MOMania

By JSP

February 14, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Someone actually named their male child Princess? Why would you do that?

By Todd

February 14, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Well, sad thing is many of the parents are so stupid they don’t even know they are misspelling their kids’ names.

I do not stereotype any of my students based on the retard names their parents gave them—it is not their fault. I do stereotype their parents though (whom I usually never even meet—more likely the grandparents, step-parents, some aunt or uncle, or mommy’s current two-month boyfriend).

By One

February 14, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

I saw that too JSP, I’m still in shock!!

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Some of these names are absolutely ridiculous. These parents were obviously NOT taking their kid’s future into consideration. Hopefully they have decent middle or nicknames.

By ss

February 14, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

I’m sure he was “adopted”

By Jeff

February 14, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I perused that DB when I first saw it a week or two ago, and there are certainly some… interesting… names in there!

Honestly, for the more interesting names - Prince (blank), etc - I would like to see ethnicity of the parents, just to see if the avaiable data confirms or rejects what I’ve personally witnessed.

What I’ve personally witnessed is this:

If a kid is named Prince so-an-so or Biship whatever or some name that you can’t pronounce, the parent is typically black.

If the kid has a weird name and the name is something like Apple or Toyota, the parent is typically white.

Don’t flame me, those are based on personal observations, not stereotypes.

By One

February 14, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Someone named there son Carol! Pretty name, but for a guy?

This all reminds me of the story a while back about the Japanese people that wanted to be able to name their kids “dotcom”, or somwthing weird like that. Americans aren’t the only ones……..

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Tin? Silver? Teryaki? Chianti? Lord…these poor kids. What grown up peers would take them seriously? We recently picked up Mr Jesse at the airport and some lady was running after her son. She was yelling “Moofasa, get back here!” My oldest daughter looked at me and asked “Wasn’t that the name of the lion in The Lion King?” I had to go to the bathroom so I could laugh in private. Moofasa? Seriously?

By FCM

February 14, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

@ One—-Leslie and Ashley are acceptable names for guy….Ryan and Blake can be acceptable for a girl…so who knows.

I think that if you can say “Dr. or Hon.” and not sound like the butt of a joke then you hit a match.

Now, spelling of names can be another story….I spend so much of my time telling people how to spell my name, or childs ….

By Sensible black lady

February 14, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

I can’t get over some of the ridiculously outlandish baby names popping up in the African-American community..Lataquandaneeshanyettaniqua?!?!Puh-leeeeze! Give me a break! Some idiot gets the idea (probably from someone at her welfare office or one of her dozen “baby daddies”) that such a name is African. Uh, no it isn’t. ‘Ngwumbe’, for example, is African. These teen moms “think” (?!!?) that the more syllables a name has, the classier it is…quite the contrary; it just sounds cheap, low-class & ghetto. Kids with those names are almost pre-destined to become welfare-mooching tramps just like their mothers. Less is more, people!!

By EvilWickedMean&Nasty

February 14, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what you all see so horrible with this - it’s only the flip side of people giving their pets names like Kelly, Pete, Bonnie & Clyde, etc.

By One

February 14, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Sensible, I’d have to say by your rant that you don’t sound quite so…….

Anywho, FCM, my daughter had a teacher named Jan. I’ve since met maybe one other male Jan. Never a male Carol. Interesting, though! And yes, spelling is a whole ‘nother story!

By Boy Named Sue

February 14, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

What’s worse?

Naming your child after after objects?

OR

Naming your child a cutesy name like Caden or Skyler or a weird spelling such as Kodee, Patryk, or the 15 billion variations of Kaitlyn?

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

I grew up with a girl that was named Edna. I imagine it was as horrible for her as being named Laqueetha would be for someone else. She hated it so badly that in 9th grade she made everyone call her Ande…Edna reversed. People have hundreds of thousands of options without going the Brittany or Jason route.

By violasmom

February 14, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Ok, as you can tell from my screen name, my daughter has an “old fashioned” name…she’s always been the only one in her class, or for that matter in any crowd of children. We have however met several Viola’s over the years, of varying ages. We did however, give her a more traditional/modern middle name so that when she got older she could choose to use that rather than the old fashioned “Viola”. My name is a varient spelling of a fairly common name, it actually is the correct female spelling of the name, whereas the the more common spelling is the correct spelling of the male form. But I’m forever saying “with an “e”“.

