Naming kids after...?

Question

Do you have a problem with naming kids after characters on tv shows or characters from books, sports stars or other celebrities... For example, I was named after Meagan, a character on the tv miniseries The Thornbirds, a show my mom watched while she was pregnant with me. It never bothers me, but some people seem really surprised when they hear that my mom named me Meagan because she loved that character on the show.

Answer 1

OMG, I was named Meghan ("Meggie" when I was younger) from the Thornbirds!! Wow, crazy...I'm 21, how old are you? (if you dont mind me asking).

Answer 2

The only one I could ever personally use would be a literary character ... but somehow that seems a far cry from purposefully misspelling Lorelei because you "love Gilmore Girls" and got the name from the television show, know what I mean? LOL

In other words, I have absolutely no problem with loving a name that happens to have been used in a film or series -- especially a film, since many of the better ones were books to begin with ;) -- but I can see why some might find it odd to hear that the name was chosen BECAUSE of the character in question, if that makes sense.

For example, while I could completely appreciate the decision to name a child Phoebe because the parents are Greek mythology buffs or simply appreciate the less expected classics, I'd have slightly less respect for someone who actually said "I named her Phoebe because Friends is sooo cool! I, like, totally loved that show!" LOL

As far as your own name is concerned, I could understand if your mother felt the need to explain why she chose a certain spelling -- which in this case would actually be Meghann, if I remember correctly -- but other than that I don't find the choice odd, or explanation necessary. Megan with any spelling has been in the top 100 since the mid-70s ... years before The Thorn Birds mini-series. Ahh ... but then perhaps that, in itself, is the reason. Maybe she just didn't want it to be seen as a popular/trendy choice, and wants to clarify the personal significance behind it? And for what it's worth, the series WAS based on a novel, after all. ;) Not exactly the same as plucking a name from One Tree Hill or anything like that. LOL

Either way, I suppose that might be why some find it odd. It's a common name. No explanation necessary. ;)

Answer 3

"but some people seem really surprised" -really? weird.
humans have been naming their kids after almost anything for generations the worst i've herd is an asian lady naming her daughter window when she first got here to the states
cuz she loved how the word window sounded when she said it
i don't think people should be really surprised about anything anymore :)
but um meagan is a nice name theres no rules to naming anything so your off the hook on my book :)

Answer 4

If you're going to name your child after something like a tv show character, movie character, singer, etc. more often than not the name will be like the person you're naming them after--trendy.

I guess I don't have a problem with it. But if you're going to do it, make sure it's a name you truly like--not just a name that someone else has who you like.

Answer 5

If you named your kid "Wrigley Field" because you were watching the playoffs when you went into labor, tat is a little weird.

Maning your child Meagan because you connected with the name, not weird at all.

My sister and I were named after my moms BF that died in HS. Her name was Cynthia Christy (first and last). While my mom was going to name my sister Cynthia she saw the brady bunch and LOVED the name CIndy so named my sister that instead. But she called ehr friend Cindy anyways so it is still honoring her.

Answer 6

I wouldn't personally and intentionally name my child after a celebrity but my daughter's name is Brooke because we liked that name but I do think of Brooke Shields sometimes. I choose names I like and try to not let famous people with the same name influence my decision.

Answer 7

It doesn't matter where your name comes from. If it's a good name and it goes well with the last name then it's fine. I found my youngest sons name in the credits at the end of a John Wayne movie. It was perfect.

Answer 8

I named my daughter Melanie after Melanie Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. She was a gracious, kind, and ladylike character, and I saw nothing wrong with naming my baby after her. My other daughter's middle name is Brooke, after Garth Brooks, my husband's hero. I think as long as the name is not too weird or trendy, you're in good shape.

Answer 9

I think that is fine. My yonger sister is named Melissa Ann after the girl in Little House (that was her real name). If it is a good name and you like the show then why not?

Answer 10

I think people need to start naming their children uniquely. What I mean by this is that today, many US parents are naming kids with names that are popular, famous, T.V. They need to fade from that and using unique names that will become important to the child when he/she grows up "to fit" that certain name.

Answer 11

LOL I don't mind it at all I am named after Victoria Newman on Young and Restless(the soapopera),my mom was watching the show when she went into labor with me and they had to air vac her to another hospital and she was like NOOO I have to finish this episode!!!