When it comes to parenting, one of the first judgments we make about other parents often revolves around their children’s names. A name is the initial introduction a person has to the world; it’s a significant marker that parents thoughtfully consider. Many spend months, if not years, deliberating over the perfect name, leading to a spectrum of reactions—approval, disapproval, or even the occasional snicker from judgmental observers (guilty as charged).
For those intrigued by baby names, the endless lists and compilations serve as both entertainment and critique. Popular name lists allow us to scoff at the collective choices of parents, revealing who will populate our children’s classrooms and park playdates. And if you haven’t encountered a Sophia, brace yourself; chances are, you will soon! (Just like I have, and you probably have too—it’s practically a universal name at this point.)
Conversely, the quirky name round-ups let us look down on those who believe their children will thrive with a name that stands out. Take “Cheese,” for instance—how could anyone think that’s a viable name? It’s hard to fathom that several parents genuinely chose it!
Before I became a parent, I leaned towards selecting a unique name for my child, wanting to distance myself from the popular trend. As a Samantha, I grew up sharing my name with numerous classmates, making me long for something different. I never thought I would follow in my parents’ footsteps, yet here I am, a Samantha who named her son something that landed in the Top Ten.
When it came time to name my son, I sought out something that wasn’t too far off the beaten path but also not overly trendy—nothing that screamed the decade he was born in, and definitely nothing that rhymed with “Aiden” or started with a K. My husband and I had one fundamental requirement: the name needed to be easily spelled and pronounced. This stems from my mother’s experiences with her own name, Ileene. Growing up, she often had to spell it out for others, a hassle that still persists today, even in our digital age.
Ultimately, we settled on “Liam,” which ironically is the sixth most popular name for boys born in 2010. I didn’t realize how common it was until he attended summer camp. Out of 14 kids in his class, there were two Liams, another boy named Leo, and a girl named Lila. While initially disheartened, I soon noticed that none of the kids seemed to mind. My son became known as Liam T, and the girl Lila was lovingly dubbed Girl Lila. Each child took on their own nickname, and Liam, in his playful spirit, became “Liam the Lion,” strutting around like a mini king of the jungle.
This experience made me reconsider my biases against popular names. After all, what’s the point of giving your child an unusual name? It’s likely someone else has had the same idea. Even “Cheese,” as outlandish as it is, isn’t unique—eight parents thought they were picking something extraordinary, only to find themselves in the same boat.
Having a unique name doesn’t inherently signify a child’s individuality. Whether named Alex, Sophia, or Tuesday, each child possesses their own unique traits. The truth is, a child’s essence remains the same, regardless of whether they’re called Jason, Jayden, or even Juice (hey, if Apple can be a name, why not?). But which of these is more likely to lead to teasing or endless spelling corrections?
There’s no need to complicate things with unusual names just to showcase a child’s uniqueness. Your child will stand out simply because of who they are. Well, except for those kids named Cheese; they might just blend right in with the crowd.
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Summary:
Choosing a common name for my child was a decision rooted in practicality and personal experience. While I had initially aimed for uniqueness, I found that popular names come with their own set of benefits. Ultimately, it’s not the name that defines a child’s individuality; it’s their character and experiences that truly make them special.