By Theresa

February 14, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I love Viola — and Evelyn is lovely too — A lot of my favorite names have come back into fashion — I like the old fashion names — I waned to name our first daugher Sophia Rose — Michael was like you’re naming her after two Golden Girls — Turns out Sophia has been really in so I’m glad we didn’t use it for that reason — It’s a beautiful name I just grew up when there were three jennifers in every class — I hated that for them.

By Sassy

February 14, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

OK, I have to tell a short story. A friend of mine worked in maternity at Grady Memorial some years back. She was responsible for final paperwork when mommies left the hospital after having their child(ren). After asking the child’s name, she would ask the spelling.

One particular day she heard the mom say, “His name is ‘sha theed’. It was spelled Shi …. thead (without the ….).

Take a moment to take that in.

My friend tried (and unsuccessfully) to at least have the spelling changed for this poor child, but Mom was adament!

All in a day’s work!!!! LOL

By RJ

February 14, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Attention! Attention! This is no joke! A teacher told me the other day about the strangest name she’d ever encountered for a child - Abcde. Pronounced - Ab-se-duh! How absurd!

By RICK

February 14, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

How do the blacks fill out an application when boxes are used. Do you put an apostrophe in one of the boxes? When you are asked to spell your name do you use the apostrophe? Friggin stupid

By The Truth

February 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Ignorance rules the day. People should have to pass a test to have children and vote. So many uneducated people out there. These are probably the same people we now blame for the housing market.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

No way! That has to be an urban tale…much like FeMale’

By workingmom

February 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Many of today’s female names - Ashley, Carol, Leslie, Shirley - started out as male names. (Think Carol O’Connor (All in the Family) or Ashley Wilkes (Gone with the Wind.) Then parents started giving their girls boys’ names because they wanted to give them a strong name. Over time, these names became merely girls’ names because parents did not want to give their boys’ feminine or weak names. This will eventually happen to today’s gender neutral names - in the future they will be strickly female!

By RJ

February 14, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Rick I don’t fill out applications, I forward my resume! Seems that you’re the stupid one! It’s almost time for lunch, so I’ll drive by soon so you can take my order!

By Dan

February 14, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Stupid adults rarely have smart kids. So I think its just fine, it serves as a warning to the world.
Very Darwinian

By srchancey

February 14, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

By RICK

February 14, 2008 9:56 AM
How do the blacks fill out an application when boxes are used. Do you put an apostrophe in one of the boxes? When you are asked to spell your name do you use the apostrophe? Friggin stupid

RICK, the only thing that is “friggin stupid” is your argument. There are plenty of people with apostrophes in their last names (e.g. O’Conner, O’Reilly, O’Neill). I am sure they all manage to complete applications…

By Lisa

February 14, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Sassy, My mom-in-law taught an unfortunate 5th grader with that very name a few years ago. She felt terrible for him!

By Aurora

February 14, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

My daughter has a traditional name, but the spelling is different…..

Her name is Kristyne. It took me awhile to come up with that spelling. I wanted her to be called Kristy, so I just added the “ne” after, and there you go. I think it’s beautiful, but we constantly have to spell it out. I’ve seen Khrystyne, Krystyne and Krystine. I like our way the best.

That, and we can never find anything with her name on it. Once in a blue moon we will find a “Kristy” keyring or something…..and when we do, we buy it…..

By DB

February 14, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Two funny name stories:

My mom, a teacher, on the first day of school a long time ago, called roll. When she finished, she said, “Is there anyone’s name I didn’t call?” One boy raised his hand. “What’s you name?” “Gooey”. “Gooey?” “Yes, m’am” She looked at her list. The only one that hadn’t responded to the roll was a boy named “Guy” The child insisted his name was pronounced “Gooey” My mom called his mom that night, the “I’m the teacher, I just wanted to introduce myself … and say how happy I was to have your son in my class … he has an unusual name …?” The mother responds cheerfully, “Oh, yes, Gooey! I read it in a book and just loved it …” That was 40 years ago, and my mother still shakes her head.

Second story: Mom-in-law worked as a pink lady in the maternity ward at a hospital. Whenever an unwed teenage mom would ask her, “How do you spell ‘Latisha Tameka’?”, she would carefully respond by spelling out “S-U-S-A-N”. Some of ‘em actually fell for it.

I don’t know why people feel the need to be overly-creative with their kids names. Who wants to go through life spelling their name every single freakin’ time they have to give it to someone?!

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

I’m afraid some of these kids will end up fullfilling the prophecies of their monikers. What goes through the brains of these parents? There is no way Moofasa will be taken seriously in life. Most especially in whatever career he chooses. Unless he becomes a professional wrestler….then he’s set.

