Baby Names: Unusual or Popular?

Choosing a Common or Unique Name for your Baby Girl or Boy

Mar 21, 2007 Naomi Rockler-Gladen

Would you rather give your child a name that lots of other children have, or a more unique moniker? Here are some thoughts on common versus unusual baby names.

When choosing baby names, parents often feel torn between popular and uncommon choices. Should you give your child a name like Madison or Aiden that you love, but that you know is high on the Top 100 List? Or should you help your little boy or girl stand out?

No matter what you call your baby, there will be advantages and disadvantages. At some point, your child is bound to hate his or her name no matter what you choose! Here are some thoughts about popularity as you choose a name for your baby.

REASONS TO CHOOSE A POPULAR NAME

  • Most children want to fit in at least some of the time. Giving your child a common name is an easy way to help them do that.
  • Common names are easy to pronounce. Children hate having their names pronounced incorrectly, especially by teachers and other children. Adults hate having to say their name three times over the phone to idiots who don't understand them. A popular name cuts down on a lifetime worth of aggravation.
  • Similarly, common names are easy to spell. People who have unusual first names have to deal with misspellings on important forms, rosters, mail, and invitations.
  • Popular names are generally well-liked. That's why they became popular. Parents of Emmas and Jacobs are unlikely to get funny looks on the playground from people who don't like those names. People tend to associate positive traits with people that have names they like.
  • Unusual names lend themselves to more playground teasing. Sure, this happens with all names, but uncommon names pique the imaginations of bullies a little more.

REASONS TO CHOOSE AN UNUSUAL NAME

  • Uncommon names help your child stand out from the crowd. If this is something you value and want for you child, be creative.
  • Even if children don't like their unpopular names, they often learn to appreciate them as adults.
  • Popular names cause bureaucratic mix ups. How many women born in 1970 are named Jennifer Lynn Johnson? How many boys born in 2007 are named Aiden John Smith? Duplicate names can lead to mix ups with mail, credit, and all kinds of records.
  • Having a name that lots of other kids have can be annoying and confusing. A mother who yells, "Emma! Time to go home!" into a crowded playground will get the attention of more than one little girl. Children with ultra-popular names will forever be Aiden C. or Sarah J. in their classrooms, and this problem will continue for adults in the workplace.
  • Although some popular names are timeless, others are trendy and will date your child. Names like Kaylee and Jayden will go out of style and may sound silly. (And just think, in 80 years, "Kaylee" will be considered an old lady name!)
  • Uncommon names can be easier to remember, as long as they're not very difficult to pronounce.

Related articles:

Unusual baby names for girls

Unusual baby names for boys

Baby name blunders

The copyright of the article Baby Names: Unusual or Popular? in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Baby Names: Unusual or Popular? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Comments

Jul 4, 2009 11:40 AM
Guest :
My name is sort of uncommon and common. I'm a girl but my name is Tylar. But with an "a" you see. And it's not really uncommon because it's a common boys name but it's uncommon for me because I'm a girl and it's also spelt with an "a". Another thing, people always say my name as "Taylor". I mean, where do they even get "Taylor" from "Tylar"?
Aug 7, 2009 10:44 AM
Guest :
My Names Tyler Aswell But My Ma Still Spells It With An "E"
An dMy Older Sisters Name Is Taylor
2 Comments