An expectant dad has a lot of pressures and details to worry about. Getting the nursery ready, learning about which crib and car seats are the safest. Taking care of the mom-to-be’s cravings and whims. But nothing compares with the pressure of picking a name for your child. A name is a lifelong “gift” you give your kids, and if you get it wrong, it can have impacts for years to come.
A couple hundred years ago, choosing a name was much simpler. There were only a handful to choose from. Boys were John, William, or James. Girls were Mary, Margaret, or Sarah. Today, almost anything can pass as name, as celebrity babies Suri Cruise and Shiloh Pitt-Jolie will tell you.
You don’t want a name to be too common, so when the teacher calls their name in school five kids raise their hands. Luckily, the Social Security website publishes the 1000 most common names each year, so you can see how a name is trending in popularity. As an example, Abigail has been on the rise, moving from 500th place in the seventies to the 4th most popular name in 2005.
You also don’t want a name to be too unique. Unless you are a famous actor or singer, you’ll have to deal with the constant You named him what? and That’s not a real name! comments.
Don’t forget to test a name for the taunt factor, as in, will fifth graders be able to use it as a source of ridicule against your child. Richard is a prime example. Just ask Tricky Dick. Also, make sure it doesn’t rhyme with any body parts or bodily functions — e.g. Cooper (the pooper) and Dolores (remember the Seinfeld episode).
Thinking about a common name, but with an uncommon spelling? Think again. Just ask an Ashleigh, Madisyn, or Jayson how much they enjoy having everyone misspell their name.
It’s enough to make you crazy. Maybe they were right in the 1800s. Just stick to a few easy to spell, taunt proof names, so expectant dads can spend time worrying about important things – like which color to paint the baby’s room.
