Elizabeth Clark’s name is pretty common.

Its backstory, on the other hand, isn’t. Her grandmother died when her father was 21. Her name was Beth.

“Beth wasn’t a nickname for Elizabeth,” Clark said. “My grandma hated that it wasn’t. So, she went by Elizabeth even though it wasn’t her given name.”

Clark told me about her grandmother’s young death and one of her father’s promises kept.

Beth’s mom was named Charity Elizabeth but only ever went by Lib and Elizabeth. Clark’s father decided to honor both his mother and grandmother by continuing their chosen name onto a third generation. Elizabeth isn’t the only familial tradition in Clark’s name. Her middle name is Leah.

“My sister and I both share names with our mom. Her name is Leah Nicole,” Clark said. “I was already going to be Elizabeth after my dad’s side, so we wanted to have a part of my maternal family too.”

Her middle name, Leah, is her mother’s first name because Clark is the oldest child. In the same pattern, Nicole is her younger sister’s middle name.

“I truly think my name is ingrained in who I am,” Clark said.

Clark has chosen to go by Elizabeth for many reasons. One being her great-grandmother’s tradition, and another being comfort. Clark only remembers trying out one real nickname: Lizzy.

“It didn’t stick,” Clark said. “I used to think it was so cool, but I’ve definitely lost my affinity for short nicknames.”

The one alternative name Clark goes by is “E.” This is the name that Clark, from a young age, would refer to herself as.

“It’s very personal to me,” Clark said. “Only my family and my best friend call me E.”

Clark plans to continue her family legacy by naming her future kids in the same way her parents did. Her name is family, her family is identity, and tradition is the way she chooses to express herself.