By Sassy

February 14, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

…and isn’t it strange, or in my case it is, how people have to complicate spellings when the name is quite simple.

For example, I am named after my mom’s two best friends at the time of my birth…Robin & Lee. (Both amazing women).

I have found when giving my name to others they like write my name using a ‘Y’ in Robin, or the ‘eigh’ for Lee.

I’m just plain and simple and like it that way. Life is complicated enough, don’t mess with my name.

By Hellbent

February 14, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I once saw a couple on TV about 25 years ago. The were married and their names were, I swear to god, Adonicus & Fashionette. I can’t even begin to think what their parents were thinking or what they may have named their own children. Yes, they were black.

By Hellbent

February 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Oh, and here’s a few more that defy logic…Plaxico & Beyonce

By One

February 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

workingmom, that may be true, but Carroll O’Connor was his name, not Carol, which happens to be my name! And all male Jan’s I know are just that Jan.

By Becky

February 14, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Having an older sister name Shelma always made me like my name more.I agree with most of the comments, that a lot of parents don’t think toward the future when they name their children..I have a nephew that has 3 girls & they have stripper names (IMO)..Aryan Sky, Danyelle Star..So please think before you name your baby..

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Good God! There’s a Wachovia on the list! WTF????? I’m still fumbling with Lawyer Malloy…stupid.

By JJ

February 14, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I have a cat named Cinnamon….

By Plainly Spoken

February 14, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Do you really think an applicant for an executive position, named “Shantaquetha,” is going to get serious consideration? No way — that resume gets filed straight to the trash can. Sure, it may not be fair, but that’s how it works in 99% of companies out there. Do parents (well, there’s typically only a mother involved, I suppose) not consider this when naming a child? Or, do they just figure it’s just as easy to apply for welfare regardless of your name, thereby burdening the child with low expectations from birth?

By SouthFultonMom

February 14, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Let me chime in on this one…I have had the pleasure of teaching kids with quite unusual names. Wachovious (boy), I-Messiah (boy), Tolightacandle(girl, and yes, it’s all the words rolled into one!), Omunique (translation- I’m unique), Mylove, Lovie, Princess-Kym, Courvoisier (just like the liquor), and last but not least, Lefty!

By tal

February 14, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what some people were thinking giving a baby name like BUTTERFLY. Its a nice name , but I cant think about calling “BUTTERFLY came to dinner”

By jct

February 14, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Wow, it is amazing to read so many culturally insensitve remarks about certain names.

Jesse’s girl especially. Mustafa is a very common name in certain cultures/regions of the world. I know two Mustafa’s - one is a respected attorney and the other is a VP in a well known Fortune 100 organization.

Names such as Mohinder, Parminder, Sum, Imani, Consuela, Jose, Harrish, etc. are real. Not misspelled or some crazy made up name.

With the browning of this country these time honored cultural names will be more accepted and not hurt your career.

However, silly made up names like ‘Abcde’ do the child no favors. Also, naming your child after a possession like Coca-Cola is also silly. To me there is a big difference in having a culturally relevant name and something that you thought was cute.

By nurse&mother

February 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I too have heard of the nightmare names coming from Grady patients. When I did my OB nursing clinicals at Grady, I had heard about some illiterate patients naming their children syphilis and gonorrhea. They saw the word written somewhere in the hospital, but couldn’t pronounce it, but thought it looked good.

By One

February 14, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

jct, well said!! Sounds to me like the real idiots are the ones furthuring the stereotypes. No, I don’t agree with a lot of these names, but I don’t “judge” because of them either. Igonorance is in abundance today, I see!!!!

By Jennifer

February 14, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I saw this and my kids and I had lots of fun looking at the names. I named my son Hunter after I met an older gentleman whose name was Hunter Woods. I thought it was very masculine sounding and not too unusual. At the time I did not know any other children named Hunter. After he was born I had a nurse ask me if it was a boy or girl. I did not realize there was an actress named Hunter Tylo - who knew?? I still like the name and it definately suites my son, but it has become more popular. My daughters have very traditional names.

By Jess

February 14, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

I saw this name report a few weeks ago when it was listed on the main webpage. I do agree that some of the names are quite ridiculous.

I like older fashioned myself and I do think they are making a comeback. My name is Jessica and there were always a ton of them around when I was growing up. My mom insists that she didn’t know any other Jessica’s when I was born. I do personally like my name, just not that it is so popular.

When I have children I think I will lean towards nice traditional names that aren’t as common. Although it is always hard to tell what will happen in the years after a child is born. I am not a fan of Kaitlin, Kylie, Tyler, and such because they sound childish…meaning that they are cute for a little kid but not as suitable for an adult.

