All the time, I see the names that people have given their children. As a prospective parent, I thought long and hard and poured over lists and books of baby names. Some of the options were really great, while others were hideous. I looked up the top one hundred baby names for 2008. Fortunately, most of the names were reasonable, but there were a few that instantly made me feel sorry for the little boys who would have to grow to adulthood with them.
The name that I could not believe anyone would give their son was Angel. Yes, I said Angel. It is number thirty-six on the list. The only word that came to mind was, why? This is one name that nobody needs to look up for a definition, and it works beautifully for a girl, but I just have a hard time imagining it for a boy or man. I suppose it is really silly, since angels can be either gender, as far as I know. If you watched the movie, Dogma, there is the opinion that angels have no gender. However, I cringe to think of the poor little boys who have to get through school with that name.
I think giving kids unisex names is too common. I know several children, of either gender, who are named Hunter, another name that does not need to be defined. It is not a bad name, but I would imagine it would get annoying when he has to submit his name in such a way that it is not immediately clear whether he is male of female, as in the situation when he sends his resume to a company for a job. They may not know until he gets there whether he is a man or a woman. I have to wonder why people choose such a name.
A name that struck me as just too old fashioned is Henry, which means “home ruler.” It is a decent name, and there is not anything that can be done to it to make a horrible from it, but it conjures the image of an old man. I just cannot see a child who would fit the name Henry. I was surprised to see it among the top one hundred, even though it was number seventy-eight.
Number seventy-nine, just weirds me out. I know Jesus, pronounced “HAY-soos,” is a common name for Hispanic children, but something about it appalls me. To name a child after somebody is a way to honor them, but it seems blasphemous to me. I know it is probably really silly of me, but it makes me uncomfortable to think about it. I understand why a person would want to give the name to a child, as an expression of love and faith, but it just does not sit well with me.
As I have said, there is nothing really wrong with some of these names, but for some reason they just jumped at me. I do wish parents would consider a name from every possible point of view. Children can be so mean, and there is some teasing that can scar a child for life. My only wish is for parents to be careful. There are many good, popular names from which to choose. Consider whether you would have liked the name, or prepare a good nickname. Please, do this for your child’s sake. He will thank you for it later.
Sources:
www.thinkbabynames.com
www.thenewparentsguide.com
Smith, Kevin. Dogma. (1999)
