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Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?
Olivia_WebMD_Staff posted:
Songster couple Beyonce' Knowles and hubby Jay-Z welcomed a little baby girl to the world earlier this week. But, the baby's name stirred lots of buzz -- Blue Ivy Carter.
The Carters aren't the only celebrities to choose unusual names for their children. Gyneth Paltrow named her first daughter Apple, Gwen Stefani's second son is Zuma, and Nicholas Cage named his son Kal-el (as in Superman).
Lots of folks are looking for strong names that set their children apart.
But, are they doing the child a favor or dooming him or her to bullying and ridicule?
What do you think?
The Carters aren't the only celebrities to choose unusual names for their children. Gyneth Paltrow named her first daughter Apple, Gwen Stefani's second son is Zuma, and Nicholas Cage named his son Kal-el (as in Superman).
Lots of folks are looking for strong names that set their children apart.
But, are they doing the child a favor or dooming him or her to bullying and ridicule?
What do you think?
56 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?Songster couple Beyonce' Knowles and hubby Jay-Z welcomed a little baby girl to the world earlier this week. But, the baby's name stirred lots of buzz -- Blue Ivy Carter. <br /> <br />The Carters aren't the only celebrities to choose unusual names for their children. Gyneth Paltrow named her first daughter Apple, Gwen Stefani's second son is Zuma, and Nicholas Cage named his son Kal-el (as in Superman). <br /> <br />Lots of folks are looking for strong names that set their children apart. <br /> <br />But, are they doing the child a favor or dooming him or her to bullying and ridicule? <br /> <br />What do you think?
An_241873 responded:
I think it's dumb. Names carry some weight in first impressions, good luck for those kids and job interviews.....
...awkward..
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?I think it's dumb. Names carry some weight in first impressions, good luck for those kids and job interviews.....
...awkward..
DoloresTeresa responded:
Blue Ivy, Kal El, Zuma and Apple probably all will be going to the same school and won't be made fun of. I would hate to be the poor kid in that school with a name like John or Mary. Talk about teasing. When they are grown up they can change their first names (I don't even think you need to do it through legal means for a first name). Or they can put an asterisk on their employment applications next to their names with a footnote that says: *My parents are in show biz"
Dolores
Dolores
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?Blue Ivy, Kal El, Zuma and Apple probably all will be going to the same school and won't be made fun of. I would hate to be the poor kid in that school with a name like John or Mary. Talk about teasing. When they are grown up they can change their first names (I don't even think you need to do it through legal means for a first name). Or they can put an asterisk on their employment applications next to their names with a footnote that says: *My parents are in show biz"<br /><br />Dolores
3point14 responded:
I think it's really up to the parents what they name their children, and I think it's really petty and off-putting when they're judged for it. Nobody raises an eyebrow when people say "Ugh, what a stupid name that kid has, they're going to get teased!" but if you were to say "Ugh, look at that ugly kid, they're going to get teased!" it would be unacceptable. A child has as little control over their name as their looks, and into adulthood hopefully these kids would either get over their names, or ask to be called something else if it bothered them.
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?I think it's really up to the parents what they name their children, and I think it's really petty and off-putting when they're judged for it. Nobody raises an eyebrow when people say "Ugh, what a stupid name that kid has, they're going to get teased!" but if you were to say "Ugh, look at that ugly kid, they're going to get teased!" it would be unacceptable. A child has as little control over their name as their looks, and into adulthood hopefully these kids would either get over their names, or ask to be called something else if it bothered them.
tlkittycat1968 responded:
Little kids won't know the names are odd unless someone tells them. The other kids they grow up with will be used to the names and won't think they're strange. By the time the kids hit high school, I'm sure they'll have answers for people who question their names.
