Friday, January 07, 2005
Baby Naming Conventions
Over at Thinklings, a post discussing how to come up with a child’s name, seeking input. I commented so extensively I surprised even myself. My comment is reproduced below. Pop on over and leave any suggestions you may have.
1 - Is there an ancestral name you’d like to honor or use because it’s a good one (Sadie, on both sides)
2 - Is it too popular currently (Sarah ditched in favor of Sadie)
3 - Does it flow with the surname and is it likely to be okay with a wide variety of married surnames, if a girl, though that is of secondary importance.
4 - Can it be used for teasing *excessively* easily. Can’t totally eliminate the possibility, but why encourage childhood misery.
5 - As you noted, does it sound acceptable at all stages of life.
6 - Consider the name’s meaning.
7 - As well as too common, is it too weird without bringing traits enough that make up for the weirdness.
8 - Is it too ethnic in a way that might have negative weight.
9 - Perhaps part of 3, is there a good syllable balance, or does the name sound and flow okay in context even if syllable count rules are violated.
10 - Do you *really* want to saddle the kid with a Jr or “the turd” designation, or create the confusion inherent in naming a kid the same as a parent, or possibly the same as another close, living relative.
11 - Are you naming the kid one thing and fully intending to call the kid something else, and if so, why; why not use the name you plan to actually use, or why not use the name you plan to give.