A poorly named child can be traumatized for their entire lives. A wrong name, like in the song by Johnny Cash, A Boy Named Sue can be dreadful. Sue was given the girl’s name to toughen him up by an absentee father.
Surely Sue would not have made that same choice if he was permitted to name himself. It has occurred to me more than once that a child should be given the chance to name him or herself. Sleeping babies named John might reinvent themselves later in life as Sid Vicious. It could happen.
When my son was born I was accosted by administrative type right when my wife was leaving the labor room. I had forgotten what we wanted to name him and I was in a fright. My wife was still on goofy juice. She thought that he would have to make his way through life nameless.
First time moms and dads have been known to hand a baby a name that defies logic. The googability of a name is a hot topic for some obsessive parents. Their feeling is that the search-ability of a name may become important in the years to come when job hunting.
A name should have dignity at the very least. Traditional names are safe. Something funky will always — or better said — eventually get you in trouble. Like Dweezil or Moon Unit, these are real people’s names I might add, and are siblings wouldn’t you know.
A good name should be easy and simple to say and spell. Our English language is often hard for some to learn because of the odd pronunciations and spellings. Use a S for a S sound and not a C. Parents have few opportunities to exert complete control but this is one.
Large families have an added factor. Giving your child one name over the another’s might upset Great Uncle Ling Ling. Don’t give in to the stresses others may cause you. Do it your way.
Honestly, just name the baby girl or boy something that you think works. It must work for you and work for the child too! Can you see yourself calling from the downstairs — Optimus Prime get down here and take the trash out. Ultimately it should be a name that helps you and your baby sleep all through the night.
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