Baby names
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The major advantage of choosing from popular baby names is that...They're familiar!From the moment you name your baby, everyone will recognize and remember the name. It's nice to have a name that people know; as humans we respond to a name that's already within the bounds of our experience. |
Many of the most popular baby names have been around for generations. And your baby isn't just a name; you can be sure that your child will add another dimension to that name to make it his or her own.
And later in life, when people ask your child their name, nobody will have to pause and ask for it to be repeated!
A popular first name will be understood immediately, whether they are giving information to fill in forms, apply for credit cards or communicate over the phone.
Popular baby names are easy to spell...
...or are they? Does your shortlist include baby names that are popular but are distinguished from the crowd by a customized spelling?You are, of course, free to name your baby as you wish. But customize with care!
Consider the possible problems that can arise from changing the spelling - but not necessarily the pronunciation - of a popular name. The vast majority of people will hear the name and in their minds, as well as on paper, spell it "incorrectly."
This is problematic and annoying for all concerned. If you're choosing a name like Olivia or Nathan, will your child thank you for causing unnecessary confusion later in life if you dream up some exotic way to spell it?
Using a popular baby name with the "traditional" spelling may provide your child with what I shall call an "administrative advantage" when they grow up!
...and they fit
Baby names that are popular fit with your child's generation. No matter what name you give to your child, you run the risk of it being associated with a certain era. And there's nothing wrong with that!For example, I am a child of the sixties and a teenager of the seventies. But I don't think anybody thinks about that when they call me by my name.
"Fitting in" means that your child's name will never be ridiculed or considered strange. In this case, there's a lot to be said for being one of the crowd! And a lot to be said for baby names that are popular.
Now take a peek at the... disadvantages of choosing a popular baby name!