By Political Foreskin

February 14, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I always hated my name. It’s a girl’s name and I’m a guy. It’s also not a cool name. I wanted a cool name. I tried to mend the problem at my confirmation. I chose “Philip”. I like Philip. It was cool. But nobody called me by my confirmation name. The whole confirmation name thing was a scam.

I now would like to change my entire name to Phil Dolan. Phil Dolan is the coolest name I’ve ever heard of.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

You read incorrectly. The name we overheard was “MOOFASA”…as in The Lion King. Not Mustafa, which is a common Turkish name.

By adjoasmom

February 14, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Can you say Condoleeza and Barack?…Come on people! The days of prejudging someone based on their name should be over. I’ll admit that when I began teaching I was annoyed with and tended to prejudge the “ghetto” sounding names (I called them the Sha-Shas and the La-Las). But once I got to know them I found that a name is just that, a name. I’ve met smart Laquishas and not so smart Beckys. Then it really hit home when I married a man from west Africa. All my children have “different” sounding names. It doesn’t make them any different. Or maybe it does…..

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

@One…you may not judge a person because of the unfortunate moniker their parent saddled them with. But rest assured…the coorporate world will. I am of the mindset that no matter where one’s roots begin, they have the ability to make the most of their lives…college, career of choice, what have you. How sad would it be for someone with untapped potential to be looked upon with raised eyebrows because of a name like Wachovia, Chaquita, Laqueetha, Champagne or even yes….Moofasa? It isn’t fair or right…but it is the way of the world. One could make the Barack Obama argument. But his intelligence and personal drive far outshine his unconventional name. The average child will not be like that. So why burden him with such a silly name?

By Bailey

February 14, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I know of a lady who’s son is named LordSerious.

By RICK

February 14, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

RJ Doesn’t have to be a job app. Just for the simpleton in you say you want a credit card. Tell me if I’m wrong but you do have to fill out a form or do you not even have a card. That is probably why you are going to the drive thru. SRCHANCEY, First, there is no argument. 2nd, I would still like to know how J’lacretia would spell his/her name. Would he/she pronounce the apostrophe and if not why have it in the name? Friggin stupid

By momtomax&alex

February 14, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

I have actual PROOF that a name can loose you a job.

When I was working in a big corporate business in the Finance department, we needed to fill a vacancy. The manager was very cool and secure and he let us look through the resumes with him. I had this one on my hand: the girl was perfect. She had the education, she had the experience. she sounded great. I passed it to the manager, he glanced it and tossed it aside.

I said: “You don’t like it? It sounds great!

He said: “I don’t know, but I am not hiring someone named Laquisha”

By Jason

February 14, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Nevermind the baby mamas on welfare. I have a problem with the PC helicopter parents who give their kids ridiculous names like Spencer and Cameron and Colby. They’re always huge pains in the a* to be around. These are the weaklings on your son’s soccer team who fall to the ground hyperventilating when someone bumps into them, the brats who hold up the line at Baskin-Robbins because they keep changing their damn order. They should all be banished to some island where everything is NERF and no one can hear their incessant whining.

By RetiredTeacher

February 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Two of my favorites from my teaching days were Dominatrix and Guitarist. The first was a girl and the second a boy. And no, she was CALLED Dominatrix and not a shortened form of it.

By Teacher, Too

February 14, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I have had some very strange students’ names. Sometimes, I don’t think parents really think through a baby’s name and how it will affect him/her in the future.

I had a student named Safari. He was (is, I’m sure) a very bright student. In a writing assignment, he wrote about how much his name meant to him, and why his mother named him “Safari.” It was absolutely one of the most touching pieces of writing I’ve read. After that experience, I try not to make fun of students’ names- they are rather personal, don’t you think?

Okay, now having said that, people who give ridiculous names that are clearly inappropriate (such as the abcde name) really need some help.

Does anyone watch the Brit sitcoms? Hyacinth Bucket ring a bell? Bu—kay instead of Bucket…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

No one should have a problem with people naming their children culturally relevant names that relfect a familial history. What I have a problem with is children being named nonsensical things. A child named Porche, Lexus, or Diamonte reflects nothing! They can’t offer the “its a family name” expanation. No its not! You were named after a dern car! I just wish parents would think before they settle on a name for their child. Its so very difficult for kids these days…compared to how we had it. There are so many potholes for them to fall into. Their name shouldn’t be one of them.

By RetiredTeacher

February 14, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I think a lot of people look at people like Whoopi Goldberg or Queen Latifah and try to come up with something unique for their own kids. They never stop to think that neither of those very talented women were born with those names.

