Two Last Names

When his parents named him after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, Jefferson Davis became one of those people whose name was made up of two last names.Now imagine you’ve been given the chance to change your name for one day. The only rule is that your new name must be made up of two last names—the last names of two people you greatly admire.

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a quick discussion: “Have you ever heard of someone with two last names?”
• Briefly explain who Jefferson Davis was and how he was named after Thomas Jefferson.
• Introduce the idea: What if you could name yourself using the last names of two people you admire?

2. Think-Pair-Share (10 minutes)

• Ask students to think silently about people they admire (historical figures, authors, athletes, artists, family members, etc.).
• Have them share one of their choices with a partner and explain why they admire that person.

3. Writing Prompt (25–30 minutes)

• Students complete the “Two Last Names” writing activity:
• Paragraph 1: Describe who each of the two admired people are.
• Paragraph 2: Explain why they chose these two people and what it says about their values.

4. Sharing and Discussion (10–15 minutes)

• Invite volunteers to share their new name and one reason they chose it.
• Discuss how names can reflect personal identity and values.