficult childhood and was a conscious move towards self-authoring and empowerment. The name change represented who she was as a woman and a writer, birthing a new power and a new identity.
Maya Angelou’s Influence on Women’s Empowerment
Angelou’s choice to take control of her identity and break away from what had previously defined her was more than a simple name choice; it was a powerful symbol of her dedication to defending the rights of women and her commitment to raising women up and helping to empower them.
Angelou’s life and accomplishments became a source of inspiration for many women. Her works and words helped to promote the idea that with talent, hard work and dedication, any woman could achieve anything.
By choosing to change her name, Angelou demonstrated her deep commitment to helping other women access their own power. In choosing the name Angelou, she chose to fully claim her own power and to inspire other women to do the same.
For Angelou, the name change represented a powerful journey of growth and self-awareness; a journey that was both necessary and transformative. Changing her name was a sign of her commitment to her faith and her African roots, a commitment to her self-empowerment, taking control of her life and of reclaiming her voice.
The Continuing Influence of Maya Angelou’s Name Change
Even though Angelou is no longer with us, her legacy and her journey that started with her name change continue to influence and inspire countless numbers of people. In saying no to her past and yes to her identity, Maya Angelou set a powerful example for other women, proving to them that it is possible to let go of the past and step forward into the future, with courage and self-acceptance.
By reclaiming her own power and by taking control of her life, Angelou showed other people the importance of standing up and owning who they are. She demonstrated the power of taking ownership of one’s identity and expressed the beauty and courage that comes when we strive to break away from painful memories and to embrace our own potential.
Angelou’s name change continues to be a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance, of standing up and of rising above difficult circumstances. It continues to inspire people to access their own power, to discover their true identity and to live life to the fullest extent.
