Ever wondered why Christine McPherson in the film insists on calling herself Lady Bird instead of just sticking with her real name? She picks the name Lady Bird to carve out her own identity and set herself apart from her small-town surroundings.
It’s really her way of saying, “I get to decide who I am,” and it helps her push back against everyone else’s expectations.
When Christine chooses the name, she’s rebelling a little and searching for herself. Lady Bird isn’t just a cute nickname—it’s her way of showing she wants something different, maybe bigger, than what her hometown offers.
By picking her own name, she grabs the reins of her story. That’s no small thing.
If you look closer, you’ll see how this name ties into her dreams and her relationships. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about growing up and figuring herself out.
The Story Behind the Name ‘Lady Bird’
Lady Bird’s name pops because it’s more than a nickname. It marks a turning point, a moment when Christine decides who she wants to be.
That choice touches on some pretty big themes in the story.
Christine’s Choice: Self-Naming and Identity
Saoirse Ronan plays Christine, and she flat-out rejects the name her parents gave her. She calls herself Lady Bird, taking charge of her identity.
When a teacher asks, “Is Lady Bird your given name?” Christine answers, “It was given by myself to myself.” That line says a lot, doesn’t it?
By picking a new name, Christine breaks away from what everyone else expects. She’s not just accepting a label—she’s writing her own story.
That’s a big deal for her, and honestly, who can’t relate to wanting a fresh start?
Symbolism of ‘Lady Bird’ in the Film
The name Lady Bird carries real symbolic weight. Lady Bird beetles? They’re bright, hard to miss—just like Christine wants to be.
She uses the name to show how tangled her feelings are about home and freedom. By calling herself Lady Bird, she signals she’s ready to leave Sacramento, but she still can’t quite let go.
Greta Gerwig, who wrote and directed the film, didn’t choose the name because of Lady Bird Johnson. She pulled ideas from a Mother Goose rhyme and other places.
That touch of mystery gives Christine’s character even more depth.
Comparisons to Lady Bird Johnson
People sometimes wonder if Christine’s name connects to Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady. Lady Bird Johnson got her nickname from a nurse who thought she looked “as purty as a lady bird.”
Greta Gerwig says that wasn’t her inspiration, though.
Still, knowing about Lady Bird Johnson gives the name a bit of history. Names can carry a lot of power, and sometimes they pick up meaning from the past.
Even if the connection is accidental, it adds a little extra to Christine’s story.
Connection to Coming-of-Age Themes
Lady Bird is a classic coming-of-age movie, and the name fits right in. Naming herself is Christine’s first big move toward becoming her own person.
She challenges what people expect and claims her own space in the world. That’s what growing up is all about, isn’t it?
The name Lady Bird reminds you that identity isn’t handed down—it’s something you build. Everyone has to figure out who they are, bit by bit.
How ‘Lady Bird’ Reflects Christine’s Journey
Christine’s choice to go by Lady Bird ties right into how she feels about her hometown, her family, and the people around her. Her story is all about finding herself in a place that feels too small.
The Sacramento Setting and Desire for Escape
Christine, or Lady Bird, feels stuck in Sacramento. She can’t stand how ordinary and stifling it seems.
You can tell she’s itching to break out and do something bigger. Sacramento isn’t just a city to her—it’s everything she’s trying to get away from.
She applies to colleges out of state, especially in New York, hoping for a fresh start. Her conversations with her mom, played by Laurie Metcalf, make this super clear.
Christine wants to get far away from the Catholic high school and the tough, cramped home she knows.
Relationships and Family Dynamics
Lady Bird’s relationship with her mom shapes a huge part of her journey. They clash a lot, and you can feel the love and frustration on both sides.
Her family life gets messy, especially with money always being tight. That just makes her feel even more out of place.
It’s easy to see why she wants to break away, but at the same time, she can’t help but care about her family. That push and pull is what makes her story feel real.
Social Status, Friendships, and High School Life
At her Catholic high school, Lady Bird feels the pressure to fit in. At the same time, she really wants to stand out.
You watch her deal with friendships with characters like those played by Beanie Feldstein and Odeya Rush. These friendships show her craving for connection, but also how much she struggles with social status.
She comes across as strong-willed, though it’s clear she sometimes feels lost trying to figure out where she belongs. Greta Gerwig, in her directorial debut, captures the rollercoaster of senior year in a way that feels both honest and a little bit messy.
Timothée Chalamet and Lucas Hedges bring even more depth to the story. Their acting helps you get a better sense of Lady Bird’s complicated inner world.
