Why did Alan Shepard name his Mercury spacecraft freedom 7 In fact how did ALL of the Mercury spacecraft acquire their names?

Alan Shepard named his Mercury spacecraft "Freedom 7" to symbolize the spirit of freedom and the seven Mercury astronauts who were part of the program. Each Mercury spacecraft was given a unique name, often reflecting themes of exploration, American ideals, or personal significance to the astronaut. The naming process involved the astronauts themselves, who contributed ideas and worked with the public relations team to select names that resonated with the mission's purpose and their own identities.