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?Little kids won't know the names are odd unless someone tells them. The other kids they grow up with will be used to the names and won't think they're strange. By the time the kids hit high school, I'm sure they'll have answers for people who question their names.
kylersnanna7 responded:
In this day & age different or "odd" names are the "norm". So I don't think it really matters much at all. My grand kids have different names & I Love their names & them just the same. They are Kyler (my only grandson, my son liked Kyle & Tyler so he combined the two) Promyss (pronounced Promise) & Annylise (pronounced Annalese) we call her Annie. & Kaitlyn. They are all beautiful. Thanks! Diane
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?In this day & age different or "odd" names are the "norm". So I don't think it really matters much at all. My grand kids have different names & I Love their names & them just the same. They are Kyler (my only grandson, my son liked Kyle & Tyler so he combined the two) Promyss (pronounced Promise) & Annylise (pronounced Annalese) we call her Annie. & Kaitlyn. They are all beautiful. Thanks! Diane
teddybear200 responded:
I think the parents have more of the problem than the children. What makes the parents come up with the strange names they do is beyond me.
There is a boy in my building named Chance - I asked him where did you get that name? Dumb question on my part because of course he got it from his parents. The explanation's was "my parents met by chance, and I came along 9 months later". Hence the name Chance.
Because of the bullying he got in grade school for his name - his mom has home schooled him. He is now 17 and when he is 18 said he would like to change his name.
Yes giving your child a strange name will set them apart and also give them a complex. I believe in the normal names first.
There is a boy in my building named Chance - I asked him where did you get that name? Dumb question on my part because of course he got it from his parents. The explanation's was "my parents met by chance, and I came along 9 months later". Hence the name Chance.
Because of the bullying he got in grade school for his name - his mom has home schooled him. He is now 17 and when he is 18 said he would like to change his name.
Yes giving your child a strange name will set them apart and also give them a complex. I believe in the normal names first.
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?I think the parents have more of the problem than the children. What makes the parents come up with the strange names they do is beyond me.<br /> <br />There is a boy in my building named Chance - I asked him where did you get that name? Dumb question on my part because of course he got it from his parents. The explanation's was "my parents met by chance, and I came along 9 months later". Hence the name Chance.<br /> <br />Because of the bullying he got in grade school for his name - his mom has home schooled him. He is now 17 and when he is 18 said he would like to change his name.<br /> <br />Yes giving your child a strange name will set them apart and also give them a complex. I believe in the normal names first.
butterflygarden responded:
My parents gave me an unusual, old-fashioned name.
Though I love my name now that I am an adult, other kids enjoyed rhyming my name and making fun of me in elementary and middle school. It was NOT fun.
Did it make me a stronger person? Maybe. The jury is still out on that one. LOL.
One of the posters made the point that all these kids will probably be going to the same school and everyone will have unusual names. Perhaps. And, maybe the children of celebrities don't have to worry about being the object of bullying and having other kids make fun of them. But, even teachers had a hard time pronouncing my name. When the teacher stumbled over it, the other kids got even more of a kick out of laughing at it.
It's tough having to endure that when you're a kid. So, I'd say, if you're going to give your child an unusual name, arm him or her with a story about why you chose it. That will at least make him feel proud of the name, regardless of whether others approve or not.
Blue Ivy, for instance, will know that her name was chosen because of her parents' deep combined love for each other and for her.
Butterfly
Though I love my name now that I am an adult, other kids enjoyed rhyming my name and making fun of me in elementary and middle school. It was NOT fun.
Did it make me a stronger person? Maybe. The jury is still out on that one. LOL.
One of the posters made the point that all these kids will probably be going to the same school and everyone will have unusual names. Perhaps. And, maybe the children of celebrities don't have to worry about being the object of bullying and having other kids make fun of them. But, even teachers had a hard time pronouncing my name. When the teacher stumbled over it, the other kids got even more of a kick out of laughing at it.
It's tough having to endure that when you're a kid. So, I'd say, if you're going to give your child an unusual name, arm him or her with a story about why you chose it. That will at least make him feel proud of the name, regardless of whether others approve or not.
Blue Ivy, for instance, will know that her name was chosen because of her parents' deep combined love for each other and for her.
