The Name Game

One of the hardest things I think that comes after you’re pregnant is deciding on a name. I’m not talking about a fruit, animal, or textile (I’m looking at you celebspawn Apple, Blue, Bear, Sparrow, and Denim).

But, naming a baby is tough. In both agreeing on a name and finding one that either A) doesn’t sound like every other person passing by (I don’t want my kid to be their generation’s Jennifer or Michael). Or B) not so weird that the obscure 15th century writer moniker you’ve picked makes your son or daughter sound about a century old.

When I was a little girl, my name for my future child (a girl) was going to be Avery. I got it from the James Avery jewelry catalog at my grandparents’ house. I used to pour over that catalog for hours with my grandmother, picking out charms that I wanted to add to my wish list. Then, as I got older, I assumed (I have no idea why) I’d have a tribe of all boys. But, therein lies the trouble – boy names, mostly. They are so boring to me. Thank goodness we’re having a girl.

We have four ideas for names with one that is our top contender (my tastes have matured beyond Avery). Not to sound all hippie-dippy about it, but I’d like to meet her first and make sure it suits her before we start monogramming her from head to toe.

My parents used the pictured baby book published in 1970 to name each of us four kids (as you can see from the ample wear and tear). Every one of my siblings and their children’s names are all found in this book. And our daughter’s name is as well.

Also, if you haven’t read this article on deadspin published this summer, it’s hilarious.