Thursday, April 08, 2010

What’s in a name?

Now that we know the gender of the thing growing inside of me, and I’m over halfway done with this pregnancy, I have felt increasing pressure to come up with a name. I’ve always made fun of the couples at work who have no name for their new baby. I mean, you’ve had 9 months to think about it…what’s the deal? Now I’m scared I’m going to become one of them!

When we were choosing names for Summer, we had narrowed down the list to 3, but secretly Summer was always my favorite. You would think we would have 2 remaining from which to choose, but I’ve started to fall out of love with them. And no, I won’t tell you what they are. Derrick’s family are notorious name stealers and as a result we don’t tell ANYONE the name beforehand. Plus, I don’t really care what you think about it or that you hate it or you know a really ugly girl with that name or whatever.

But picking a name is a big deal. I feel like a name can totally shape a person. Pick the wrong name and your kid is doomed to be picked last for dodge ball. It’s a lot of stress to put on parents!

I’m not really one for super traditional names, but I’m not into super trendy ones either. The last thing I want is for my kid to be one of 8 “insert popular name here” in her class as she grows up. That’s what I liked about Summer—it wasn’t unheard of, but I personally didn’t know any baby Summers at the time. And she won’t have to grow up telling everyone how to spell it.

Now, this may come as a shock to you, but I will not be picking on any names in this here post. I know, so uncharacteristic of me! Children’s names are very dear to the parent, and while my heart may be shades of black at times, I don’t want to offend anyone and their own very personal choice. I will suffice it to say that there exists a certain letter combination that I despise. It makes my skin crawl. I have no idea why. But it does eliminate some names from our possible choices. No, I won’t tell you what is it, I don’t care how much you beg. And I won’t even tell you if you’re right if you guess, but you can try. Because I know plenty of people with this combo in their name, their spouse’s name, and in their kid’s name. And if I told you, well then there would just be awkwardness between us, now wouldn’t there? And while this letter combo creeps me out, I really don’t think about it every time I see someone I know with it in their name, I just would never name my own kid a name with it.

So, now we have to start thinking of names. Perhaps I should do a little genealogy and see what turns up. And no, we will not be naming her Winter, or Autumn, or Spring. We are done with seasons. If only I could tell you how many times we’ve heard that, and how many times it’s not funny.

If we just numbered them it would be so much easier…

14 comments:

Bushchicken said...

So what you're saying is that you don't want to be mysterious but you can't tell us and you can't tell us why...

What's the point of this post?

E.F.G. said...

i hope that combination isn't "st" or "ella." i dislike ella, and am banning it from our nickname list. i always rolled my eyes on people who weren't ready with a name. sure, i'll give you 24 hours to look at the new little person. and then we took 48 hours...

for what it's worth, i like summer and am sure you and Derrick will pick another winner.

was scotia in the running?

Emmy said...

Okay I am so so curious now.. but I won't ask.
We are having the same trouble with number 3, it is hard! And I am totally with you about the type of name. When we named Lucas that, he was like 86th in popularity, I think it is up to 16 now and it makes me mad. Oh well :)

Melissa said...

Well all right then!

Sara and Brian said...

I feel the same way as bushchicken. why the crap did you even post this?

Yours, Mine, &, Crazy Daisy said...

Are you giving us a clue with the "number comment at the end of your post? Reminds me of Six from Blossom! :)

I am one of those that's made the season comment...though not original, it's kind of funny. :)

I like your idea of looking into genealogy for names. Maybe you'll find something that you love!

wackywilsons said...

Please tell me how to get a baby girl! What if you named your girl after a month or a color? I think that'd be a cute idea...or not...

How come your belly is still so small..those Easter pics were adorable. I am just jealous with how fab you look...

Lara said...

I've always been partial to "Sara," and "Fiona." But I've never had any more girls. SADLY.

Courtney said...

I am very surprised that when you named "Summer" you did not see that you would be receiving A LOT of the Autumn, Winter, Spring naming jokes for every subsequent child. I'm sure you had to see that coming but that all comes with the price of a name. So hard to find a name these days that are not tied to anything else.

Abraham + Marci said...

I think it is great to look at family names. My Great Aunt was named Ruby and I am really liking that one lately. I love older names. Good luck!

Lee Anne said...

Those look fabulous! I think I've seen them in Pottery Barn!! I love the cushions but I can't figure out how you did them from your description. I'll have to check out the oil cloth on Etsy.

Lee Anne said...

Woops, clicked on the wrong blog post, duh. That last comment was supposed to be on the before and after post!!

Cynthia said...

How about "Lane". That goes with Summer quite well.

Jessica said...

I think picking a name would be very hard...I hated being the 3rd or sometimes 4th Jessica in my classes growing up...I wanted to change my names so many times and tried to get people to call me Kelly or Brooke...it never stuck, people would continue to call me Jessica...boring.