Mi Nombre Es...

Names are interesting. They are given by others, but are things that we take on. Some are given out of love - like our birth names. Other names that we pick up along the way are taunts, insults, or just jokes. Regardless of their origin, names are what allow us to be identified by others. They become ingrained in our identity and existence. Names tell a story.

As I introduce myself to people in Mexico, I've had to think about what I call myself. Do I call myself Josué [the Spanish name for Josh]? Or, should I just stick to Josh?

These thoughts have led my to reflect on my name. I've come to realize that I have many names. Recalling these names helps me to remember who I am in a time in which there is so much change and insecurity in my life. These names also tell stories. Here are some of the most prominent names of my life...


Joshua Chanz was the name given to me by my parents at birth. Chanz being the summation of my grandmothers' maiden names: Chapin and Lanz.

Josh is the name that I have most often gone by. While I do not have a preference between Josh and Joshua, I usually introduce myself as Josh because it is shorter and easier to say. Most of my friends and family call me Josh, and my Facebook profile is even listed as Josh.

Cha-Chee is the name that my Uncle David gave me... I think he gave it to me. Anyways, I have had this name since my first years of life. I used to detest as a kid. Crying, I would say, "My name is not Cha-Chee." Now, however, I love the name. My Uncle David and his family still call me Cha-Chee, as do a number of other relatives.

"Cha-Chee" '97

Joshy-Washy is a playful rhyme of name that has been used by a number of relatives at times throughout the years, especially when I was younger.

Mushroomhead is a name that I took on during 7th grade. Haha. I was given this name because of the hideous bowl-cut that I sported for over a year. My head looked, well, like a mushroom. I didn't necessarily like the name at the time, but I didn't hate it either. Now, I look back fondly on this name. It reminds me of my awkwardness as a middle-schooler - the same awkwardness that extended into my high school years. It reminds me of my longing to "fit in" and "be cool" and the fact that most of the time I really wasn't. It reminds that each step of my journey, even the ones that were painful and awkward, were important in shaping me to be who I am today.

"Mushroomhead" 7th Grade Year Book Photo

Joshy or Joshy Poo] is a name that I have been playfully called throughout my life. One of the most memorable seasons in which I have been called this was during my Freshman year of high school during Model United Nations club meetings by two Junior girls - Ashley and Lauren, who are my friends to this day. Ashley and Lauren decided to adopt me as their little brother and began to call me Joshy. I think the name was reflective of the fact that I was so tiny as a Freshman. While I thought the name was embarrassing at the time, I look back now, knowing that I was loved.

"Joshy-Poo" [I'm the tiny one] '08 Photo Cred: Donna Weaver

J-Daddy was a name that I took on during the Spring of my Freshman year of high school. During a memorable afternoon run, my friends John, Joey, James and I decided to form a "club" of sorts. We were the up and coming "stars" of the Cross-Country team, and knowing that all of our names started with J created a special bond. During that run up Panther Canyon, we named ourselves the "J-Hawks," and then named each one of ourselves individually: "Big-J," "Triple-J," "Dr.J," and me, "J-Daddy." To this day, we occasionally go by these names in our Cross Country group or with one another.

Nips was another nickname given to me by Cross Country teammates during my Junior of high school. Shortly after finishing a half-marathon, I stripped off my sweaty shirt, revealing two band-aids over my nipples, which I had placed there to prevent chafing. My friends thought this was amusing, so they began to call me Nips. I didn't talk a liking to the name, so it slowly faded away. I somewhat like it now though because it evokes many great memories with my friends in high school Cross Country and Track.

J is a name that my Dad calls me. He primarily uses this in e-mails and texts, designating me as J, my mom as K, and my brother as K2. At first, I wasn't sure of this shortening of my name. Now, I love this name. Though a single letter, it carries all the love of my parents and their continued affection throughout my life.

"J" - Dad & I at 2014 Metro State Invite. Photo Cred: Cambria Magnuson

Yeshua was a name that took on special significance during college. During my Sophomore year of college, I learned that the names Joshua and Jesus share the same Hebrew name: Yeshua. This word means something along the lines of "God is Salvation." My college Cross Country coach, who is also named Joshua, began calling me Yeshua as well. Yeshua was an important name for me during college when I was learning about myself and discovering more of the world. It is also important for me now in the midst of more growth, doubts about my faith and questions about the world. It is a reminder that the very root of my identity - my name - is in the God of Abraham and Isaac, Moses, David, and Jesus.

"Yeshua" - 2013 NCAA D2 Regionals

Jésus is another name by which my college Cross Country coach called me. This name came from the fact that Jésus - Jesus - and Joshua share the same root of Yeshua. This name reminds me of the playful love of my coach, my years of running in college, and the importance that this man played in my life.

Cardio is a name that I just recently took on this summer while hiking. Thru-hiking [back-packing long distances] has a culture of its own. A part of this culture is taking on a new name that make one more easily identified. Besides, nicknames are just fun in general. Anyways, I was bestowed this name by my friend Frost because of my endurance up hills and the latin feel of this name [he knew that I was preparing to head to Mexico].

"Cardio" Frost & I on the Colorado Trail '15. Photo Cred: AsiaRae

Now, upon entering Mexico, I've taken on a few new names.

Hosh is a name that I was given by my friend Gracia, who is living and serving in Mexico City this year. I'm not sure how she settled on this name, but I think I like it.

Josué is the name that I introduce myself by here in Mexico. "Mi nombre es Josué," I say. People often look at me puzzled, and then I explain that my English name is "Josh," but in Spanish its "Josué." Many people have opted to call me Josué because it is easier for them to say.

Meanwhile, several people in my Mexican family think that I should be called by my "real" name: Joshua. Since this name is it not as easy to pronounce though, there attempts to say Joshua end up sounding more like Yoshua.

I'm not sure why he calls me this - he might've heard me wrong, or maybe he is just original - but, one of my Mexican uncles calls me Josef. Thought it's not quite my name, I find it endearing.


These are the stories of my names. What stories do your names tell?


"... Continue to call each other by the names I've given you to help remember who you are. Touch each other, and keep telling the stories." 
[Excerpt from "Passover Remembered..." by Alla Bozarth-Campbell]