I once had a student named Precious and needless to say she was anything but. I also remember a Thelbert (boy) from many years ago.

By JJ

February 14, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Jason With an attitude like that I think YOU should be banished to some island where everything is NERF and no one can hear YOUR incessant whining.

By RetiredTeacher

February 14, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

To the guy talking about the brats making a fuss in line for ice creams. Parents who have brats fall into two categories. Those who have no idea their kids are brats (the minority) and those who are brats themselves so see no reason why their kids should not be as well (the majority). You can bet those parents talking on a cellphone in a movie theater or in a library have an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement (brats)and their kids will have, too. Brats beget brats. Many times those with names like Precious or Princess have been told they are precious or little princesses their whole lives and begin to believe it. No surprise when the brattiness follows.

By JJ

February 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

When I was pregnant with my daughter, and was trying to come up with a name, one of my co-workers told me that once I settled on a name, to out outside and yell that name 10 times in a row, like I was calling my child. She said if you still like that name, then that’s what you should name the baby.

So I am passing that advice on.

By One

February 14, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl, just because society’s ignorant, everybody should play to society? I think not. And again, I am not saying I agree with a lot of these names (not that it matters if I did), but I myself could care less what society says! If we listen to society, most of us would not amount to anything, but what society says we deserve. Learn to think for self!!!

momtomax&alex, that was your ignorant boss! That’s not saying that every boss would be that way! Sounds a little prejudiced to me, a real manager would know to look beyond things like that. So if he wanted to interview a Jan, and found out it was a man, and he was expecting a woman, would he discard that person too? Now that’s ignorant!

By Michelle

February 14, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

I was in a convenience store and heard a lady call her daughter Ampersand.

My mom was a teacher and once had a student named Catfish.

By RetiredTeacher

February 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I watch all the Britcoms! Hyacinth has three sisters: Daisy, Violet and Rose. Hee Hee At least Bucket is her married name and she was not saddled with that at birth to go with Hyacinth!

One of my pet peeves as a teacher: Naming your child one thing and then calling them something else. What is the point of that? Why not name them what you plan on calling them? Of course, the funny flip side to that is when parents names their children something and then the child themselves refuse to go through life being called that so the child comes with a new name themselves and insist on being called that.

By Lynn

February 14, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

The local realtor in our area is named Ben Dover. How insensitive do think his mom was after giving birth?

By Homeschool Mom

February 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

I tried to make sure I chose names that were good when they were young or old and no matter what they became in life. My younger son is dyslexic and wishes that his name was BOB so he can’t risk misspelling it!

By FCM

February 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

@ Jess—-I don’t know about the ‘childish’ name I would take Ty Pendelton or Tyler Florence at my door any day, anytime….nothing childish about those men. ;o)

By One

February 14, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, you meant Ty Pennington! Got it!

By RICK

February 14, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

LYNN, Would you buy a house from Ben Dover? lol

By One

February 14, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Retired Teacher, what’s wrong with having a “nickname”, or a shortened version of your name?! I say nothing! Now, if it is something ridiculous, that’s another story. But hey, who’s to say a person can/should only call their child by their given (or government) name?? My child, I can call her whatever adoring little nickname I choose. I’m not telling or asking anyone else to call her that. My child happens to love her nickname, which came directly out of her given name, and fits her perfectly….Sha (pronounced Shay). My “nickname” was given to me by my father when I was very, very young. And to this day, the only people who don’t know of it are the ones who have never been around my family. And it is extra special to me, because my father passed away not long after that! Get over yourself, you don’t control what a person calls their child!!!!

By Name Game

February 14, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl - It’s not “Moofasa” it’s MUFASA. Which is a popular African name that has been around WAY before the Lion King.

Mufasa means “King” in the african language of Kenya. The folks at Disney did not just pull such a name out of the air. It’s a strong name with a strong meaning. Stop wallowing in your own ignorance. It’s not bliss.

By Isabelle

February 14, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

I once tutored a young girl whose name was Sh’Litshu. It was pronounced “Shaleesha”. Someone must have had some problems with phonics!

By Isaac Cox

February 14, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t. But that’s my name.

By Name Game

February 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Theresa - Did it ever occur to you that one of the two Walshs and Lilinas is actually YOUR kids? They were born in Georgia after 1990, right?

By JJ

February 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I’ve gone by a family nickname all my life. It was my dad who started to call me the nickname, and it stuck. However, only the family uses it (except my brother), and long-time family friends who have known me all my life.

