What's In a Name

What's In a Name

As soon as a couple knows what the gender of their child is going to be, typically they begin thinking of names.  In the olden days, we didn't know what we were going to have until the child was actually born.  So, we didn't have as long to think about it, though we did have some ideas in mind for each sex.  I can remember deciding on a name for one of our children on our way to the hospital to deliver.  He didn't end up being named that name by the way.  There must be some unwritten rule that says never name a child while in the throws of labor pains.  If there isn't, there should be.

Anyway, parents put a lot of thought into naming their child.  And that is as it should be.  The child is going to have that name all his or her life.  There are countless books of names to help new parents choose just the right name.  You can even go online to a Baby Name Generator on parents.com to find the name of your baby by taking a baby name quiz.  My husband lobbied with each of our children for the name Murray.  Now, this is a perfectly nice name - for someone.  But not for a person whose last name is Drury.   Murray Drury - hmmmmmm!?  I don't think so! 

The #1 ranking boy name for 2014 according to Baby Center is Liam.  For girls names, they show Olivia in the top spot.  The name Liam is Irish and means unwavering protector.  I picture a strong, faithful and loving family man. Olivia is Greek and means olive tree.  Olive trees are tough.  They are self-fruitful meaning they are independent and they are long lived.  Some olive trees are over 1,000 years old.  I'd say this is a beautiful, sweet but strong and powerful name.  Liam and Olivia are both beautiful names and when you hear them, the image is of a beautiful child as well.

What image do you get when you hear the name Dweezil? or Pilot Inspector? How about Audio Science? or Moxie Crimefighter?  Jermajesty and Reignbeau are kind of artsy.  Folks, these are real names of real children - at least until they are old enough to go to court and change their name.  I tried to find the meaning of the name Dweezil  - couldn't be found.   For Pilot Inspector and Audio Science I found definitions from the dictionary.  I think a person's name should have a meaning, not a definition. 

After looking up and finding all these unique names,  I am thinking maybe Murray Drury wasn't so bad after all.  Just don't try and say it fast 3 times.

The message here to parents is: Think about what you are naming your child.  Take the time to find out what that name means and how that name might affect or guide your child's life.  It's the first life decision you will make regarding your child.  Make it a good one.


For more information on the meaning of names and their popularity check out:
http://www.babycenter.com/popularBabyNames.htm?year=2014


"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."        Proverbs 22: 1