Violet Virginia Mills Barker
Born January 22, 2021 at 4:15am
8 lbs 6oz, 21.5 inches
As storytellers and Christians, we believe that an individual’s name is often mysteriously tied with a person’s deeper essence as an individual. With this in mind, we’d love to share with you the meaning behind our beautiful daughter’s name.
VIOLET
Caroline was first drawn to the name Violet while reading Gertrude Chandler Warner’s The Boxcar Children as a child. When we discovered Caroline was pregnant in May 2020, the name quickly ascended the ranks as the name to beat. Pitching each other potential names, I would look up the root meaning for those names and three things stood out about Violet:
Royalty - The color violet is most closely related to the color purple. Though the color of gold is often associated with ‘royalty’ and ‘greatness’ throughout the centuries, purple garments go hand-in-hand with queens and kings, empresses and emperors, with one notable difference from the color gold - it’s lack of pomp. It is self-assured and dignified, without the need for pageantry. Violet also signifies trustworthiness, a virtue we both highly value.
King of Kings - Displayed during Advent and Easter, the color violet represents Jesus of Nazareth, our Good Shepherd, who deeply loves the world and all those in it. We hope for Violet to one day know the love of Jesus and the life-giving miracle of his words (we recommend reading the Book of John in particular for full context).
Creation - Violets are beautiful flowers! Distinct with scalloped heart-shaped leaves, seeing a violet in bloom in a garden or in the woodlands brings joy and hope. Caroline and I see the natural environment around us as a gift to be looked after well, for the sake of our child’s well-being, but also for the generations following her. We wish for our child to have that kind of connection to the natural world.
VIRGINIA
Caroline and I were born and raised in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and our home state was the initial common ground we shared when we first met in Los Angeles. The state has an extensive history closely tied with the founding of our nation and, although complex, we appreciate its rich history and natural beauty. We have lived in California, New York, and, now, North Carolina, but we will always carry Virginia with us.
MILLS
Caroline’s maiden name - I am particularly fond of double middle names, and extending Mills another generation is not only a connection she shares with her mother, but a tie to Violet’s broader family tree.
BARKER
Though this name is not a particular surprise, my family’s name means more to me the older I get. Our history is broad, our experiences are wide, and we can’t wait to see how Violet’s life will add to our family’s legacy.
Our deep love and affection goes out to all of you at this time. We may be apart, but we feel your care for us three. We can’t wait for you to one day meet our little Violet!
With Love,
Alex and Caroline Barker
Raleigh, North Carolina
January 26, 2021