Caw-Tep… Soaring Eagle!

When the name JONNY popped up on my Uber app, I thought it was just another creative spelling. But soon I would discover there was much more to the story.

“Actually,” he said with a grin, “my real name is Jonathan.”

That would have been interesting enough—but then he shared something even more surprising.

“My actual name… the name on my birth certificate is CAW–TEP.”

And that’s when I realized he was definitely a candidate for the Ubernamez website!

Caw–Tep was born into the Hoopa Navajo community in Eureka, California. His name means Soaring Eagle, a powerful name filled with hope and strength. But his early life was not easy. His biological father passed away when he was very young, and his biological mother struggled with addiction. Because of this, Caw–Tep was separated from his siblings, miraculously adopted at the age of three by a loving couple and given a new name—Jonathan.

At an early age Jonathan developed both a passion and a skill set for the game of golf. His adoptive parents committed to homeschool him so he could not only receive a scholastic education but also spend hours practicing the game he loved. While other kids were sitting in classrooms, he was learning patience on the course—how to stay calm after a bad shot and focused on the next one. Golf taught him discipline, confidence, and belief in himself.

That hard work paid off. Jonathan earned a college golf scholarship that brought him all the way across the country to Southwest Florida. Here, he played golf for Florida Gulfcoast University and earned his bachelor’s degree.

It’s interesting to note that his FGCU college mascot just happens to be an eagle!

Today, Jonathan works as a golf professional at San Carlos County Club teaching others the same game that helped shape his life. He loves helping beginners take their first swing and watching students improve. When he’s not on the course, he’s often out on the water. He holds a captain’s license, enjoys boating, and loves fishing.

Jonathan’s life hasn’t been without loss. His adoptive mother, who played a major role in raising him, passed away from melanoma while he was just 19 years old. Losing her was heartbreaking. But Jonathan leaned into something he had learned over the years: perspective matters. He believes that even in the middle of pain, good things can grow—if you’re willing to do the work and keep a positive attitude. Self-worth doesn’t appear overnight. It’s built slowly, through effort, honesty, and perseverance.

Now engaged and hoping to start a family of his own, Jonathan looks ahead with optimism. His Navajo name, Caw–Tep—Soaring Eagle, feels more fitting than ever. Like an eagle, he has risen above early storms, learned to ride the winds of change, and discovered that where you begin does not limit how high you can fly.

And sometimes, all it takes is a name on a screen—and a conversation—to discover a story worth remembering. 🦅 Please welcome Caw-Tep, AKA Jonny or Jonathan, to the Ubernamez family!