My daughter goes by her middle name, as her first name is the same as mine.

By Magenta

February 14, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Aurora,

I don’t get your point. You deliberately went out of your way to give your daughter’s name an unusual spelling and then you complain that you can’t find ready-made items in the store with that spelling?

By SA

February 14, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

The worst name I ever saw was M’aleigh. Pronounced: Emily. Imagine that poor child going through life constantly spelling her name for people. Her mother liked it because it is not common. Who is she kidding?

By Name Game

February 14, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

M’aleigh is pretty bad!

And all races are guilty. Whether its Apple or Moesha. Some parents just go too far.

By J'LOQUIOT'A

February 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

I forgot how to spell my name. Help!!!

By Sassy

February 14, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

OK, excuse my ingnorance but what is NERF?

By momtoAlex&Max

February 14, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

to One Ignorant or not, that’s the way it goes. I certainly do not think that giving someone a name that immediately puts them in a disadvantage is a very good idea.

And I highly doubt that my old manager was in the minority. That’s just life.

By bg

February 14, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Twins born in Newnan several years back have names pronounced la-MON-jalo and o-RAN-jalo … spelled Lemonjello and Orangejello. I don’t think it is true that their older brother is named Chocolatepudding, though.

By Magenta

February 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

NERF is a brand of toy that was popular in the 1970s. It started with a Nerf Ball that was just foam rubber. Supposedly you could throw it in the house and not break Mom’s lamps.

My father banned them. He said “NERF is FREN spelled backward, and that’s short for FRENZY. Take it outside.”

By One

February 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

momtomax&alex, it only “goes” that way, if people do, I tend not to go with the norm, or society, because that’s too restricted (in thought and action). So, again, I say it only “goes” that way if people buy into it! I like to think for myself!

Sassy, NERF is the foam line of toys.

NameGame, yes, all races are guilty!!!

By Jess

February 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

FCM: I agree, Ty Pennington or Tyler Florence at my door would also be a welcome surprise. Tyler just isn’t a “grown” man name in my opinion. Doesn’t mean I dislike all people by that name. One of my best friends has a daughter named Kylie. That is an adorable little girl name but as she gets older it seems weird. Now, I sometimes call her Ky.

By Lynn

February 14, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Rick - He’s one the main realtors on the lake so I guess my answer would be yes to buying from him. I also let him list my house for a short time but I’ve never figured out what drug his mom was on when she named him. It had to be from spite. I mean, if it were William Dover, I seriously doubt he would have shortened it to Ben Dover so the blame has to lie with her. If it were me, I’d have changed my name before first grade but then again, maybe he uses it for advertising purposes, who knows :) He owns his own real estate company and doing very well so I guess that’s all that matters to him.

By karen

February 14, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

My favorites from the list: dextrose cashews chlorine and the 4 kids named Atari

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

I absolutely think for myself…and as a thinking parent, my children have well rounded names. They aren’t popular or trendy…just normal. So that when they are 75, they won’t balk at someone calling out their name! Good, bad or indifferent…people have to live within reasonable societal norms. That isn’t “playing the game”. Its using your brain.

And Moofasa or Mufasa…it still sounds STUPID for a white woman to run after her white child screaming that name! Now, if it had been a black lady, I might be more inclined to think she garnered it from some person of tribal royalty in her home land. But this was a lilly white girl who very probably heard on the movie and thought it was awesome and creative. Could it have been a nickname? Perhaps. But somehow, I doubt it.

By One

February 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Lynn, Ben is probably short for Benjamin. Doesn’t sound so bad then, Benjamin Dover. Maybe his mom thought society would never be as stupid as it is, to judge and malign people based on their name. But hey, if society judges based on color (and a whole lot of other things), one should never be too surprised!

live within reasonable societal norms Honey call it what you want, that is “playing the game”, plain and simple!!!! If you (and anyone else) was truly using their brain, societal norms would not be so much of a stronghold!!! Think, people, think!

Peace!

By zoe

February 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I teach, last year we had a student whose name was De’Mon. Take out the apostrophe and don’t capitalize the M? Demon!

As a side note, many African-American names are combinations of syllables from both parents’ names.

By Mara

February 14, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

My brother almost got named Shady Lott….thankfully they decided to make him a Jr….lol

By fk

February 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl…Like almost every little boy, my friend’s son was into Batman. For a week or so (it seemed like an eternity to her), he insisted on being called Batman, his dad was Robin and his mom was Catwoman. There was no deviation. We laughed, but she was really embarrassed during an episode at Target.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Well One…perhaps you are the last true Hippy left among us. If thinking how my actions or inactions affect my children and their future means I am playing the game….then so be it. I am happy to play my round. If it means my children won’t have their resume’ set aside due to their name…then so be it. If it means they won’t be teased because people don’t sound like they are choking or sneazing when they say their name…then so be it. It has nothing to do with race, ethnicity, or conforming. It has everything to do with common-damn-sense.

