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I don't know much about my surname except that it is Scottish and Irish.

I was named Rachel by my father, who named me after a woman who was a grandmother figure in his life. Rachel and Frank Donahue lived across the street from my dad and his family when he was a child. Rachel was a nurturer in every aspect of the word. She was an avid gardener and a devoted wife. My dad remained close to her until she passed away at the age of 103 several years ago.

My middle name, Denise, is also my paternal aunt's middle name. She is my father's oldest sister. Since I was born we've had a special connection that I believe began when it was announced I would be named after her. We have many similar qualities and traits - both physically and emotionally.

My first name has a biblical aspect and also means "gentle like a lamb or ewe" in Hebrew.

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[|http://www.behindthename.com/name/ra]

For a name activity in my classroom, I would have students talk to their parents or grandparents about how and why they received their name. I would then ask them to freewrite and reflect on what their name means to them. Do you like it? Dislike it? Why? Were you named after anyone important, such as a family member or famous person? Has anyone ever made an assumption about you based on your name? If you could change your name, would you? Why do you think names are important?