What's in a name?

Ryan and I are excited to let you all know we finally decided on a name for our little girl, due to arrive sometime around Thanksgiving. Her name will be Eliana Starr Malloy.

Here is the explanation:

Eliana (pronounced el-ee-AH-nah) is a name Ryan came across that is of Hebrew origin and means "God has answered me." It is composed of three Hebrew elements: EL, meaning God; ANA, meaning Answered; and the Yud, located after EL, indicating first person possession. Among the list of names Ryan came up with, this was one that stuck out to me the most. When I heard Watermark's beautiful song "Elliana's Song" from their album recorded at our church, it confirmed for me that this is the name God has provided for our little girl. The song says everything I want for myself as a mom and my girls. I will always be praying Jesus will provide "the wisdom that I'm longing for to mother [their] hearts." We feel like not only is this name an answer to prayer, but He's also answered our prayers in being blessed with this family.

Starr is a family name on Ryan's dad's side of the family. Ryan's grandmother helped compile the family lineage to co-author a book called Thomasson Traces, a project she was very proud to talk about. Cornelius Starr Thomasson was one of the people she often spoke of when telling Ryan about his family history. He was Ryan's great great great grandfather- a soldier in the confederate army during the Civil War, a farmer, tax collector, general store owner, and a well-known Christian man is his Alabama community. This side of the family is also where Ryan's middle name, Thomasson, comes from. In fact, when his parents thought he was a girl, his name was supposed to be Starr. Little did they know it would just have to wait a generation! We think his grandmother would be very honored to have this name continue in the family, even though she is no longer with us.

Just thought you all might like to know the name and the meaning/history behind it since many of you have asked to let you know when we decide on something. Thanks for being such great friends and family to us. We are truly blessed.

Elliana's Song

Baby woman, tiny in stature now
But your heart is a treasure
Little princess come follow behind me now
I am reaching for you

(chorus)

Elliana, God has answered my prayers
Elliana, God will conquer my fears
To mother a daughter, to look you in the eye
To know that I had everything, to walk with you in life
To give you to Jesus that He would impart
The wisdom that I'm longing for to mother your heart
Elliana, God has answered my prayers

There will be others to lead and to guide you girl
But only one you'll call Mother, the honor is all mine
To show you what a woman's like
I'm so glad you're mine

(chorus)

Tenderness of God is twirling around
In our living room tonight
Lighten up your daddy's eyes
And know that he just wants to freeze you in time

(chorus)