If my child wants to dye her hair like a rainbow and pierce herself silly…go for it. As long as her grades are up…fine. But in letting her be free in that regard, I would also explain that unless she relishes a career as a tatoo artist, her look is finite. In high school…my kids can go wild with hair color and the like…. things that can be learned from and changed if need be. A name follows you forever..unless you change it. You see…I am not against anyone shucking their individuality. I am against long term ignornace.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

FK…I can appreciate that. But the boy was a good 10 years old. And he was obviously scaring her to death with how fast he was getting away from her. No..I am afraid Mufasa was at least one of his given names. I know when I get into “mommy-mode”, I’m not going for the cutsie-nickname of the month.

By Dr. Cinnamon L. Sullivan

February 14, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Jealousy is such an ugly emotion. Cinnamon Carter was a character on mission impossible, and my mom liked the name. I’ve had my ups and downs, teasing, compliments, questions. I never need an “icebreaker” for conversations, and I would hate to be saddled with a normal, boring name. As far as I can tell I am the original here in Georgia - I’ve never found another Cinnamon older than me. Oh, and Rick - please refer to me as Doctor Cinnamon Sullivan please. You can find me in the operating room or ICU here at Emory.

By Lynn

February 14, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

One - I would agree it that were the case but his cards say Ben Franklin Dover. I still say it was drugs…oh well. Happy Valentines everyone. Hope everyone has a great evening.

By Name Game

February 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Right on Dr. Cinnamon! The year I was born I had the 18th most popular name. It’s also unisex. While it’s great to fly under the radar whenever you want, I do wish I had more pizzaz in my name.

Jesse’s Girl - You are still too stupid for words with your comments. White or black, it’s still a name with a regal meaning. YOU don’t have to like the name.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I DON’T LIKE THE NAME you oaf. I thought I established that.

By Name Game

February 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl, it’s clear you don’t like the name. DUH. My point is your rant is stupid. A person who names their kid Mufasa is not of the same ilk as someone who has named their kid Teriyaki. Get a clue.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Ilk or no..the point is saddling your child with a name that raises eyebrows. One that makes things even more of a challenge when the child enters into the work force. Even IF a parent names their child Mufasa because of its storied heritage…an employer would be hard pressed to take that into consideration. When Mufasa and Teryaki send their resumes out, do you really think the one perusing them will differentiate between the two? I doubt it. Aagin…it may not be the way YOU want it…but thats the way it is.

By Name Game

February 14, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Right, Jesse’s Girl, because Mufasa and Mustafa are SO far apart in phonetics. Do you even work? I doubt it. Just worry about the world in your household and what you’ll be serving Mr. Jesse for dinner. Continue to let your ignorance be bliss. Don’t challenge those few brain cells rolling around in your narrow minded head.

By Jesse's Girl

February 14, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Well, there you go…stepping in stupid again. You are no longer worth the effort. Pity

By skeptic

February 14, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

There was a Ms. N. Cinnamon Dornsife class of ‘72 at Emory is that you? I Googled the Dr. Cinnamon Sullivan and came up w/nada.

By Kevoooh

February 14, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

I have worked in welfare for many years and have seen the strangest names imaginable. Here in Georgia, I had a client who has two daughters, and they are named “Moet” and “Alize.” The names may sound crazy to us, but their friends also think the names are cute. When they are adults, their friends will be adults as well, and there will be no problem with their names as we become dust. I once asked my daughter what she thinks people will say when she is 60 years old with a tattoo on her shoulder. She very smartly replied “all the other 60 years olds will have tattoos too.” She is right!

By Together for 12

February 15, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

Hey violasmom,

Let me guess… your folks named you “Bobbye”?

Everybody needs to feel sorry for me… I have a lousy first name (nobody ever spells it right or they ask if it’s short for something. It’s not) A middle name where when somebody finds out what it is they’ll say “Oh, did your parents name you after the singer?” And a last name nobody can spell right either - and it’s only 6 letters!! I thought my married last name would be better than my long, impossible to spell Polish last name. Wrong! :)

I’ve determined whenever we have kids, they will ONLY have normal names. Anne, Paul, Robert, Scott, Christine, Catherine, etc. I don’t want my kids to go through the crap I have and will go through for my entire life.