Butterfly
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?My parents gave me an unusual, old-fashioned name. <br /><br />Though I love my name now that I am an adult, other kids enjoyed rhyming my name and making fun of me in elementary and middle school. It was NOT fun. <br /><br />Did it make me a stronger person? Maybe. The jury is still out on that one. LOL.<br /><br />One of the posters made the point that all these kids will probably be going to the same school and everyone will have unusual names. Perhaps. And, maybe the children of celebrities don't have to worry about being the object of bullying and having other kids make fun of them. But, even teachers had a hard time pronouncing my name. When the teacher stumbled over it, the other kids got even more of a kick out of laughing at it. <br /><br />It's tough having to endure that when you're a kid. So, I'd say, if you're going to give your child an unusual name, arm him or her with a story about why you chose it. That will at least make him feel proud of the name, regardless of whether others approve or not. <br /><br />Blue Ivy, for instance, will know that her name was chosen because of her parents' deep combined love for each other and for her. <br /><br />Butterfly
bobby75703 responded:
Kids will be cruel to kids with unusual names. Expect it.
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?Kids will be cruel to kids with unusual names. Expect it.
tlkittycat1968 replied to teddybear200's response:
What is a "normal" name? Not too long ago, Agnes and Mabel were considered normal names and now many consider them old-fashioned. What about people who come from a different culture? Do they have to conform to what we consider normal so their kids will fit in?
Also what about the "normal" names with unusual spellings? My nephew's name is Aodan pronounced Aiden.
Also what about the "normal" names with unusual spellings? My nephew's name is Aodan pronounced Aiden.
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?What is a "normal" name? Not too long ago, Agnes and Mabel were considered normal names and now many consider them old-fashioned. What about people who come from a different culture? Do they have to conform to what we consider normal so their kids will fit in?<br /> <br />Also what about the "normal" names with unusual spellings? My nephew's name is Aodan pronounced Aiden.
nursingbug responded:
There are so many unusual names out there right now- unusual names are more the norm, like a pp said-
My first is named Arwen- it is a name based on a Welsh name, but was used by J.R. Tolkin The Lord of the Rings- Arwen was an elf. People usually comment it is unusual but don't bat an eye afterwards, it really suits her, and isn't so odd that it stands out too much. Her middle name is Elizabeth, just in case that one did not work out.
Now I am pregnant with another- and having problems finding a good name. You can't really name your 2nd Bob when your first is Arwen.
I do think parents should think about what it would be like to be a teenager, adult, person on a job interview when baby naming. Someone who ends up very outgoing may love having a very odd name, but someone who is naturally more reserved may hate it, and you have no way of knowing what you are going to get before the kid grows up!
My first is named Arwen- it is a name based on a Welsh name, but was used by J.R. Tolkin The Lord of the Rings- Arwen was an elf. People usually comment it is unusual but don't bat an eye afterwards, it really suits her, and isn't so odd that it stands out too much. Her middle name is Elizabeth, just in case that one did not work out.
Now I am pregnant with another- and having problems finding a good name. You can't really name your 2nd Bob when your first is Arwen.
I do think parents should think about what it would be like to be a teenager, adult, person on a job interview when baby naming. Someone who ends up very outgoing may love having a very odd name, but someone who is naturally more reserved may hate it, and you have no way of knowing what you are going to get before the kid grows up!
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?There are so many unusual names out there right now- unusual names are more the norm, like a pp said- <br />My first is named Arwen- it is a name based on a Welsh name, but was used by J.R. Tolkin The Lord of the Rings- Arwen was an elf. People usually comment it is unusual but don't bat an eye afterwards, it really suits her, and isn't so odd that it stands out too much. Her middle name is Elizabeth, just in case that one did not work out. <br />Now I am pregnant with another- and having problems finding a good name. You can't really name your 2nd Bob when your first is Arwen. <br />I do think parents should think about what it would be like to be a teenager, adult, person on a job interview when baby naming. Someone who ends up very outgoing may love having a very odd name, but someone who is naturally more reserved may hate it, and you have no way of knowing what you are going to get before the kid grows up!
