How To Choose Baby Names
Posted: Monday, August 03, 2009
by Pam Johnson
So you're having a baby. And you need that perfect name that will let him stand out from the crowd, will proclaim to all and sundry that this is an important and person of special circumstances.
What shall it be, then, Mr. and Mrs Potter?' I warn you, if you decide to name your son Harry, expect to hear "Where's your wand, Potter?" or "Hogwarts toss you out again, Harry?"
Be smart. Take some time to think carefully. Say the name you're considering, not just once, but several times, so its not the first blush you're hearing but the true ring. The name you arrive at, first and last, should flow smoothly to the ear.
Another thing, the name you choose should most certainly not not not ever form a phrase that might come back to haunt you and more importantly that babbling bundle in your arms who is looking up at you so trustingly.
You ask why? Well, let me tell you, I know of a person who works as an operator in a call center. One day she answered a call from a client who said his name was Private Richard Parts. He went on to add that he preferred to be called Dick. That's right, gentle readers, this operator found herself talking to Dick Parts, or Private Dick.
This is what can happen when parents don't consider how the first and last name will sound together. Listen carefully to the sound of the name you are considering. Does it lend itself to being the butt of a cruel joke, because if there is even the smallest chance of it, someone is going to pounce on it and use it to torment your child as he steps out into the social world.
While your considering how your child's name will sound, also be aware of what his initials might spell out. Scott Allen Pollander might sound perfectly safe. S.A.P. Really want your child coming home in tears because the school bully has begun calling him sap?
So, you think, how about Honey? Flower? Spring? Very seventies, and very dangerous. That bully will have a field day with these. The same with Bambi, Muffy and the typical stereotype preppy names.
Okay, you think, how about something old fashioned and majestic sounding...Perhaps a family name like great great grandfather Delbert or great great aunt Mertile. Perfectly good names. Dignified. Antique.
You might be able to get away from dangerous ground by shortening these to Bert and Merri.
Popular and common names are usually the safest way to go when its all said and done. But not too common. No one wants to be the fifth Tony in the class. That's just too common for anyone to bear well. But not to fear, you can check a baby names book or website and very likely find a variation for a common name that sounds right and is just that bit to the side of ordinary. One example is my very own daughter, Valene, whose name was derived from Valerie.
Now, proud parents, go forth and choose your child's name armed with the knowledge of a few possible pitfalls. Just keep in mind if it all goes wrong and the name you decide on fails to please, you have your entire lifetime to make amends, and children do love unconditionally....Just not always their name.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Pam, this is a great write. Entertaining and full of good points. Thanks for sharing it with us.Thanks for reading...glad you enjoyed the write.
This article was deep, relevant and hilarious all at the same time. SO many parents do not consider what their kiddos will endure, do they?Nice job!
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