Why do people try to come up with the most unusual names for their babies?

Question

People are trying so hard to give their children an unusual name, that they end up giving their kid HORRIBLE names. Is there an "unusual name fad" going on? Do you think celebs could be partly to blame for this(even though, nobody is forcing unusual names on anyone)?

Answer 1

Some parents want their child to have a unique name in order to stand out.  Rather than raise them to be exceptional as a way to stand out.  Read the book Freakonomics.  There is an interesting chapter about how these crazy, non-traditional names actually hurt people once they enter into adult life.  

Answer 2

You make an interesting point.

Do, however, consider that for maybe the first time in a person's life, that the birth of a child brings with it an intense feeling of family pride.  Suddenly, for the parent, life has taken on an extra dimension.  "you and me" has suddenly turned to a "we" and there is immense importance

that the "WE" be both permanent and noticed, so-to-say making your mark in the world and making a name for yourself and your family.

In a person's history and memories there are few days that stand out.  However, topping the list of memory makers are the births of your children.  Parents pour their own wishes and dreams and memories of loved ones into their tiny babies....believing their unique child will make a mark of greatness in his world......and so these parents full of newfound family pride endow their child in the only way they know how....with a most individual NAME of greatness.

Answer 3

I think it's just that people are trying to be unique. I mean i think it's stupid that people are naming their kids "Knox" and c**p like that. Why can't they pick a name that's unexpected and not too common but still a NORMAL name. A perfect example of this would be your name, Cynthia. I love this name and I don't know many Cynthias, but it's still a classic name that isn't totally made up.  

Answer 4

personally i find common over used names worse than some unusual names.

there is a fine line between unusual/unique and horrid.

everyone is entitled to their own opinion. i try not to be the "name police" here. that's no fun, and none of my business actually.

these parents/soon-2-be parents came here for suggestions not insults.

Answer 5

I think it just comes down to different people have different tastes. With the internet making the world smaller. It seems more like a new trend, but it is really nothing new. I have heard plenty of odd names (have one myself) over the years. It's the unusual names that get noticed and remembered. Which is why it feels like there are so many.

Answer 6

A lot of people on here ask for advice on unusual names because most of the parents using common names dont need the advice from other people. Lots of parents are opting for more unique names these days so that they give their children more individuality...unlike having 2 or 3 Sarah's in the same class at school and having to use their last initial.

Answer 7

I know. People think they are being " Unique ".

Answer 8

Mind your own business. i doubt anyone is asking you to name their child so stop worrying about what ppl name them. You name your kids and I'll name mine.

Answer 9

No but how many Michaels, Amandas, Matthews, Ambers can we take. It's 2008. celebs have nothing to do with but making us aware that there are other options as far as baby names.

Answer 10

I like your name, I named my five year old son Pix, no one has ever made fun of him, a lot of people including the kids at his little club like his name.

Answer 11

I guess people just like having the freedom of being able to be "creative"....not stick to what the majority thinks is the proper way to name a baby, and just go with what inspires them. And since we don't all follow the same train of thought or have the same life experiences, a name that might sound poetic to one person, could just seem completely out of whack to another. I guess the only rule I'd want people to follow when they're thinking about what to call their children, is to choose a name that honestly means something to them...to make a sincere decision, and not just pick a name for the sake of being different or conservative...

Answer 12

Its so that their child doesn't go to school and attend a maths class that haas for example 5 johns in it (and the child's name is john).

I see where you are coming from though with the parents giving them horrible names. There's unusual and then there is just plan WEIRD!

Answer 13

I think it's funny the unusual names are going to take over the world and then no ones going to be called a normal name anymore...i can't wait lol.

Having said that people can call their kids whatever the h**l they want..they have to live with being hated by their children.

Answer 14

It depends on what you mean.  I love the names Slade and Vance among others, and these are very uncommon.  Do you consider these horrible?  They are Old English but you have probably never met anyone with either of those names, so does that make them horrible?  

Now if you are talking about Nevaeh, Lemonjello, or people who prefer crazy spellings of normal names like Kaighlee, I agree, those are horrible.  I don't think it is a fad, I think people are just wanting to express themselves more and feel what they name their children says a lot about them.  But some of the names people choose are clearly short-sighted and the parents don't realize the consequences their children will face as a result of their name choice.  

And no, I don't think celebrities are to blame, I just think they are a little more liberal when naming their children many times because they aren't worried about their children being denied a job interview due to a unique name since they will probably never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

Besides, all names were new at one point in time, even Sarah and John had to start somewhere, so I like unusual names and blurring the lines of what is "normal."  But horrible names are never acceptable if they were not chosen with the child's best interest at heart.

Answer 15

There is a difference between naming your kid Apple or Peanut (celebrities have) or Tachelle or Kharique.

Its all a matter of opinion, perhaps many would think Cynthia is a HORRIBLE name.

Cynthia: What do you REALLY care what people name their babies? Does it really matter to anyone but the parents?

Maybe your parents should have tried a little harder when deciding on your name, then you wouldn't be so opposed to those with unique names.

Answer 16

Can you list some examples or horrible names, so I can decide whether I agree or disagree.

Answer 17

They are entered in the World's Weirdest Baby Names competition. Hollywood could have something to do with it, but professional athletes are right up there when it comes to weird.

Answer 18

I don't know. =/

I like simple names, like April Lilly and Jada Lynne.

Answer 19

i think it is up to the parent to name their child not you or any other judgmental over opinionated person..it is this simple name your kid what you want and let others name their kid what they want it is no ones business but the parents..seriously people get a life..and my kids have normal names..

Answer 20

We do it out of desperation to get away from all the Mikes and Bob's in the world!!!. My daughter new 7 other Emily's in her school, someone had to stop the madness!. 11 yrs, ago I did, and named my girl Summer Lynn, everyone loves it. Her grandma is 85 yrs.old, and loves to say her first and middle name together.