swandiving:

Here's the Friday Five - fun ones today!

1. Is the name you have now the same name that's on your birth certificate? If not, what's changed?
It's the same, no changes (yet).

2. If you could change your name (first, middle and/or last), what would it be?
For years and years I wanted to change my last name because it was so long and people could never freakin' spell it right. But I seem to have grown into my name, I like it a lot more these days.

3. Why were you named what you were? (Is there a story behind it? Who specifically was responsible for naming you?)
According to the legend, my parents had always loved the name Maria (I think they watched "West Side Story" too many times) and they decided to someday name their first girl Maria. My dad's older brother Bob had his fifth or sixth kid about two years before I was born - they named her Maria. My parents weren't pleased, but what could they do?! Can't have two Marias with the same last name so close in age. They decided that Carolyn and Paula were nice girl names instead. Then I was born, much to their surprise I wasn't a boy (that's another story altogether). They looked at me and decided that I was definitely a Maria, Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty be dammed. My cousin Maria and I went to the same grammar school for a few years, where lots of confusion and rivalry ensued.

4. Are there any names you really hate or love? What are they and why?
I love the names Sophia and Grace, not only because they're so pretty, but because they're attributes (wisdom and grace) that every mother wishes her child could have.

5. Is the analysis of your name at kabalarians.com accurate? How or how isn't it?
Here's what they say:

Your name of Maria gives you the desire to understand and to help others but, at the same time you can become too involved in their problems and, as a result, worry too much. You desire a home and family of your own and have the ability to create understanding and harmony in family association as you are pliable, forgiving, and tactful. You love children and would not hesitate to care for any children who might need you. Whenever possible, you avoid argument and turmoil because you prefer not to face an issue if it means hurting anyone's feelings. You shrink from sordidness and poverty because you feel very deeply for anyone in unfortunate circumstances. Though you recognize your responsibilities, you are inclined to put things off until you are forced to take action. If given the opportunity, you could develop musical and artistic abilities.

I think this is pretty much on the mark for me - except for the last bit about the musical/artistic abilities. I'm about as artistic as a tree stump.