We need help with a name, so we are taking suggestions. Let me know: ephraim@caangay.com. A couple of ground rules:

1. The middle name has to be Christine's maiden name: Richmond. That is just how Filipino names work. Example: Ephraim Reyes Caangay. My mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Reyes. Theoretically, this helps trace lineage, and prevents in-breeding. A real concern on an island nation. 
2. I don't want the first name to be after a relative, living or deceased.  My son needs to be able to give meaning to his name, and not carry the baggage of lingering memories. If I had my way, I would make up a word for the kid so he can completely define himself. I was thinking "Teeess". Pronounced "T.S." Of course, I won't be getting my way, so. . . . 

The name list is beginning to take shape. We appreciate all the responses and suggestions. Here are the final three. 

We decided on Xavier. here is a history of Xavier, provided by the church. Briefly, he was the first missionary to the far east. 

The Decision?

Well, we decided on Xavier. We were really stuck between that and Alexander. Even though Xavier sounds really cool, and ORIGIN: Arabic MEANING: Bright; splendid; I decided on this name because I don't want to confuse him with the cat. 

Here are the results of our survey. Thank you to all for participating. We also have a printer friendly version here.

This is the funniest part of all. The rational why people chose what they chose. I only wish I could match it up with the name.

Why do you like that name?

	It is a cool sounding, slightly ethnic (although can't pinpoint the origin) name.
	it reminds me of a good friend i have named theodore
	Why did you include Theodore? You know I don't like that name. Every time I hear it, it reminds me of The Chipmunks - Alvin, Simon & Theodore. Because I do
	Ephraim....I think Dominic is the most masculine sounding name of the group...although Alexander
	sounds more sophisticated! I'm sure whichever name you choose will suit your son! CONGRATS!
	It shortens to Alex so nicely, which alot of people will call him, anyway! If you have him on the 4th,
	his birthdate will be 05-04-03. Neat.
	Like the sound of Teddy Caangay or Ted Caangay. Or Theo.
	Clean, crisp, works well with Caangay, Alex is a great nickname - better than Dom, Ted or Xav (pronounced how?)
	It just works. It has formality, yet also sounds great shortened (Alex) which can be used when he's young. Hey, Alexander the Great!!!
	If he can't be a Zach, then I like Theodore  D.C...... 1. The name sounds good with Caangay. 2. The meaning is quite nice, "helper and defender of mankind". 3. Also, if someone wants to "nickname" him, even if you don't want him "nicknamed", Alex is still a wonderful name. 4. Whatever you name the new Caangay addition, we will just love him!!!!
	It sounds good with Caangay and i love the name, and cause you can call him Dom, Domi, or when you want his attention--Dominic!
	That was the boy's name I had picked out if I had a boy.
	It sounds very Regal.... Alexander Richmond Caangay
	it sounds better when paired with Caangay
	Its different...yet classy
	It sounds very regal or someone who will go far and command respect. Alexander the Great - he will be great one day!
	Dom - it sounds powerful, and great! Look forward to seeing him! Bobby
	unique
	because you already have a CAT named Alex, which is close enough. theodore was the fat chipmunk, and xavier is too spanish.
	It has religious and historial value.
	Theodore, that was my grandpa's middle name.
	Alex for short!
	I've always liked that name and is very different from the rest.
	It reminds me of the chipmunks... ooo ee oo ah ah ting tang; walla walla bing bang Boahng!!
	I like it better than all the other. I just like it.
	I don't know any Xaviers! *smiles*
	I think Alex is a good nickname.

The Decision?

Well, we decided on Xavier. We were really stuck between that and Alexander.

ORIGIN: Arabic
MEANING: Bright; splendid.

Even though Alexander sounds really cool, I decided on Xavier because I don't want to confuse him with the cat. 

This page was last updated on 12/05/03.