The Origin of My Name

The origin of my name. You know me as Jimmy Aquino. James P. Aquino on anything formal. What's the "P" stand for? Settle down. I'll get to it! Let's start with the last name. Aquino.

I researched my last name as a youth in Jacksonville, Florida. As a kid, I was the only Aquino (besides my brother) that I knew. The guy I got the name from....what do you call him...oh yeah....Dad...was not around to ask.

I remember being given a small booklet about St. Thomas Aquinas from Sister Mary Anne. He, of course, the great theologian and philosopher. It said he came from a small town in Italy called Aquino. St. Thomas Aquinas. Thomas of Aquino.

See the family resemblance? No? What? My halo a little crooked or something? I can philosophize and..uh..theologize with the best of them!

I thought on this. My Dad's from The Philippines. A mish mosh of people. You have the natives who are descended from various occupations. Spain was there 100 years. Japan was there just as long. The U.S. of A. too. Heck, I think even Rhode Island took them over one year. But, was Italy? Not to my knowledge. Unless Marco Polo made a stop during his journeys. Which is possible. Still, I highly doubted I was a descendant of this great man. Of course, it never stopped me from suggesting it!

More research finds that it is a pretty common Spanish name as well. Those Spaniards. Always conquering and leaving their mark. Ultimately, I find out that Aquino is a common surname in The Philippines. So much for my illusions of grandeur. If anyone asks, I'm a descendant of the Saint!

As for the other 2 parts of my name. James first. Well, I lucked out and was the only one not named after a relative. (Poor cousin Rufus Bratwurst). My brother and cousins were all named after Uncles, etc. I think they went with James because it was a good Irish Catholic name. Yes, I am of Irish descent as well. Didn't you read my St. Patrick's day entry?!

Now for the "P." This has to do with my Filipino side. And not something I readily discuss. I was named this certain name for a reason. Apparently, like many societies, The Philippines had a loose kingdom way back in the day. Various islands were united under an ancient King. And that royal bloodline flows through my veins. If it was centuries ago, I would be part of the royal family. If there was still a royal family over there today, I would be a...

wait for it...

wait for it...

keep waiting...

you've come this far...

here it comes...

I would be a...

Prince.

My name is Prince. And I am funky.

Comments

[Josie]

Great story, Prince. Your highness. ;-)

[J.Kru]

JunkMan~
You are a NUT! I am really enjoying your blogs.
J.Kru

[Priscilla]

HAIL PRINCE ST-JIMMY!

[jimmy]

finally! someone gets it! i shall appoint priscilla ruler of the tiny province called geekville. do with it as you will.