1. How do you pronounce your name?
Like this.
2. Is Ammu your actual name or a nickname?
Ammu’s my nickname. My actual name is Paliath Ammalu Vivekananda, which is pronounced like this.
3. So is Paliath your real name?
No, Ammalu is my real name. Paliath is my mother’s family name. While most people come from patriarchial families, I’m proud to say that I come from a matriarchal family in which the female passes the family name and wealth down to the next in line. If you’re a member of the Paliam family, ‘Paliath’ (meaning “of Paliam”) always precedes your name. The Paliam family is the noble family that used to help rule the Indian Kingdom of Kochi.
Fun fact about Chendamangalam, the ancestral town of the Paliam family: It's the only place in the world where a Hindu temple, a Christian church, an Islamic mosque, and a Jewish synagogue are located within 1 km of each other. Seriously, the world could learn from the harmonious nature of the Kerala people.
4. Does this mean you are a noblewoman? Should I call you Lady Ammu?
Uh, no thanks. Just Ammu, please.
5. What does Ammalu mean?
Ammalu means "mother" and is one of the names of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. In Hindu culture, she is married to the God Vishnu, who is the preserver of the Universe. Here’s an excellent article about Goddess Lakshmi, along with the interesting story of how Lord Vishnu was cursed to reincarnate on Earth to experience human emotions like love, hatred, betrayal, and separation.
I also happen to be named after my great-great-grandmother Tharavath Ammalu Amma who was a prolific writer in the Malayalam language.
6. Ah, interesting. Ok, what does Vivekananda mean?
Vivekananda means “blissful with knowledge”.
7. Wow, your names really suit you!
I know, tell me about it!
8. Is Vivekananda your maiden name or married name?
Vivekananda was my married name and Kutty (which means “little child”) was my maiden name. I thought the name Vivekananda was a lot cooler than Kutty so I decided to keep it even though I’m no longer married.
Plus, I feel like having the name Vivekananda gives me some kind of connection to the great Swami Vivekananda. In case you're not familiar with him, Swami Vivekananda was a visionary leader from India who promoted self-realization, selfless service, and global unity. No, we're not related.
9. Phew, this is a lot to take in. Do you go by any other names?
Glad you asked. Sometimes people would call me Ammunition when I was little. Or Moozie. Once I was on customer support with an adorable Southern woman who couldn't pronounce Ammalu and so she called me Emma Lou instead. Feel free to call me any of those names (but only call me Emma Lou if you have a southern accent).
10. Do you have a bar name?
Indeed. Hi my name is Amanda, Amanda Cutty. How you doin'? (Just kidding, I don't drink anymore ;)
11. Do you have a Starbucks name?
For years, it was Amanda because I didn’t want people butchering my name, but now I’m proud to say it’s Ammu.
12. I think you have an unhealthy obsession with your name. I mean, a whole page dedicated to your freaking name. What’s up with that?
Hey hey, I just wanted to provide clarification. I do appreciate you taking the time to read all this. I really do.
13. Alright fine, anything else?
Yes! Please let me know all about YOU, what your name means, and how you came to this website by sending a message to [email protected].
14. Okay, I think I’ll do that! Bye!
Bye, and welcome to the HappierMom.com family!