Every once in a awhile one sees an announcement about some socialite or actress, and her name is listed using the word 'nee,' such as Mrs. Helen Jones, nee Smith. This is a common way of identifying her by both her married name and her maiden name. Sometimes this is done by using a double name, such as Mrs. Helen Smith Jones. Also, there are cases where a married woman will assume a combined name, such as Helen Smith-Jones. This use of 'nee,' double names, and combined names makes it possible for former friends to identify her as someone they knew before she was married. The custom of name-changing at marriage is an ancient one, and actually dates back to the beginning with the marriage of our original parents, Adam and Eve. When Adam and Eve were married, Eve's name was changed to Adam. "He called their name Adam, in the day they were created" (Gen. 5:2, KJV). Thus she became Mrs. Eve Adam or Mrs. Adam, nee Eve.
The word 'nee' comes from the French word ne, the past participle of naitre, which is derived from the Latin nasci, meaning 'to be born.' Since the maiden name of a married woman is the one given to her at birth, it is preceded by the word 'nee', meaning 'born as.' Names in the Bible had meaning as do many names today, and sometimes names were changed to denote a new relationship with God. God chose Abram to be the progenitor of His chosen people, and the story in Genesis relates how God called him to leave his homeland and journey to a strange land. Abram became known as the 'father of the faithful' because he believed and trusted God. It wasn't until Abram was ninety-eight years old that God decided to change his name to Abraham, meaning 'father of many nations' (Gen. 17:5). Abraham's wife, Sarai, had her name changed to Sarah, meaning 'mother of nations' (Gen. 17:15,16). Jacob, who was a deceiver and a cheat, swindled his brother Esau out of his birthright and patriarchal blessing. But because he repented and wrestled with God, his name was changed to Israel, meaning 'you have struggled with God and prevailed' (Gen. 32:28).
Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to inherit the kingdom of heaven he must be born again. The reason this is necessary is because we all are born with a sinful nature which is in rebellion against God. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer, we are born spiritually into God's family as brothers and sisters of Christ. At that time we receive a new name that is unique, which will be revealed to us in heaven. In fact, that name will be engraved on a precious stone which we will carry with us for ID wherever we go (Rev. 2:17). It will be our passport to other worlds as we take excursions through the universe. In the meantime, we have been "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Rom. 12:2), and have become saints in the eyes of God. Ergo, one could say that we each could be called, "Saint, nee Rebel."
