What Are The Most Frequent Baby Naming Regrets Of Parents?
Choosing a name for your baby is fun and exciting, but it can also be fraught with indecision. How can you be sure that the name will really suit them, or if you will still like it in five years’ time? Here’s a look at some of the biggest regrets parents have about the choice of their children’s names, and how you can avoid the same fate!
Choosing a name that is too popular
One of the most common regrets is choosing a name that is too popular. This can lead to them being one of several Sophies or Olivers in their class at school or friendship group when they are older, which can be confusing. Our names are obviously an inherent part of our identity, so having a very popular name can be a bugbear.
It may lead to the child or their peers developing a nickname which you dislike, or you may feel that the choice seems unimaginative and reflects poorly on you as a parent. However, there are advantages to having a common name, particularly if it is a classic choice such as James or Kate.
These names reveal little about the generation or socioeconomic status of the person, which can be an advantage when applying for jobs. Familiar names can signify to others that the person is likeable and easily fits in, and this can make it easier for a child to feel accepted.
In fact, some countries such as Denmark, Iceland and Sweden have a regulated government list of a few thousand names that parents must choose from; a policy that is designed to cultivate a sense of unity and ensure that no one has a name that is offensive, inappropriate, or may be a disadvantage to them in life.
The UK has a much freer approach to baby naming, although there are some practical restrictions around the use of obscenities, numbers, misleading titles, or names that are impossible to pronounce.
A good compromise may be to choose a name that is similar to your favoured moniker, but just that little bit more unusual. For example, Catherine could become Caitlin, or Ella could become Elise, or Laura could become Lorna.
Choosing a name that is difficult to spell (or pronounce)
Many parents want their children to have a unique name that will mean their offspring will never be confused with anyone else, and will help them to stand out from the crowd. The freedom to choose pretty much whatever name you like can bring its own pitfalls of course.
Even some reasonably common names such as Isaac or Isla are frequently misspelt, much to the annoyance of parents.
Incorrectly spelled names can have serious consequences for medical records and even credit reports; if the child’s name is incorrect on the electoral roll, the credit agency may not be able to verify their identity, leading to a poor credit rating that could make it more difficult to access finance.
A name that is difficult to pronounce can be frustrating for the child, especially as they grow older and have to clarify their name with every person they are introduced to. If the name is particularly unusual, it may attract teasing or bullying at school, or lead to an unwanted nickname.
Choosing a name that doesn’t suit the personality of the child
Sometimes, a fanciful name can seem like a great idea in a haze of pregnancy hormones, or maybe to honour a favourite place, artist, or ancestor. However, if your child turns out to be completely at odds with their whimsical name, it can be problematic.
It may be worth waiting until your child is at least a few weeks old before officially registering the name. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the birth must be registered within 42 days, so there’s no immediate pressure to decide on a name. This will give you a chance to get a sense of their personality and really consider if the name will suit them.
If you are still not sure, or the name is particularly unusual, it might be best to use it as a middle name and choose a slightly more generic name for their first name.
Compromising with a partner or family members
If you have a particular favourite name that your partner or a close family member doesn’t like, the final decision can become a fraught issue. You may end up giving your child a name that you are never really sure about. Again, it might be better to compromise and use the name you can’t agree on for a middle name.
Another potential option might be to have your own way this time and let your partner name the next one!
Choosing a name that the child grows out of
It may be tempting to call your baby something cute and kittenish, but consider how it will look on a job application in 20 years’ time. If you have fallen in love with a cute name, it may be best to use it as a nickname when they are small and have a name that will see them smoothly through to adulthood.
It could be related to their actual name, such as Teddy as a shortened version of Edward, or Jimmy as a nickname for James.
Naming a child after a celebrity or their offspring
Names will always go in and out of fashion, but if you pick a hyper trendy name that is associated with a celeb, you run the risk of it going out of date very quickly. This will mean that your child’s age will always be easily guessable, and if the celebrity should fall from public grace, your child will forever be fending off ‘amusing’ quips about their name.
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