Am I the only one who hates trendy, purposely misspelled names?

Question

I prefer it when names are spelled correctly. I understand people wanting to be original and all, but all the cutesy different spellings come off very trailer park & not very sophisticated, or even worse, that the parent was too dumb to know the correct spelling of the name! There's a book, "Freakonomics" written by Steven Levitt an economist, there's a whole chapter on names & what they signify and weird spellings of names are typically given by uneducated or lower class parents. It also went on to explain how popular names trickle down through the social economic status. For instance Madison, Ethan, Mackenzie, and started out as "high end" names a few years back when upper class parents gave to their kids, now it's popular with the masses & in 5-7 years all the lower class people will be naming their kids that with more muddled up spellings, of course. For instance, at one time Crystal was a very "high end" now it's a stripper name. The name Britney is headed that way already!

People, pay attention: I am just quoting what the book said - I am NOT the author. Please don't kill the messenger!

I wonder about the ones who are all worked up about it though, I guess I can guess what their favorite names are, but probably not how they're spelled, ha! I didn't mean to touch such a nerve I was just wondering what people thought.

By the way, my name is Jancy (like Nancy but with a J) - different but not what you'd call trendy - I've never heard it before. It definitely doesn't fit into any of the above categories.

Answer 1

I definitely agree with you.

A good example: NBA star "Penny" Hardaway, his first name is Anfernee...my first assumption is that his mother is illiterate.

People have to take a step back and understand that it's not about them. Children shouldn't have to overcome an idiotic name, on top of whatever else life gives them.

Parents who are militant about moronic names have control and self esteem issues that cannot be resolved by giving a poor defenseless baby a stupid name.

I had triplets last year, all boys. I went strictly tradtional:
Joseph Anthony, Brandon Daniel, and Adrian Michael.

Whatever life hands them, they won't be cussing me for what I named them, and NO a child should not have to get over it.

My daughter went to school with a girl named "Queenie" Now, this was all fine and cutesy poo in kindergarten. As a teen, she gets tormented, and walks around saying "It's not my fault my mother is an ******" Nice, huh? You want to hand your child a reason to hate you????

Answer 2

I comepleately agree that when people put random capital letters (DaShawn) or random apostrophes (Han'nah) or spell words backwards (Nevaeh) or spell names in such a way that you could never have guessed how they are pronounced with out a lengthy explanation that it is a BAD BAD thing!

However, I don't think there is any thing wrong with people using unusual or old names or names from another culture as long as it has a reasonable spelling.

Some of the coolest names around at the moment started out as unique names eg. Autumn, Willow,
Or are old classics eg. Poppy, Ruby, Elijah
Or are names from other cultures eg. Leilani, Tian, Kai

It would be pretty boring if everyone was named Jennifer and John.

Anyway, according to your question you loose either way - if you choose an unusual name you are slammed for trying to be "original and cutesy" and if you choose a popular name its likely to end up being a "stripper name"

Answer 3

I'm re-reading that book right now, he has some interesting opinions.

I also dislike odd names and names with unique spelling BUT I have to wonder if by the time these children get to the 'job interview' stage if the names and spellings being different become acceptable. Maybe in 15-20 years no one will bat an eyelash at a girl named Emillee Mahdyssin or a guy named Hurkewlees Jayms

Answer 4

Girl I am 100% with you and the book. I personally think the weird names and wrong spelling is just poor taste. I mean what are these parents thinking now days. I 've seen and heard the nasties names, I feel bad for the kids because they are the ones who will have to live with a name that mostikely is not pronounced the way people are spelling them..

Answer 5

I think spelling a common name wrong is not unique, it misspelling a name
I can not stand it

My daughter is Hayley, their are seven correct spelling of this name. My daughter spelling is after Hayley Mills of the parent trap. Which was made before I was born. I see people making up their own spelling of Hayley, because I guess seven is not enough. I love this spelling of Hayley

I have seen Emily, spelled like Emilie, because they wan to be different. Her name is still Emily, and the others seven in their class is said the same way, and she will be Emilie w instead of Emily W. I do not understand the difference myself

Names like Bryce, Brice, I do not think it's wrong. Come names look better with an Y or I

I think some people try to name their child with names to give them an advantaged in life. That's explains Madison and Ethan

Answer 6

Hey, I actually read this book - don't kill the messenger - she's just quoting what it said she's not the author - something to think about!

and to Mommy-to-be: Madisyn -(so tacky like the worst spelling of it ever - that will look soooo sophisicated and professional on a work resume too!), even if you don't agree (obviously) be prepared there will be about 6 Maddisens (all spelled differently) in her classroom at school. Also,
Maddison and Mackenzie in 25 years will be the Jennifers and Michelle's of today - so overused and common. Ethan and Riley will be the Scotts and Jasons of today as well.

My 2 cents, which is what this forum is for, anyway.

Answer 7

Wow. I don't know that I've ever put that much thought into it. But I guess that could be true.

I completely agree about mispelling names on purpose and adding a Y when and I is more common.

My kids are Abigail and Jackson. And it's getting to the point where I have to spell their names for strangers, because weird spellings are so common, nobody can just assume it's the traditional spelling.
Abbygale Jaxsen
???

Answer 8

I agree! People are getting all weird when it comes to naming their kids. I want a name where I don't have to explain how to spell it several times to the person on the other end of the phone.
Also, what's with all of the genderless last names being used for first names?

Answer 9

I do think the spelling should be kept original or simple. It is easier on everyone. For example, my name is Kelly. Whenever I go somewhere and somebody else is filling out a form or such for me they always ask, " Is is Kelly, Kellie, Kelley, Kelli ? " It is annoying. These other parents who got creative with spelling make it difficult for everyone including their own kid.

Answer 10

It's this simple in my opinion. Most people didnt' pay attention in school and their underpayed teachers didn't give a damn and let them slide so most people can't spell. I know sometimes this is done deliberately which is even worse. Way to set an example parents!