Where did we get the name ‘Naaman?’

We always knew that when we had a baby boy, we would name him “Naaman.” Where the heck did we get this name that sounds made up and has an awful lot of ‘As’ in it??  When we chose this name, it was intentional because of its meaning, but we certainly underestimated what a conversation-starter it would be. We have heard at least four variations in pronunciation, and you would be surprised how many hospital staff have called him ‘Patrick’ which is his middle name, because they’re so sure that the first and middle names were swapped on his bracelet!

Naaman was a commander in the Syrian army, and his story is found in Second Kings of the Old Testament.  We chose this name because he was a respected man in God’s favor.  Also, Naaman learned to step out in faith from one simple act, and we hoped our little guy would be a man known for his faith, too. Read on: (Don’t have a bible? Read the full text here: Naaman)

2 Kings 5:1 (NIV)

Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

Long story short, the prophet Elisha tells him to go wash seven times in the Jordan River and he will be cured. Naaman, like most of us, at first thinks this is ridiculous and the cure should surely be more extravagant and showy. Thankfully, a servant talks some sense into him.

(v 14) So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

Naaman realizes a simple act of faith has cured his disease.

(v 15) …“Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel…”

While we certainly never wanted our Naaman to need to be cured of anything, we now see how fitting it was that God put it on our hearts to name him so. Get your prayer on, Team Naaman!