He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Due to the prominence of the name Immanuel, few of us, if any, pay attention to the meaning of the name Jesus. As a matter of fact, many might be surprised to learn that the name Jesus indeed has a meaning, just as the name Immanuel does. Jesus, the name that the child born to Mary and Joseph was to be given (cf. Luke 1:31, 2:21; Matthew 1:21), was “chosen” by God because of the responsibility that was lying ahead of him (“You must name him Jesus because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins”). While it can be pointed out that the name Jesus already had a meaning in the community in which the child was born (Jesus=Yeshua=God saves), when it was given to him, it took on a more nuanced meaning. It acquired a new meaning because it summed up what the life and ministry of Jesus would be.
Whereas the person of Jesus Christ as well as his mission (savior of the world) did not arise from the choice of his name, it is important to note that the name describes who he is. Jesus is the savior of the universe. It is through him that the sins of the world are purged and humanity given a second shot at eternity. Ever since the name Jesus was given to the Son of God, it ceased being just a name. For those who have come to believe in him, the name Jesus embodies the love of God towards creation.