Traditional or Unique?

Question

When i first started reading th Y!A Baby Names questions on a regular basis, I noticed there was an amazing amount of soon to be parents looking for and suggesting strange, unique and different names. Wether it was a "normal" name with a different spelling, or a name that someone had created. Over the past 6 months I've noticed a trend with more parents commenting on not liking unique names and wanting to stay traditional. For my child, I've chosen a traditional name, but not well used because I don't want confusion in class or questions like " How do you spell/pronounce that?".

My question is, which do you prefer? Traditional or unique? Normal name with different spelling or something completly different? Also, why do you prefer one over the other?

I'm not judging anyone on their opinion nor will I pick the best answer on my own views. I'm just trying to satisfy my own curiosity. :)

Rocher, thanks. That's exactly what I did when choosing a name. We've decided on Courtney as it's known, but not at all popular at the moment ( 192nd last year according to the SSA.gov website )

Answer 1

I like the more traditional names. Having said that, some of the newer names or created names are very nice too!!

I think some of the celeb childrens names are a bit over the top though!

Answer 2

Well, first off, I know what you're talking about with the 'normal names with different spelling' however, most of these are the original spellings from other countries that people make a big fuss over. I like the spelling Anastazja.

I don't really have a name preference though. I do like more unusual names, though I tend to pair them with something a little more traditional or somewhat trendy. This way it's not a double whammy and the child has a choice to be truly unique or another "James" or "Chris" or "Alex."

I have a very simple and pretty traditional name that's constantly getting misspelled and mispronounced. My name is Dana and I've been called everything from Diana to DeeAnna and in between. I've also known some other really traditional names that have been mispronounced.

So I don't see the big deal on changing a letter or two or having a foreign name or really unusual name or completely made up. 75% of the time children pick on others, it's for physical appearance. Maybe 10% of teasing is caused by a child having an unusual name. That's really not a big deal. Children tease. It's human nature.

Answer 3

I love traditional names, but as nearly everyone else that has answered I like only those that are not overused.

I do like some new and very unique names however I would reluctant to call my child one mainly because I just dont have the confidence to do so! I think a name should reflect how you intend the child to grow up and where you see them in about 20-30 years time. For example, Dr Apple or Professor Kiki just sounds rediculous to me.

I do however like tradiutional Irish names, but when I suggested a few on Y!A people did not get it and thought I was crazy for suggestion such weird names. They included Saoirse- pronounced Seercha and Saibhdh -pronounced Sive. I really like these names and in Ireland they are fairly common but as I live in London I think I will save myself and the child from a lifetime of spelling and pronouncing of the name.

Answer 4

I have to go with traditional, but uncommon names.

My name is traditional, as is my husband's. We gave our son a traditional name, too. All spelled normally-at least for our ethnic group/background (Americans of British descent).

Just ask yourself if you were your child, would you want to go through life constantly having to spell a "unique" name multiple times to everyone you meet? Also, what image does the name project? Can you picture a doctor, a lawyer, a judge, a teacher with that name? What's the first thing people are likely to think of when this name is said?

Answer 5

Well i'm impartial to this subject. I can understand why parents strive to make their child's name unique so they're not the 7th Sarah or 5th Jake in their class. There is a very clear line of what is "normal" and what is just insane, overboard names (i.e. Pilot Inspektor, Apple, Jermajesty, e.c.t.) So i named my children's names that were normal and had a significant meaning with more original middle names. As for naming your child a normal name with a different spellin, i don't see the point of that. They're never gonna have one of those license plates with their names on it and they're gonna have to keep repeating and correcting their name when someone asks how to spell it.

Answer 6

I tend to go towards the more traditional names. I have given both of my children Biblical middle names. I even like to stick with the more traditional spellings of names too, since the spelling of my name continues to be a problem for me. FYI: my childrens names are Ethan Matthew & Lillie Elizabeth. We picked out initals that we liked & then picked out names to fit those initals, so that played a part in the naming process as well.

Answer 7

I prefer a name that isn't common, whether its unique or a traditional name barely used today. I also take into consideration if that name could be made fun of in anyway and what nicknames could be used.

I named my first child (boy) Evan Gerard. I am currently 36 weeks pregnant with my second child (girl) and we decided on Sloan Elizabeth for the name.

Answer 8

I would like to go for a more traditional name if I have a baby girl - something like Kimberly, Samantha or Jessica - but all names that can be shortened into a nickname.

For boys I would like something a little more unique. Maybe a combination of my name and future husband's (whomever it may be). My firstname is Ashleigh, and my current boyfriend's name is Steven, so I would love to name a child something like Ashen.

I will never name a child after any of my parents or family members!

Answer 9

I prefer traditional because anymore, that is unique. The "older" names aren't used as much because, like you said, people are opting for unique names now. I don't mind spelling variations if they aren't ridiculous. I don't know, maybe I am just old fashioned, but I like to be able to pronounce a child's name.

Answer 10

I prefer traditional names with normal spelling mostly because like you said teachers wont hassle you on how to pronounce it. Also I think that traditional names are normally "prettier" then unique ones.