Paul refers to the crossing of the Red Sea as a baptism (1 Cor 10.1ff).  That same pattern is also seen in the crossing of the Jordan by Israel (Joshua 4, 5), which is also miraculous and accompanied by circumcision.  In fact, it is also seen in Deuteronomy 1.14, where the final passing of the last cursed older generation of Israelites is marked by the crossing of the brook Zered.

In Genesis 32 we have a river crossing in which the person gets a new name from God and undergoes a physical transformation–limping thereafter.  But the story also shows that Jacob is being born again.  In the womb he wrestled with his brother and would not let go, holding onto his heal.  Now at Penial he wrestles in the dark and refuses to let go.

This may explain why Jacob’s new name doesn’t prevent him from using his old one.  They are virtually the same name.  Jacob was named “heel-grabber” due to his tenacity in struggling with Esau.  And he is named “Struggler with God” because once again he won’t let go.