By JJ

February 15, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Hey JessiesGirl I’m going to re-name you Timex. You took a licking but you keep on ticking!!!!!

Don’t let the trolls bother you. You just keep your comments rolling!!!

Give ‘em h3ll girl!!!!

By old-fashioned name

February 15, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Together for 12…I hear ya. I have a very old name. It’s on the list, but only used 32 times since 1990. I will admit, the Spanish version of my name is pretty. It’s been used 7 times since 1990. Doesn’t look like either are making a big comeback.

It took me about 25 years to become comfortable with my name. People always expected to see an old lady. My married last name is a male’s first name. For some reason, people reverse my name and are always expecting to see a man. Believe it or not, my last name is only five letters and people still screw it up…always adding an extra vowel.

By FCM

February 15, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

35 w/my name/spelling 503 w/one child’s name/spelling 835 w/other child’s name/spelling.

Now why is my name considered the least unusual of the three?

One child’s name is the feminized version of my father’s name…and her middle name is the nickname for the other grandfather’s name….poor thing. I told my (then) husband that saddling her with two masculine dervied names (no matter how pretty) was probably not wise…Then again our last name is a common boys name…Still they all run together very well, as anyone who has heard me at the store can attest.

By Giarrusso

February 15, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Though I live in another state, hundreds of miles from Georgia, it’s coincidentally a name which led me to this column (the author and I share a surname). My siblings and I each have what most of you would consider uncommon first names, though each is perfectly common in some European countries. While I do have concerns for children named after objects, or spellings which clearly can cause harm (such as Shi… thead), I’m disturbed by the small-mindedness that can’t see the creativity in a spelling such as M’Leigh. Admittedly, I have little patience for naming girls Patience, Princess and Precious, and there is surely more than one Justyn who’s committed a crime. But these names bother me only in that they are often smoke screens for justifying privilege and brattiness. That said, I try to respect a person for her character, not her name. The racism barely hidden in many of these posts reminds me that it’s not so long ago that many “lilly white we-were-here-first” Americans (?!) put my ancestors through hell — “teachers” and employers alike. While not to the same level, I still experience anti-ethnic bias based on my ancestry. I guess I can simply understand why a Black parent might not want to choose a name like Michael, Jane, Thomas or Sue. (Or, in Italian: Michele, —pronounced mee-kheh-leh — Gianna, Thomaso, Susana. Oh, and yeah, one of my aunts was named Giacinta —gee-ah-cheen-tah — or HYACINTH, in English). Italians are not the only ones who suffered the slings and arrows from people of ‘culturally “normal” names*, just one of the more recent historical examples. Black people were stripped of their own cultural history, remember? And, don’t forget that a wonderful resume submitted by a competent “normally” named ‘Mike’ or ‘Jane’, can still be tossed out of the process after the in-person interview reveals that the applicant is Black.

As for posts such as the one from Together for 12, I always have to pronounce and spell my first and last names. Even when I’m clearly spelling out my name right in front of someone, I watch them inevitably write the letter J when writing my last name (Giarrusso). So I simply begin spelling it first and give the pronunciation afterward. I’m proud of my first and last names and far from feeling like I’m taking “crap”, it reminds me of a strong family history, the struggle that brought us here, and my family’s grammar and spelling skills in two languages. (I’m refraining from listing the plethora of incorrectly spelled and punctuated words in many of these very posts, even by teachers). While I don’t think we should saddle children with what are currently considered ridiculous names, it’s important to remember that all names are cultural constructs, and that it’s just PC (no, not Politically Correct) PLAIN COURTEOUS to treat people honorably regardless of whether they’ve been given an unfortunate first name.

PS: Thanks, Dr. Cinnamon L. Sullivan for your post

By momtoAlex&Max

February 15, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

@Giarrusso,yeah, all that’s well and good, but seriously? A girl named QUEENAUREYAUNNA or J’QUANDA (these straight from the database). Are you kidding me? I really do not think she’s destined for much except a dance pole (I am sorry if I sound mean here, but admit it, it’s ridiculous)

By alch

February 18, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Well said, Giarrusso! Some of the names are clealy outlandish, but geesh, we are so judgemental. It’s their life and THEY have to live with any consequences…you choose the names that YOU like and can live with.

By Together for 12

February 19, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

I can understand giving names that reflect strong family history, the struggle that brought us here, etc. But my first & middle name are just b******* of two other names. Just one “e” would have made things easier for my first name at least.

By blah blah blah

February 19, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

People who name their kids