What's in a Name Exactly?

So, due to our book The Namesake  focusing on names, our class discussions have primarily been about names and their importance.  But what makes names important? I just have trouble believing that I would be any different of a person if my name was Steve.  Steve Russo (despite being even less Italian than myself) would probably still act, still use sarcasm, and still cry for twenty minutes after stubbing his toe in his spice garden.  Another point brought up was the traditional practice of the wife adopting the husband's last name after marriage and the significance of this.  I truly believe women can choose whatever they want (under the law) and so I do not necessarily care whether they accept the last name, but I do think it strengthens the connection between two people.  I feel that people in this book (and even in life) believe that names are something to live up to and that is their tragic downfall.  How could I live up to "being of the Lord?" I understand how I could never live like God and so I move on with my life.  Your name does not define you, it does not confine you, and it certainly does not design you (because that does not really make sense).