The Story behind the name: Dorian Charles Gustaveson

Hi, this is Brett taking over.

We call our kids lots of nicknames--Wil, Maisita, Ace, Doodle, etc.  Nicknames come and go, and they are fun, but the true names we have given our children are meaningful.  We think deeply, debate, ponder, and ultimately decide together what we will name our children.  We want our children to see their names as important parts of their identity. We teach them about their names and hold them accountable for honoring the names of those who carried their name first.  

We named our little "Doodle" Dorian Charles Gustaveson.  Here is what we will teach him about his name:

I have an uncle named Dorian Gustaveson.  He is a good man who I have always admired.  He has lived a very interesting and adventurous life as a contractor and union boss, and is an avid hunter and fisher.  He has lived most of his life in Idaho, after growing up in Utah and living a few years in Hawaii.

Uncle Dorian is an expert at all things having to do with flooring.  He is a master tile layer and has been called upon by my parents and others repeatedly when they have desired an intricate or difficult tiling job at the house.  He has always generously given of his time to help my parents with their projects, only asking for a little fishing time in return.

Some of my earliest extended family memories involve Uncle Dorian, or "Big Guy," as I used to call him, tickling my with his very ticklish beard.  Whenever Uncle Dorian is around there is always laughter and liveliness.  We hope our little Dorian can light up a room and light others' lives just like his namesake.

Uncle Dorian with his latest fishy victim


The middle name Charles is in honor of my maternal grandfather, Charles Dibble.  He was another great man who accomplished great things.  Does your grandfather have his own wikipedia reference? Mine does.

As a Spanish teacher, I really appreciate the coolness of my Grandpa being a translator of ancient languages.  What a brilliant man and what a great contribution to society.  He left a legacy that will last forever.

I wasn't able to really get to know my grandfather intimately while he was alive, but I do remember that he was a reserved, scholarly man.  I enjoyed speaking a little Spanish with him after I got back from my mission.

In addition to his great academic and professional accomplishments, Grandpa Dibble was a great organist.  He also had a large fruit orchard on his property.  I wish I would have gotten to know him better.

My grandfather Charles Dibble

We hope Dorian Charles can honor the names of these two great men!