Ask Dr. D: Should a name (Taimur Ali Khan) decide a person's fate?

Dear Dr D

Why are our names so important? They are only a label, no more. Mine is apparently Taimur Ali. I am told (I cannot read yet) the first word means iron. Of course I cannot say the name at the moment and it’s a blessed day when I can get out words more complex than “mmmmbah”.

People say babies do nothing more than eat, poop and sleep. But here I am, being burdened with the meaning of my name. All right, so it also belonged to a man who caused offence with his actions. Should babies then be named only after people who did no wrong? All right, then. May I know who these perfect people are?

Also, what happens to the legacy of people who had the name before the offender was born? And what about two famous people carrying the same name, of whom only one is acceptably great and the other not (e.g. ‘Narendra’ -- also the name of Vivekananda)? Lastly, how about giving me some agency? How does the world know I will not achieve greatness (and, this is more important apparently, goodness) and redeem the name forever? So many questions, Doc. Let’s see some answers.

Taimur Ali

Dear Taimur Ali

You show remarkable control over the facts and subtlety of argument for someone your age. Of course, names are unimportant, but legacies are. You come from three storied families. In your blood, runs the legacy of Tagore, Pataudi and Kapoor. I wish people would see that part of your name also. You are clearly special and your name will not hold you back. Good luck to you Taimur Ali.

STATUTORY WARNING: This humour column is not for the weak-kneed or the thin-skinned.