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What's In a Name?
What's in a name? That which we call a rose William Shakespeare, "Romeo and Juliet" Of all the tasks expectant parents face, choosing the right name for their baby often proves to be as thorny as plucking a rose. While Shakespeare's sentiment seems to imply that we are not defined by our names, not everyone would agree with his rosy outlook on the matter. Consider what a more modern pundit had to say about names. In real life, unlike in Shakespeare, the sweetness of the rose depends upon the name it bears. Things are not only what they are. They are, in very important respects, what they seem to be.
Hubert H. Humphrey (1911-78) Perhaps the Bible says it best: A good name is better than precious ointment. Clearly, naming a child is fraught with all the weight of past, present and future hopes, dreams and expectations. The right name can ease his way in life, opening doors and assuring a certain level of acceptance and recognition. A carefully chosen name will go well with her surname and middle name. It will be pleasing, and will not overly tax the tongue as it trips liltingly over the lips. It will distinguish her, without making her an object of derision. But unusual names also have their advantages. Madonna once noted that, given her name, she was either destined to be a nun or become what she ultimately became. For better or worse, her somewhat unusual name evidently shaped her destiny. Naming your child may be an emotional issue. Often it is difficult for husbands and wives to agree on a mutually agreeable name. This is perhaps most difficult with a first child. There is the inevitable sense of pressure to choose the 'perfect' name. Arriving at a consensus on that name can be surprisingly difficult. It may be wise to address the issue long before you start passing out cigars. Some parents have found themselves pressured into a snap decision while 'Baby X' awaited naming in the newborn nursery. Start early so that you'll have time to explore the pros and cons of various names. You may like 'Mike', but your wife hated a kid in school by that name. She may like 'Karen' but you don't want to name your daughter after your mother-in-law. The arguments and sources of conflict are almost as endless as the list of potential names from which to choose. Go To Page: 1 2 |
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