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.
My son was named very unceremoniously. My wife was carted out of the recovery room all lathered up. As she held our sleeping baby boy we were harassed by an administrative type asking me what we wanted to name our baby. I had forgotten what we wanted to name him and thought, erroneously that he would have to go through his life unnamed.
Some parents have gone crazy naming their children names so unique that they make no sense at all, except to them. They claim that the googleability of their child’s name may become VERY relevant when they being job hunting. Do ya think that this is a little obsessive? Dah!
Give it thought. Verify that the name will not turn people off or has some other connotations that will follow the infant. An odd name will surely cause many unforeseen problems for a young adult. A well known musician named is children Moon Unit and Dweezil. What fuss do you think that can cause?
A name should also be simple or simply put simple for people to say and spell. It is efficient if not practical to use a J for a soft J sound not a G. We often take jabs at the English language because of bizarre spellings - this time you get to choose. Choose Wisely.
If you have a large closely knit family naming your child will surely upset someone. Maybe Great Aunt Pooky was hoping before she died you would find it in your hearts to name your napping baby after her. Be sure to do what you want. Don’t cave to the pressures family can bring upon you.
In truth name your child something that fits - fits for you. Ask advice for anyone you care to but in the end it is what you think that matters. Do you really want to shout from the backyard window at dusk — Optimus Prime get in here and do your homework? In the end it is whatever helps your baby sleep through the night now isn’t it?
