What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is legally Maria.

Maria carries its own mythology: “star of the sea,” “bitter sea,” “wished‑for child.” Some trace it back even further, to meanings like “beloved.” None of those ever fit. I’ve never felt like the wished‑for child, and “beloved” isn’t something I’ve ever felt.

My mom wanted to name me Tina Marie, inspired by her favorite Perry Como song. That’s the name I go by.