William Reiss Briggs Biography

My birth certificate reads "William Reiss Briggs," a name assigned to me when I was a mere 22 inch, 6.9 pound infant who had no idea of the significance of what I was being called. I was not involved in the choosing of that name nor able to mutter even a syllable in attempt to pronounce it. It was only later on in my life that was told of the sentimental heritage in my name. William came from my grandfather and great-grandfather on my mother’s side, and Reiss was the family surname from which my father’s side originated, Although strongly defining in a historical sense, the names at first seemed to say nothing about my personality. That makes sense too. I mean how would my parents or anyone’s parents for that matter give their child a name that reflects their characteristics when they have no idea how their son or daughter will turn out. As a result, most children are named after family relatives. For myself however, I was given the opportunity at age sixteen to chose a name that fit who I was as a person and wasn’t solely reflective of my family tree.

I didn’t legally change my name, but instead was given the opportunity to add to it. Part of the process of being

Of course I could spin the meaning and have it sort of coincide with my personality, but it really doesn’t. I am one who thrives to help and serve people and to be seen as a leader in my community. As I looked for a name I focussed mainly on what the Saint had accomplished, and the one that stuck with me the most was Saint Daniel. He was an Egyptian martyr who lead a group of companions to aid and comfort fellow Christian mine workers who were condemned to hard labor. His actions were seen as treasonous, and he was convicted and