Iocasta responded:
There was a kid in highschool whose name was Dee. Not too bad, even with him being well a him but the real problem was his last name Vice. Yes, his parents named him Dee Vice that is cruel and yes he took a lot of heat for it. I had a school friend whose name was Eileen and last name was Brilliant. Kids would tease her that her middle name was isn't. Dee and Eilleen both survived and Blue Ivy, Apple, Plum, Moon Unit . . . will be okay.
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?There was a kid in highschool whose name was Dee. Not too bad, even with him being well a him but the real problem was his last name Vice. Yes, his parents named him Dee Vice that is cruel and yes he took a lot of heat for it. I had a school friend whose name was Eileen and last name was Brilliant. Kids would tease her that her middle name was isn't. Dee and Eilleen both survived and Blue Ivy, Apple, Plum, Moon Unit . . . will be okay.
brunosbud responded:
I'm contemplating the name "Ice-Berg"...Cool, yet, strong at the same time...
How bout that one?
How bout that one?
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?I'm contemplating the name <b>"Ice-Berg"</b>...<i>Cool, yet, strong at the same time...</i><br /><br />How bout that one?
LOL, what about Max Power -- "he's the man who's name you'd love to touch! But you mustn't touch!"
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?LOL, what about Max Power -- "he's the man who's name you'd love to touch! But you mustn't touch!"
jhetsmom responded:
When DH and I found out or child was a boy, we debated over many names. Growing up I had a usual name that many other girls in my school had. I hated being one of 6 Chelsea's in my grade. I wanted our son to have a unique name. My husband wanted something more acceptable so as to not stand out. We went back and forth on Alex, Dean, Jasper, Kadyn, and a few others. It wasn't until my husband made a joke about naming him after a martial arts actor when the baby kicked DH in the neck in utero that we narrowed it down the Alex and Jhet. We knew that the baby would have my grandfather's name as his middle name but either worked well with William. We couldn't agree on on Alex or Jhet until my mom said do both,and he can go by AJ if he wanted. My sons full name now is Alex Jhet William Urbina. He has many options to go by.
I think a unique name is just that. Unique. Now I also think that the naming should also be something meaningful. If you are naming a kid Angus cause you think it will be funny than that is where it is wrong. In Thailand the just had a renaming ceremony for All girls that were given the name meaning "Unwanted" because girls are undesirable there. If parents back their children up 100% with the name they have given them, then all those mean spiteful comments won't phase them at all.
I think a unique name is just that. Unique. Now I also think that the naming should also be something meaningful. If you are naming a kid Angus cause you think it will be funny than that is where it is wrong. In Thailand the just had a renaming ceremony for All girls that were given the name meaning "Unwanted" because girls are undesirable there. If parents back their children up 100% with the name they have given them, then all those mean spiteful comments won't phase them at all.
Report This| Share this:Are Unusual Names Good or Bad for a Child?When DH and I found out or child was a boy, we debated over many names. Growing up I had a usual name that many other girls in my school had. I hated being one of 6 Chelsea's in my grade. I wanted our son to have a unique name. My husband wanted something more acceptable so as to not stand out. We went back and forth on Alex, Dean, Jasper, Kadyn, and a few others. It wasn't until my husband made a joke about naming him after a martial arts actor when the baby kicked DH in the neck in utero that we narrowed it down the Alex and Jhet. We knew that the baby would have my grandfather's name as his middle name but either worked well with William. We couldn't agree on on Alex or Jhet until my mom said do both,and he can go by AJ if he wanted. My sons full name now is Alex Jhet William Urbina. He has many options to go by. <br />I think a unique name is just that. Unique. Now I also think that the naming should also be something meaningful. If you are naming a kid Angus cause you think it will be funny than that is where it is wrong. In Thailand the just had a renaming ceremony for All girls that were given the name meaning "Unwanted" because girls are undesirable there. If parents back their children up 100% with the name they have given them, then all those mean spiteful comments won't phase them at all.
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