In "My Name" by Sandra Cisneros and "Names/Nombres" by Julia Alvarez, names are portrayed as important markers of identity and self-perception. In "My Name," the narrator expresses frustration with her name, which she feels is too common and lacks individuality. She feels that her name does not reflect her unique personality and wishes for a more distinctive name. Similarly, in "Names/Nombres," the narrator reflects on her dual identity as both American and Latino and the way that her name reflects this. She feels that her name, which is a combination of her American and Latino heritage, defines her and connects her to her culture.
Furthermore, the importance of names is also shown in the way people view others. In both stories, the narrators are judged by their names. The narrator of "My Name" is judged by her classmates and the narrator of "Names/Nombres" is judged by her American classmates. They are both seen as outsiders because of their names and their heritage.
In both stories, it is clear that names are important markers of identity and self-perception, and also the way people view others. They can shape how individuals see themselves, and how others perceive and interact with them. In both stories, the narrators are shown to be affected by the way their names are perceived, and they both express a desire to have a name that reflects their individuality and heritage.