Rocky and Axl's Mom

Why Rockefeller Jett and Axl Javier?

G and I always knew we wanted to give strong names to our kids. We didn’t have a laundry list of potential names, but we knew we wanted it to stand out. When we were asked what names we were going to give our kids,  I would answer “Just you wait. It’s nothing you would think of but would look nice if you wrote it out in cursive ;)”

Rockefeller “Rocky” Jett:

G and I have always had a penchant for all things New York City. Prior to married life, we would visit as often as we can, and no matter where we have travelled, our heart is always in NYC. We would live there if we could! You know, without “starting over” of course, in Gramercy Park or whatever. The vibe, the culture, the different neighbourhoods to wander, the simultaneous rush and calm. And no, contrary to what everyone was thinking, he was not conceived there haha. And also no to the fact he wasn’t named after Rocky Balboa, despite me training in boxing and Muay Thai for 4 years prior to having the boys. G and I were never really beach, countryside or suburb people. Rockefeller came from John D. Rockefeller, known for being an influential businessperson and philanthropist. Also, the best views of the city thus far is from the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center. Jett came to be because it was just one syllable after a long first name and sounded cool. Simple.

Axl Javier:

If you know me you know how much of an impact music is to me. I would have random playlists in different ranges playing in the background whenever and wherever. However, while pregnant, whenever a Guns N Roses track came on, I would feel the upper baby in my belly move. So obviously,  Axl was named after Axl Rose (we couldn’t name him “Guns” or “Slash”). I thought it was just a one time thing, but the belly movement to Patience or Paradise City or Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N Roses was continuous, so G said one of the babies have to be named Axl, regardless if a boy or girl.  To this day, I would sing the last verses of Patience to him and he would look at me with a twinkle in his eyes. Javier, because we wanted some Spanish flair to it, especially when G and I experienced visiting Barcelona and Valencia together. Also of course becauseit sounded cool together. That’s practically it.

People thought we named the boys in a way where they would be called by abbreviated names like RJ and AJ. Actually no, we didn’t intend for that to happen and prefer not to, unless they are older and and decide they want to be identified as RJ or AJ. But it’s Rocky and Axl right now.

I particularly wanted each of them to have 2 names. I remember learning about my grandfather (my dad’s dad – passed before I was born) that he made sure his children had 2 or more given names so that they are easily identifiable with a unique combination. I took that sentiment with me.

So, there you have it. If you can let me know if there are other Rocky Jett’s or Axl Javier’s in the world, drop me a message!

X-Joan